epleeds

I know there are some subtle differences in the model years, like the steering wheel, the rear lights and the wheels. but aside from that, is there anything major that changed in those 3 years...

I just want to know if there is a good reason to spend an extra 5k to buy an 07 over an 05. With all other things being similar..

thanks..

chairguru22

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_TL

2004-2008 (third generation)

Third generation (UA6/7)
Production 2004-2008 Assembly Marysville, Ohio, USA Layout FF layout Engine(s) 3.2L 258 hp (192 kW) V6
3.5L 286 hp (213 kW) V6 (Type-S only) Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic
6-speed manual Wheelbase 107.9 in (2741 mm) Length 189.3 in (4808 mm)
Type-S: 189.8 in (4821 mm) Width 72.2 in (1834 mm) Height 56.7 in (1440 mm) Curb weight 3,480 lb (1,579 kg) Related Honda Accord
Honda Odyssey
Honda Pilot
Acura MDX The first third generation Acura TL rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 2003. On October 6, 2003, the third generation Acura TL (the 3.2 moniker was dropped) was released for sale in North America. Developed mainly in the United States by a team led by Erik Berkman with bodywork by American Honda designer Jon Ikeda, the new TL is built in Marysville, Ohio, and is derived from the 7th generation US-market Honda Accord. It is powered by a 270 hp (201 kW); later revised to 258 hp (192 kW), based on the new SAE measurement standard for horsepower and 233 lb·ft (316 N·m) of torque), 3.2 L 24 valve SOHC VTEC V6 engine mated to either a 5-speed automatic with SportShift or 6-speed manual. Manual transmission models featured Brembo 4 Piston front brake calipers, a Torsen-type limited slip differential, and stiffer anti-roll bars front and rear.
This generation and subsequent vehicles are not rebranded as Hondas, nor sold in Japan as a Honda; it is dedicated to the Acura brand.
As of March 2004, Honda offers to the public a factory-sanctioned "tuner package" version of the TL: the TL A-SPEC. This version features a suspension tuned by Makoto Tamamura, an indication of the TL A-SPEC's aggressive engineering. In addition, an underbody kit, spoiler, limited edition A-SPEC steering wheel, "A-SPEC" badge on the back, and 18-inch (460 mm) wheels are standard issue on the A-SPEC package. When installed at purchase, the car's 4 year/ 50,000 miles (80,000 km) warranty applies to the package as well.
The third generation TL is also the first car in the American market to include a 6 disc DVD-Audio system, output through an 8-speaker 225-watt system, engineered by Panasonic and tuned by Elliot Scheiner. The system also plays back normal audio CDs as well as DTS audio discs, CD-Audio, CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The car is also equipped with a Bluetooth HandsFree Link (HFL) system, integrated with the audio system, to allow for hands-free usage of one's cell phone (provided the phone also supports Bluetooth and is compatible with the HFL's hands-free profile). The driver can simply voice-dial the number and carry the entire conversation over the car's built-in audio system; when receiving a phone call a display will show caller ID if it is supported by the phone. The driver also has the capability to transfer current calls between the car and his phone when exiting or entering the TL. There is also a phone book which can store personal phone numbers within the car's memory. With the built-in XM Radio tuner, owners can elect to pay a monthly subscription after the complimentary 3 months subscription expires from Acura for XM radio, which provides over 100 digital channels via satellite.
Sporting an Alpine-designed navigation system, the third generation TL also accepts voice commands [2][3] like "Find nearest police station" to "Go home." The navigation system features an 8-inch (200 mm) touch-screen LCD, which allows for easy viewing of the road ahead.
The JDM Honda Inspire debuted around 4 and a half months earlier (on June 11, 2003) and marked the branching out of the TL line from the Inspire. The Inspire is basically a seventh generation US-market Honda Accord V6 with minor trim changes, and the addition of Variable Cylinder Management, which shuts off half of the engine when not needed to boost fuel economy. The Saber was discontinued and the new Inspire is being sold at Clio, Primo, and Verno dealerships.
The TL became Acura's best selling luxury sedan in 2004 with more than 79,000 sold that year.[3][4]

[edit] 2005

The 2005 TL received a passenger airbag cutoff switch and extra stitching on the front seats. There were several minor changes made (such as changes in seat belt anchor mounts) which are not published.

[edit] 2006


2006 TL A-SPEC


The 2006 TL received the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a new engine management system to help reduce torque steer. The new horsepower rating of 258 hp (192 kW) is due to a change in testing procedures, despite the engine remaining the same since 2004.
[edit] 2007


2007-2008 Acura TL


The 2007 Acura TL features a slightly revised exterior as well as a revised interior with a new steering wheel, redesigned gauges, and footwell lighting, in addition to new interior and exterior colors. The 2007 TL (non Type-S) received suspension changes to improve ride comfort. Also new for the 2007 model year were LED turn signal repeaters on the side mirrors and fog lamps in the bumper. Prior to 2007, the fog lamps were integrated into the headlight housing; Daytime Running Lights now occupy that space (Canadian models have had DRLs there rather than fog lamps since 2004). TL with navigation models sport a new rear view camera with image displayed on the navigation screen as well as XM NavTraffic. In addition to the new standard auxiliary audio jack, the sound system is now MP3/WMA compatible and offers Dolby Pro Logic II decoding and speed-sensitive volume compensation. The manual transmission option has been dropped from the base TL due largely to extremely low sales (roughly 1 out of 40 TLs sold across America were equipped with a manual gearbox).

