I have the car 05 abp/camel/navi/a-spec for 48 hours and have put on 150 miles so far. I said i would give first impressions so here goes. I have broken it down into some categories, hope it helps and that you find it useful

Fit & finish. I have to say that the quality so far is very good. None of the issues that i have read about have surfaced yet. Paint quality is great, bumper color is exact match, seems in panel and doors/trunk are all equal with no gaps. Paint on front and rear bumpers look fine.

Interior OK, I got the camel. Like it alot, but you are all correct, yellowie/orange. Even my 15 yr old said that. Having only black interiors for 20 years, it is a nice change. Hope it holds up well with 3 kids. Love the blue, could use a touch more. Seats look and feel great with nice support, and I need it (more later). Stereo is quite good. Lot better than my 02 BMW 530 w/$1,200 upgrade. Still, I might change speakers later on. Nav is best by far. Don't ask about German cars if you have never had one. No touch screen, much smaller size, unintuitive at best. My HFL with Vz and Moto 710 is excellent. Easy to set up and so far 100% accurate.

A-Spec & handling I have driven several TL Auto with no A-Spec and cuuent ride is BMW 530 w/sport. I drive pretty hard and aggressive (safely though), so I really think I have a very objective opinion on handling. So..although not a 530 w/ rear drive, I have to say it is close. A little more heavy in the front end on the Tl, but that is to be expected. No real torque steer to speak of, whether off the line or going through the twisties. You feel the heaviness while exiting a highway at speed above 45mph or so. I have also taken some of my favorite roads and turns the same way I would take with the Bimmer, although not exact (due to Rear wheel), it is pretty darn close. The lightness that we all talk about and I have expierienced with my friends TL is 90% gone. Not really an issue. All in all, a very nice ride. The 05 A-Spec wheels are really sharp. (see pic's in photo gallery). Not only do the 18" make it look much much much sportier, it also enhances the handling. The struts for the spec really make the difference as they are firmer and lower the car by about 1/2" or so.

BTW, no vibration felt at all. No squeaks or rattles and headliner still up there.

What else can I tell you, just ask

 

Hey Kid Flash,
Congrats on the new ride. I have ABP and Camel but without A-Spec. Did you get the car at Princeton Acura? I was there the other day and say ABP with A-Spec and it looked sweet! I really like the wheels. Good luck with the car.

Mark

 

Good, detailed, intelligent review. Points for you. I've never driven a 5-series (only a 3-series) BMW, so I didn't know how that handled compared to the A-Spec, as a fellow A-Spec suspension owner. We expect front-end heaviness because this car, no matter what people say, never, ever lets you forget that it's a heavy FWD car. You are right on target about that. Nevertheless, FUN to drive.

Glad you're having fun.

 

Fig32, pretty funny. Yes that was my car. Picked it up on Saturday.

 

Coming from you, that is a compliment. I have really enjoyed and made better buying decisons after reading your reviews. Yes, it is fun, especially with 6sp.

 

Kid, I am considerng the complete A-Spec package for my 04 NBP...

Being that you are in New Jersey also, I have to ask if you have any concerns about having the Yokohama "Summer" tires on your car? I'm a little hesitant about these because of the warning that they are not to be driven in the snow...

 

How do Acura seats compare to BMW sport seats. I am thinking about trading my 02 5-e to the TL. BMW seats kind of hug me and I like it. Are TL's seats as good or close? Also how much is A-spec package for 2005? Is it residualizable (I hope I spell it right) for leasing purposes?

 

Being that you are in New Jersey also, I have to ask if you have any concerns about having the Yokohama "Summer" tires on your car? I'm a little hesitant about these because of the warning that they are not to be driven in the snow...[/QUOTE]

Yes, I have concerns. You can not use the summer tires in snow EVER. That being said, when you get A-SPec you also get your original wheels and All Season tires back. So...I plan on investing in a good 2 ton jack and in about 30 minutes, change them when and if it is a snowy season.

 

[QUOTE=SergeyM]How do Acura seats compare to BMW sport seats.

I would say they are close. Remember TL is luxury sport where as BMW is more sport. Leather on BMW is tougher hide and seat definitely holds you snugger (side bolster comes out more) But...the Acura I have found is adequately snug. I tossed the TL around a bit yesterady and was held firmly in place.

 

Yes, I have concerns. You can not use the summer tires in snow EVER. That being said, when you get A-SPec you also get your original wheels and All Season tires back. So...I plan on investing in a good 2 ton jack and in about 30 minutes, change them when and if it is a snowy season.[/QUOTE]


That's what I was afraid of....I don't want to go through that. Guess I'll have to go with an all-season 18 inch tire. Thanks.

 

i'm curious, is the A-Spec on your '05 the same as what the '04 has?

 

Other than the wheels being different, it appears to be the same.

 

Awesome review. Thanks.

 

What is the weight of a 5-series - aren't they about 200-300 more avoirdupois?

 

Congrats on your purchase. Also an excellent review. Nice for the BMW comparisons..seems to be very objective. I've never driven a BMW except for my Isetta, but that was eons ago when my car buying was not dictated by practicality. Enjoy your ride.

 

awesome review! i wouldnt mind gettin the a-spec package, but the 05 is mostly driven by my parents, and they like the cushy ride. So, ill continue moddin the 00 though!

 

 

yeah yeah sonu, thoo chup kar!