So as the title States. The car is still running strong. I'm getting the infamous clanking or creaking while slow over bumps. I'm thinking engine mounts. Also have this odd drip of oil out of the drain bolt. Yes using the correct washer. The bolt is not the correct size though. It is a 13 or 14. Needs to be 17. I think that's the correct size. Also down a 1/2 quart at oil change. Not leaking anywhere. At least not that I can see. The little drop at the drain bolt isn't enough to cause that. No tailpipe smoke. Then again cars do burn oil at this age. Maybe I'm being nuts. I am also unhappy with the paint quality and not overly excited about the dash board cracking. Come on a 35 thousand dollar car when new. Oh well. I do drive a lot of MLS. About 28000 yearly.

 

Clanking or creaking can be the lower control arm bushings or mounts from what I've seen.

The dash is a pretty common issue and you could always have it redone in leather/vinyl/alcantara and make it look nice, or buy a coverlay cover or dash mat and just hide it!

If you get the right bolt, it may help with the consumption/loss but I doubt it. What weight of oil are you running (type of oil too) and for how many miles (follow the maintenance minder?)

How are the headlights looking? I redid mine this year and it's looks a ton better with non-hazed lights.

 

Head lights are clear but could use a polishing. 5_20 valve. Synthetic. Wonder how much it would cost to cover dash with leather or something. The coverlay is a forget about it and will probably not hold with the provided method of sticker or Velcro. Still looking for cover lay with all holes already cut out. Center speaker head lamps tweeters and what not.

 

FWIW: How many miles do you drive between oil changes? My 03 TLS has 233K + miles. I normally change oil between 4 & 5K miles. Engine consumes less than 1/2 quart between changes, which i feel, is quite remarkable. One half quart is really a non issue, even for a low mileage engine. The drain bolt head size should not be a relevant problem, as long as the threads on both the oil pan, and the bolt itself are in good condition. I have read posts by Ziners, with late model, low mileage Acuras, being told by their dealer, that ONE QUART IN 1,000 miles is considered acceptable, by Acura!!! Seems odd, your drain bolt is not a 17mm. Examine the pan and bolt threads closely, the bolt was changed for a reason.