2007 Acura TL Type-S


The most notable revision is the return of the Type-S edition of the TL. The Acura TL Type-S will receive the Acura RL's 3.5-liter V6 engine tuned for 286 horsepower (213 kW) and 256 lb·ft (347 N·m). of torque with either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission. Exterior differences include quad exhaust pipes, restyled rear lamps and front fascia, lip spoiler, wider side sills, Brembo brakes, dark silver 10-spoke wheels, a "black chrome" grille rather than the standard glossy grille, and exclusive Type-S badging, plus an exclusive new color option, Kinetic Blue Pearl. The interior has Type-S badging on the steering wheel and headrests, more highly bolstered front seats, two-tone seats (only with the Ebony/Silver interior), metal racing pedals, carbon fiber trim, and red interior lighting (as opposed to blue in the base TL). Touch screen navigation is standard and the suspension has been firmed up. The only options are the aforementioned transmission and high performance summer tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) rather than the standard all-season tires (Michelin Pilot MXM4s).

[edit] 2008

The 2008 TL features an improved new immobilizer system, a separate Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning lamp and two new body colours. The navigation system has been updated to work in Hawaii, and the AcuraLink satellite capability has been expanded to incorporate 76 markets (up from 38 markets for the 2007 model).

[edit] Performance

• Zero to 60 mph: 5.5 sec
• Zero to 100 mph: 13.9 sec
• Zero to 130 mph: 25.8 sec
• Street start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec

• Standing ¼-mile: 14.1 sec @ 101 mph
• Top speed (governor limited): 150 mph
• Braking, 70–0 mph: 163 ft
• Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.93 g

chairguru22

Mainly exterior/interior styling, appearance, and convenience changes.

I believe that the older ones (04/05) had transmission problems and/or other issues that could be repaired under factory warranty that are no longer issues in the newer models. Someone else that knows more about this can chime in.

jack the ex-cynic

sadly, 3rd gear issues for 6MT remain even in the '08 models . i have to get mine taken care of (under warranty, fortunately). not sure about 5AT models.

csmeance

ways to tell TL's Apart:

A 2004-2006 TL with a 6 speed manual will have huge brake capilers in the front that are black.
A 2004-2006 TL with 5 Speed Automatic has silver small brake capilers all around.
A 2005-2006 TL have an extra line of stitching on the inside
A 2005-2006 TL have the seatbelt anchored to the seat and not the floor
A 2005-2006 TL has a A symbol that is part plastic chrome, the 04 has a full plastic one.
A 2004-2006 TL has solid RED tail-lights
A 2004-2006 TL with Quartz and Ebony interior have Carbon Fiber trim
A 2004-2006 TL with Parchment or Camel interior have ORANGE WOOD trim
A 2004-2006 TL has a 4 spoke steering wheel
A 2004-2006 TL says HONDA ON WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2004-2006 TL has FULL AMBER reflectors in the headlights
A 2004-2006 TL has RED rear side markers
A 2004-2006 TL has satin exterior
A 2006 TL has a rectangle indent in the rims to have the TPMS sensor

A 2007-2008 TL has euro blinkers on the side-mirrors
A 2007-2008 TL has Fog lights at the bottom of the bumper with DRL's where the fogs were on the 2004-2006 TL
A 2007-2008 TL has a honeycomb cutout on the rear bumper between the muffler
tips
A 2007-2008 TL has larger grills on the front
A 2007-2008 TL has clear lenses Tail-lights with red parts within
A 2007-2008 TL has a 3 spoke steering wheel
A 2007-2008 TL has ACURA ON THE WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR PARTS
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has fake black wood interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL BASE has a clear middle section of the tail-light


A 2007-2008 TL Base has satin trim on the exterior
A 2007-2008 TL-S has a fake Carbon Fiber interior trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has half clear, half Amber front reflectors
A 2007-2008 TL-S had grey rear side markers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has Chrome Trim instead of Satin Trim
A 2007-2008 TL-S had Huge Black Capilers in the front, both on AUTO AND MANUAL
A 2007-2008 TL-S has metal racing pedals


A 2007-2008 TL has a 10 spoke 17 inch rim while the 2004-2006 has a 5 spoke star rim
A 2007-2008 TL-S has 17 inch GUNMETAL rims.
A 2007-2008 TL-S has black rear capilers
A 2007-2008 TL-S has gunmetal in the tail-lights
A 2007-2008 TL-S has quad exhaust
A 2007-2008 TL-S has vertical stitching on the door-panels
A 2007-2008 TL-S has TYPE-S embossed into the headrests

posted things in that list that were easily visible, to an extent, I guess that the Type-S emblems Should be on there, but for the red-lighting, you can only see that when the car is on...

