Hi All,
I'm new to the Acura scene, and I'm looking for a 2003 TL-S. I was wondering if there is a specific number or letter in the VIN number that designates the car as a type-s? If not, is there any visual ways to tell the difference other than the obvious emblems and wheels? Thanks, TK Allentown PA

 

seats and headrests are different on S. silver dashboard dials.

 

Here's a few more obvious clues that the TL you're looking at is a Type-S

(1) Type S badge on the back next to the 3.2 TL
(2) The 17 X 6.5 Alloy Wheels
(3) The Type-S shift knob
(4) The black on white gauge cluster that turns white on black at night
(5) Perforated leather seats

 

Look under the hood
different size intake

 

Actually, there is the way to tell from the VIN number.

19U UA5 6 X * X A 000000

The first X is 8 then it's Type-S, if it's 9 then it's Type-S w/ Navi
The second X is year number: if it's 2 or 3, then it's 02 or 03
The astriek is the check digit.

This info is from the service manual

 

Thanks for the help all,
I'm looking for an anthracite/ebony car, type s, under 35,000 miles +-. In my area would be nice, or a southern car without the obligitory northeast corrosion factor. Thanks again, TK

 

while mine isn't a 2003, with less than 35K or white, i will most likely be selling my 2002 green tl-s with 120k when i leave NY in june, its only seen this winter up here and i have been taking it to the car wash as often as possible, doing the undercarraige wash as well, runs like a champ. Every single wearable item has been replaced, brakes, shocks, tires, etc. If you haven't found what your looking for by then, you know, just to keep in mind, you never know.