Hello all,

I recently joined the forum with hopes to come to a decision on my mew car (in 1-2 weeks). I have always been a stick shift sports car guy, but now...mid 20's and doing a lot of work commuting, I want the best of both worlds...comfort and performance. That being said, reliabily is a big issue for me. I don't have time to mess with tons of repairs and dealers....as we all would like to avoid. So. my choices are 2007 TL type s 6-speed, with 18k miles OR a 2006 BMW 530xi 6 speed, both cars are loaded, and the beemer is 1,000 less. Here is the catch...The TL has the original warranty 4/50,000 and 6/60,000 powertrain (I think) and the beemer is CPO and has a 6/100,000 warranty. The final factor is I would need snow tires for sure for the type S and the beemer is AWD...so I could get by without. I know the reliabilty argument has been ongoing and that this is an Acura Forum...but I am at a crossroads and have read about the many trans issues with the TL and suspension issues. So...any good advice...? Thanks!

 

I'm a realtor & am in my TL Type-S constantly...LOVE IT! I have also gone on long road trips and the car is never a disappointment!

 

+1!!

 

Wow you guys are quick! I was just going to add the bmw has 35k on it.

 

I think the Acura is a better long term car After the warranty exprires and the cars are 3-4 years old, the BMW will be very expensive to maintain/fix.

The 5 series is a very nice car but it could mean trouble in the future. Oh, btw TL Type-S is faster too Drive both of them and see how they feel.

 

Type s 6 speed is the win! u'll love it.

 

Moved to Car Talk.

If your big issue is staying out of the service department, you have better odds that the TL-S will suit your needs.

 

and if you don't pick up the TL-S 6MT, tell me where you found it... those things are pretty rare...

 

TL-S

Make sure to post pics when you get it.

/thread

 

I am liking the feed back! I love the type S. However...after searching some more....a 2009 tsx tech 6 speed with 25k miles could be had for even less $$ asking price $26k....but still slow....Any opinions on that? Too many options!

 

Oh and Kamlung...I actually found it on carmax in VA, but had it shipped to WI......so I was 90% sure I wanted to get it. It is in route....btu then I wanted to make sure I was making the right choice....

 

like posted above, after the warranty wears off, the bmw will be more costly to maintain/fix

 

Dude, you're on an Acura forum - no surprise the TL-S is the favorite.

And I'll add a +1 to that. Anyone I've ever known with a bmw has been on a first-name basis with their service guy.

Did you post over in a bmw forum to see what kind of answers you would get there?

 

Actually, in Car Talk there are very few Acura fans left... so the fact that the answers are mainly in favor of the TL are kind of surprising.

Me personally... I'd be rocking the 530...

 

I had an 05 TL and loved the car but would probably go for the bmw. I would say Acura is better service wise but would still probably go for the 5

 

07 TL-S is much better than 05 TL and 09 TSX in terms of performance, imo.

I'd get the TL-S without a doubt.

 

BMW 530-xi for sure

 

 

^^^^ +2

I can tell you that I owned a BMW 535i and the car nickeled and dimed me to death. It was always in the shop for something. Some of the problems were little things and others weren't. But it was one pile of frustration on wheels.

You won't have that with a Honda/Acura.

 

^ +3 If avoiding the dealer is important stick with the TL. My 05 TL 6MT is a little over 52K miles so far with only a couple rattles that come and go. My only problems have been a couple rattles (that come and go), two small switch backlight bulbs burned out in the cabin, and the driver's floormat worn through.

A few colleagues, neighbors and friends have fairly current BMW's and although they've gotten much better in reliability they still have quite a few little problems. Not as bad as some Audi and MB owners I know, but still annoying.

 

I would also select the TL-S over the 530xi......though I do like the E60 design (putting me in the minority here) more than the 3G TL. Reliabilitywise, Hondas are far from perfect but few other makes have the long term reliability of the brand. I'm currently shopping for a used Civic, Prelude, Integra/RSX or Accord for my daughter's first car and am very comfortable with the idea of getting a good, reliable one on the cheap with 100k+ on the odo; aside from maybe Toyota/Lexus/Scion, I would not risk that with any other brand.

My rule with used Euro make cars is either not to buy used OR buy CPO with the intent of unloading it once the CPO warranty is close to expiration. (NOTE: In shopping for my daughter, we came across a 98 Audi A4 1.8T that is in IMMACULATE condition and drives as well as my old 07 AV6. However, I'm too nervous about the 'what ifs' concerning used Audis as I a) don't want to see my daughter stranded somewhere and b) dread paying the repair costs when the time comes.)

