This is my first time posting on a forum, but I thought I would get some info on the TL-S. I'm planning on getting a 2002 Black TL-Type S with the NAVI, and body kit but no spoiler. SInce I've been reading topics on this forums I see alot of topics about the transmission. Is this a recall on some models is it a specific yr that is having problems with the transmission. So far i like the car and loves the way it drives, but a friend is mine thinks I should spend a lil more and go for the 330 BMW. Any suggestions on the TL-S and its performance.

Thanks

 

Hmm, there are 3 topics above you talking about transmision failure and you still want the TL-S. You must be one hard Honda Acura fan. (j/k)

Did you test drive the 330i yet? If you are planning to keep the car for a while (more than 5 years) go for the Acura. If you tend to change car every 3 years. BMW will not be a bad choice.

 

I wouldn't worry about the tranny problems some folks have. This is a great forum but since we all have something in common (i.e. a TL ) I think that you see alot of info from a few folks posting with problems. It makes the problem seem worse or more wide spread than it really is.

Before I bought my TLS in September, I checked out this forum and saw a heck of a lot of postings about folks with paint problems. I seriously reconsidered the purchase because of that...then I posted a message about my concern and someone mentioned that it is really an exception rather than the norm. My TLS only has 3K on it, no squeaks, rattles, body part fit issues, paint issues etc. I love the car, I hope I can still say this at 80K!

Acura has pretty good customer service, so if you have an issue, it will most likely be resolved to your satisfaction. (no flames please!)

Good luck with your decision!

 

Agreed... the people on here, while very vocal, are in the minority. If you say that maybe 5% of the people on here are having tranny problems, then figure that the people on here represent less then 1% of all TL owners, you'll see that the problem isn't that huge (looking at the big picture), so no matter what brand you go with, 1% of the cars having problems is average. I'm not too worried b/c a) I don't drive my car too hard, b) if something happens it's under warranty, and c) if it does go, after it gets fixed I'll sell it and buy a higher end car (S4, M3, GS430, or CLK430)!!

 

oops, duplicate post....

 

for 30k you cant beat a TL-S /navi....

remember, you pay for what you get also. dont expect it to drive like a bmw or anything....a TL-S is a nice family car with a sporty feel...."NOT A SPORT SEDAN"

but if your considering the 330, you might check out the new a4 or wait for the new infiniti g35.....

but if you do decide to go with the TL-S, swaybars is a must......

 

UMMM speaking of tranny failures my friends with new bimmers are 3 for 3.
1. 2001 X5, tranny stopped shifting, friend got stuck;
2. 2001 330i, tranny wouldn't shift, made loud noises, couldn't drive car;
3. 2001 530, trany wouldn't shift, friend got stranded.

All the above acura-dis-liking friends were without their precious bimmers from 1 - 2 weeks.

But getting back to the topic, we've all been there. You should test drive both on the same day and decide which you like better. Don't let a few grand change your mind though, b/c over the life of the car a few grand is minimal. In other words even if the 31K tls cost the same as a 38K 330i, I would still pick the tl-s, otherwise you are jipping yourself to get a cheaper car and not the one you really want.

 

To put it in perspective, an extended 7 yr warranty on a TLS is about $1000 or so. Pretty cheap insurance if you're really worried about a tranny problem down the road.

That's less than the cost you'll have to spend to get leather on the BMW because while they suck you in with a low base price. Base has nothing on it.

I have a TLS and an A4. They have differenct characteristics and I love them both for what they are.

If you encounter snow then RWD basically sucks for that time of the year.

If you encounter a lot of rain then AWD is the ultimate.