I'm new here. I'm considering purchasing a new TL--either 07 or 08. I have two questions and would really appreciate any input.

1. How well does the TL handle hot weather? Specifically, in situations where you're able to go 30 to 35 mph, where there are a few stop lights, the outside heat is about 100 degrees, and the air conditioner is on will the engine continue to run smoothly and the air conditioner continue to work without overheating.

(I currently have a Saab 9-5. Great to drive but Saabs cannot handle heat. Even cheap American cars like a Taurus or Impala can pump out cool air conditioning without overheating no matter the temp or a low mph speed.)

2. The 07 TLs we looked at said 100% of the parts were of American origin. All the 08 TLs said that the transmission is of Japanese origin. This is for the automatic transmission. Does anyone know why the switch?

Again, thanks for any info you can provide.

 

I have an '03 model and I've never had a problem driving in the heat. I live in Austin, TX so it gets hot. They're great cars to drive, I highly recommend the buy.

 

No overheating problems in the conditions you described. Sounds like my wife's daily warm season commute. We've had Tl's for almost 6 years here and no problems.

 

I got my 07 tl-s in march and have put 13K on her. I do a lot of highway driving but also city stop-and-go. I have used the ac constantly and have no troubles to date. I have done many 6 hr drives fron NJ-VA and have had the air on almost the entire trip without a problem. I test drove many different cars before I decided on this one. Good luck with your decision

 

I have an '06 and live in the Phoenix, AZ area where we regularly get over 110 in the summer. No problems with overheating and the AC has been working VERY hard and very well all summer long.

 

Thanks to all for your responses about air conditioning and overheating. We live in Texas (DFW area) and good air conditioning in a car ranks right up there with safety.

Now, does anyone know why the 07 TL transmission (AT) is of American origin but the 08 TL transmission is of Japanese origin?

 

Regarding the transmission, I don't have any official information. My guess (and it's just a guess) is that the change in origin (if any) is just a reflection of a shift in manufacturing resources. This could be related to anticipating re-tooling for the '09, etc. I can't imagine it's a big deal.

 

I can only speak to #1: In Albuquerque, we get days that reach just over 100 (desert heat), and our 07 CBP 5AT TL-S has not yet had any overheating issues. The temp needle stays just below the halfway mark no matter what condition we're in...

 

Well, honestly I have no problems with overheating, but it surely kills on performance. I guess it applies to any kind of cars.

 

Do research on BMW 1 series 135i. 3250# 300hp/300tq @ 1400rpm. 0-60 5.0sec.

$35k LOADED. RWD,6- speed manual, Awesome. Or get a TL-S if you want FWD.

NO other FWD car is better. IMO