I have a 2016 MDX Advance. I am thinking of a DIY suspension replacement. My car has Active Damper System that is electronically controlled using the IDS mode selector.

I tried searching for part numbers as shown on the current shocks on the car but couldn't find the parts online. For ex. 51610-TZ6-A110-M1. I tried searching without the M1 suffix as well but no luck. Are these shocks sold only to dealers?

If I look for parts by VIN number, then I see all suspension parts for the vehicle but those part numbers are different (for ex. 51611-TZ6-A01) and those parts fit all the 2016 MDX trims not just the advance trim which leads me to think that they are not the ADS shocks with sensors but rather the standard. Why aren't the ADS shocks showing up on any of the online acura parts stores when I search by VIN? Any pointers?

I have done timing belts and water pumps on odyssey, wheel bearings, rotors and pads, all fluids, etc. on multiple cars before, but this will be my first suspension DIY. I think I can do this, just not sure if there is more to ADS diy than replacing the struts, sprints, shocks, etc. Can someone help confirm the scope of work for ADS diy?

Happy Holidays!!

Cheers,
Desh

 

I thought the electronic dampers were first used on the +17 MDX hybrid in tech or adv models. Acura didn't add electronic dampers until the 2019-2020 Adv models. All other 14-20 Acura MDXs have regular struts/shocks (14-20 base, 14-20 3.5L tech, 19-20 ASpec, all 14-16 MDXs.

 

Thanks. So if I was to get 51611-TZ6-A01 which is the front right shock absorber unit, how will it work differently on the 2016 Advance in the Active Damper System system vs on the 2016 Base? I ask because it's the same suspension part that's listed for all the trims. I am under the impression that the parts for the Advance trim with ADS were different from the rest of the trims that don't have ADS.

 

The 14-16 MDX in every trim only had the amplitude reactive dampers; which, are the mechanical non-electronic struts/shock. The Active Damper System was only available for the 17-20 tech/adv hybrid and the 19-20 Adv MDXs. The IDS setting for the 14-16 MDX doesn't change the suspension setting between Comfort or Sport like in the ADS electronic struts/shock system. It should be the same part for the 14-16 base/tech/Adv MDX you are looking for. The price would be +$700 for the same part if you had the Active damper system.

 

Thanks, it makes sense now. It is my first MDX that I got a few months back used. Still learning about the 2016 model, trims and their features. I always thought that the 2nd+ gen MDX Advance trims came with electronic suspension. It appears that some 2nd gen model years did but not the 3rd Gen 14-16 years as you called out. Thanks for the pointers. Much appreciated!

It's a mixed feeling to know that my 2016 MDX Advance does not have the electronic suspension.

Cheers,
Desh

 

I found this website a few years ago with all the old Acura brochures for previous models. Good resource to have saved in your favorites if you decide to upgrade down the road.

https://www.auto-brochures.com/acura.html