As far as the TL goes, I've not driven the 6MT TL-S but have driven the 5AT and can say with confidence there's really no better front wheel drive sports sedan (with all do respect to the Maxima and Altima V6, both of which are terrific as well.).

 

+1 on the TL type S.

and it is a bit surprising that it's leading the votes.

 

So....You got the TL-S?

Where in Wisco? I live just north of Milwaukee.

 

BMW E60 all the way.

 

have you driven both to see which one you like better in terms of overall ride?

 

As for reliability, kind of hit or miss IMO. We have had 2 Audi's the last 4 years, both of which were more reliable then either of my Acura's. We also know several people with various BMW 5-series models and they have been solid as well... but others know people who have had some problems here and there. So you may get a good car, you may get a bad car. Odds are a bit higher that the Acura will be better in the long haul, but it's not set in stone. Plus, that's what warranties are for.

Having owned several Acura and Audi products, plus being exposed to many different BMW products I can say that I will choose German over Acura every day of the week.

As was mentioned above, get in and drive them both... then make a decision. It's silly to have this conversation if you haven't driven either car b/c you may hate/love one over the other which will make up your mind for you on the spot.

 

Tough call......but the 5 series + AWD = WIN.

 

To collectively answer all the above questions......I am in the Kenosha WI area. I have driven both cars. The response and feel of the TLS is addicting. I have had hondas in the past and I am actually trading in a 2008 civic SI sedan. The BMW feels bigger than it really is when driving. I really can notice the drag of the AWD. The 6 cyl in the 530 is respectable, but not at all impressive as the TLS. As far as comfort, I prefer the BMW. The style in the BMW is a step above the TLS.....very plain and elegant. BUT the TLS feels like you just sat down in a airplane cockpit and it has all the options of the 530. So yes....hopefully at the end of this week I will be the new owner of a TL type S :-)

 

WELL PUT!

 

Good choice on the Type S. I've put over 50k on my '08 Type-S 6spd and so far *knock on wood* the only work I had to have done at the dealer was replacement of my power window motors (somehow they both shorted out and would still work, but not return to their presets after tilting down for reverse). Other than that just had to change the front pads and the transmission oil to avoid the 3rd gear issue.

Love the car and for someone who commutes a LOT I can tell you it's a pleasure, even with the 6spd (in NYC Traffic). Snow traction isn't great on the stock tires, so it's worth picking up a set of winter tires if you plan on seeing a lot of unplowed roads. But in light snow it's agile enough and quite fun to slide around with the Ebrake.

 

Probably a good call. I forgot it was an AWD BMW. I've only been in RWD versions and I would choose that over a TL-S anyday, however, you're right, the AWD version probably felt a little lethargic.

Good choice and enjoy once you get it. Pics too!!

 

Thanks guys! So, today I test drove the actual Type S I will be buying early next week. I hope to be picking it up on Tuesday if all goes well. I will post pics ASAP.....I hope to take the pin striping off before the pics though!

 

Nice choice.

Yes, please do post pics when you get it.

 

Go for the 6spd S! much cooler than a 530 at your age... with the beemer, people are ganna think your driving your parents car which aint cool! with the type-s u get alot of heads turning(which i actually dont like,cept for the chicks) but yea that shit is quick with bolt ons. Did I mention I took one of those newer year LS460 on some 19-20's staggered rims from a dig? took him by almost 2 cars by end of 3rd up to like 70. In front of this black Ferrari F430 on my way home 3 block stretch. I think they were friends.

Go for the type-sss sexy ass car shit quick!!

edit::congrats on pick-up!

 

So.......I could not get what I wanted for my SI :-( Due to the accident I was in, they offered me 12,500 for my 08 SI 4-door with only 11,500 miles. My dream for a type S continues......... Thanks for all the great advice guys!

 

Ouch. No. BMW service is first class. Acura, 3rd.

 

Type S 6spd for fun to drive. 530i/xi for kid carrier Large price difference though.

 

Not as much as you think. E60's are dirt cheap ever since BMW premiered the F10. I've seen E60 M5's going as low as $39K, regular E60 selling for around $24K mark.

OP: Get that 530xi w/ extended warranty, and you'll be good to go.

 

What kind of mileage are you comfortable with on a Type S?

 

tl