Hey guys,

My dad loves my 1st Gen TL but for his next purchase he wants to get a 2nd GEN TL. Can anyone tell me which model years to avoid? I know the newer the better, but he wants to get a used one, preferably 1999 to 2000 model (in his price range). Any advice??

 

You'll get better answers in the 2nd generation section. I'll move this for you.

 

from 99-03 just be weary of models that are affected by the transmission issues.

 

The 99's have the 4 speed tranny vs 5 speed in 00's and newer.

 

Any other differences to look out for?

 

IMO you're pretty safe with an '00 TL-P.

 

Any common problems with the 2000 3.2 TL models?

 

Besides the possibility of the tranny falling to the ground these cars are basically mechanically sound. If it has low miles your only concern should be the tranny. Effected cars have a 7yr/100k warrenty on the tranny.

If you read the forum you will mostly find complaints about squeaks rattles and warped brake rotors but mostly dead trannies.

 

So when we go test drive a used low mileage 2000 3.2 TL, how can we tell if the tranny with give in? What else should I look out for when test driving?

 

if you are really worried about the tranny buy the 1999 TL, it has way less Tranny probs than the 5 Speed 2000-2003 TL''s

But if you plan to get a Navi get a 2000, because 2000 has the DVD Based Navigation which can hold the WHOLE U.S. MAP while the 99 has 1 region of U.S. on the hard drive

 

NICE BIMMER

 

get the 2002 tl

 

Is that a fact? Is 1999 models worth getting as compared to the 2000 models??? I've been told since there is little difference b/w the two years , we should get the 5 speed transmission found in the 2000 models.