IF you wish to add these smaller details, here they are:
2004-2006 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest, and rear arm-rest side (near the door) is vinyl
2007-2008 TL ALL, the underside of the headrest is felt, along with the rear arm rest

2004-2006 TL NAV uses 3.xx version, XM RADIO ONLY
2007-2008 TL NAV uses 4.xx version, XM NAV TRAFFIC, MP3/WMA, AUX, Dobly Prologic 2 added
2007-2008 TL-S ANC added
2004-2006 TL ALL - gauges are black with blue semi-ring, red needles and white, MID in right, PRNDML in left cluster
2007-2008 TL BASE - Gauges have brushed background, blue rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2007-2008 TL-S - Gauges have brushed background, RED rings around, white numbers, red needle, MID in center, PRNDML in right cluster
2004-2006 TL NAV- HFL, Navi buttons in bottom left corner of steering wheel
2007-2008 TL NAV- HFL, NAVI, MID buttons directly on bottom of steering wheel face

2004-2006 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display together in 1 unit, NO COMPASS, Manual Clock adjustment, Blue backlight added either in 2005 or 2006
2007-2008 TL NON-NAV - radio display and temperature display appear to be 2 units, Compass, Manual Clock, white text, no backlight

2004-2006 5AT TL ALL black leather shifter standard
2007-2008 5AT TL BAse, black leather shift knob
2007-2008 5AT TL-S Black Leather with carbon fiber center shift-knob

2004-2006 TL Standard suspension firm, yet soft
2007-2008 TL BASE- Suspension softer than 2004-2006
2007-2008 TL-S - Suspension firmer than 2004-2006, but less then 2004-2008 ASPEC

2004-2006 TL 3.2 ALL engine cover simple plastic with manifold uncovered
2007-2008 TL 3.2 BASE engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol
2007-2008 TL-S 3.5 Engine cover plastic covering entire manifold with A symbol, 3.5 In red on cover

2004-2006 TL Battery cover clips on
2007-2008 TL ALL battery cover has different attachment system with knob

2004-2006 TL Air box rectangular
2007-2008 TL Air box With cut on one side

2004-2006 TL, Headliner and pillars are grey
2007-2008 TL BASE - Headliner and pillars grey
2007-2008 TL-S- Headliner is ebony along with pillars

the 07+ has the switchblade keys too

Yes I wrote these up a while back...

epleeds

awesome....thanks much...

RR4224

The main thing I noted was 2006 was the last year that live traffic was not available on the NAV system. I have an 06.

Acura Cake

also dont the 06+ have tire monitors that show the pressure in all 4 tires on the MID, the 05 and lower just says "tire pressure ok" at least that was what i did when i test drove an 05

SG81

iTrader: (1)

great write up csmeance!

J-STEELE

I know, great write up csmeance! I've learned something new already, but I won't say what cuz I'm an idiot.. haha..

PEACE!

jjashaa

iTrader: (23)

12 months

Mista

Great info I will definately be waiting to get a 07 so I dont have to do all the mods myself

obsessedmotors

you should switch your tranny fluid to Synthetic Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid from Amsoil.

i had the same problem, but every since i switch its been great.

Bearcat94

^^

You're replying to a 3-year old post.

truonghthe

^^^^oh well at least he shows that the search button still working as it should .

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

very informative. thanks

mb190

What to look for in a 07' TL to see if you have newer RL transmission or not?

I mean it is a 07', but still could be manufactured in 06' & sold as 07', are there differences just by looks?

matou1947

Like most owner i knew a few differences having also looked at Wikipedia but your list is full of differences that i was unaware as i have a 2008 base TL with Nav.Thanks for the info i bookmarked the page for future reference

Majofo

This thread is almost 9 years old to the day

bandlks

does an 05 engine fit a 07 engine 3.2 V6?

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Yes.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Negative, a 2005 engine will not bolt up to a 2007 transmission.

bandlks

would it work if i put a 05 tranny and a 05 engine?

Acura TL Builder

"A 2007-2008 TL-S has black rear capilers"

Is this true? My Type-S' dont have these.

Acura TL Builder

Yes it does, but not directly. You will have to swap the 2007 tranny clutch case(Bellhousing) to the 2004-2006 style for it to to fit.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

Only if the car has a manual transmission; and only with a lot of work. The thing is, the question was would a 2005 3.2 engine fit in a 2007 car with a 3.2 engine, and there is no such a thing as a 2007 TL 3.2 with a manual transmission.

horseshoez

iTrader: (2)

The answer is both yes and no; the 2005 engine and transmission will both bolt in, but the electronic wiring and controls are not the same. It will cost you a whole lot less and take far less time if you simply found a J32A3 from either a 2007 or 2008 TL, those are the only 3.2 liter engines which will bolt and plug directly into a 2007 TL.