Hi - I'm considering replacing my '99 BMW 540i 6sp with a low mileage '03 TL type S. I don't know much about the TL's, so I'm hoping you can enlighten me as to common problems, what to look for, etc.?

 

search will be your best friend

 

If the car shifts smoothly without any problem, there shouldn't be any other problem that one should worry about. TL is a great car.

 

I have the 03 tls. Great car. Two issues you Will have are the Tranny. Had mine replaced @ 24k. Also you will have Rotor/pad issues. I now have 67k on my ride. 4 brake jobs. (Front). 3 were done under warranty, the last one i did myself. Very easy to do as long as you have the right tools. The trannys are warrantied to 100k, Your brakes to 50k. The one other problem i did have was my o2 sensor causing my cel light & VSA light to come on. This issue must be warrantied by the dealer to 70k per the EPA, along with other emission related parts. Oh one other issue is the black molding on the cars exterior. They tend to start crinkling up. This issue is warrantied to 50k. I got mine done @ 48k as i new my warranty was about to run out. Good luck mang

 

The TL is a very nice and reliable car other than the tranny issuess. If had the 540 I would keep it I looked everywhere for the 6 spd 5 series but they were all more than what i wanted to spend.

 

See if you can find a car late in the production run, less change of there being (tranny) problems. Say, March or there abouts.

 

Be careful. Not all 2003 TL models received the 100,000 mile extended warranty on the transmission. It depends on the car's VIN number.

Bob

 

Your right, while we were dropping my wifes car @ the dealer. I asked them about my car. Where my vin lies i do not have the 100k extended warranty, but my wife has on her 2000tlp. Makes no sense to me. So if my tranny goes out again I'm screwed!

 

As what was said above, not all 03 TLs have p/t warranty extensions. Mine was 19UUAXXXXXXXX905066 and it had the extension. Best to check with an Acura dealer on the VIN and they can tell you if it's covered or not. I've had my Type-S since new at 03, no major issues with the car (so far), tranny seems OK with occassional SportShift use.

Here are my :


Minuses:

-Paint seems to be thin, especially on the bumpers, I only have 72,000 kms (50,000 mi) and my front end looks worn with lots of stone chips after mostly hwy driving.

-Body fit and finish is average but not as good as BMW or MB. Lots of fender and door gaps show after a while.

-Handling is not as good as a RWD car. Too much weight on the front (60% +) and very noticeable during cornering/ braking. Also front tires looks "deflated" with normal tp because of this. Can also be attributed to the premature rotor wear. Rotors warped and replaced at 60,000 kms (40k).

-Leather seats ,especially fronts develop "butt" imprints after use. Maybe quality of leather.

-Ride on the Type-S seems "jittery" even on nice roads, maybe as a result of higher rate springs and shocks.

-Glossy black door trim wrinkling a lot on corners. They should have used a different material.

-Stock Michelin MXM tires are not meant for the car .



Pluses:

-Steering is very communicative

-Stock stereo CD changer is great, although not for audiophiles

-Other than the odd squeaks inside, a relatively quiet car

-More than enough decent power with silky smooth V6

-Lots of available inexpensive aftermarket parts

-Good customer care experience (at least mine was)

-SportShift was a good gimmick. But nothing compared to BMW Shiftronic. I actually find it useful on stop and go traffic. D4, D3 saves me from getting lots of speeding tickets.

-Lots use re-circulated parts from the Honda bin that were proven sturdy and lasts long (switches, buttons, mirrors, etc..)

-Even with Premium only gas, gives very decent fuel economy.

-VSA and Traction Control is excellent in snow and ice.


Overall, probably not a "strong" car to keep for long-term that I wished it was and would not keep it more than 10 years .
Depreciation value takes a big hit (good if you're buying used) due to the well publicized tranny problems.





Another thing, ..........my wife likes it.