kc1953

Just did a back to back test drive of a 2009 bmw 535i and a 2009 acura tl tech sh awd. The bimmer had the sports package, looked great, handled great, was fast and a lot of fun to drive. Lots of sex appeal. The tl was imho just as much fun to drive and handled better. While I know that the 535i is faster based on lbs/hp, the TL's acceleration in sport mode seemed to be almost as good, although I didn't get to thrash the 535i as much because I had a salesman with me, while the acura dealership gave me the keys and said have fun..bring it back in an hour.

Based on that, it looks like the 2009 acura tl sh awd tech is going to be the one. (Grighio with ebony).

I have owned bmws for the past 20 years (although my wife drives a 2008 mdx tech) and it is about to change. Congrats to Acura for developing such a well balanced and fun car.

PetesTL

Congrats in advance!

I, too, came from a Bimmer ('05 545i) before I got my TL. Yes those 5 series are very fun-to-drive cars (as are all BMW's) but you pay a price ($$$).

jangkai

I've driven my friend's fully loaded 535xi and it definitely felt faster. The stereo felt pretty similar, nav goes to the TL, handling to the TL IMO because I felt it was more planted to the ground.

The only thing I really wanted from his car was the Head up Display. It is pretty damn cool and useful.

lpe387tt

I have owned and driven all models of BMW (3, 5, and 7 series). However, the TL, not factoring dollar for dollar value, is a smash for Acura (and one helluva car). One of the best vehicles that I have ever owned. Congrats to you! Happy driving!!

winstrolvtec

I have spent a significant amount of time in a 535xi auto and can confirm the numbers, it is slightly faster than the SH by about two or three tenths relating to the 1/4 mile. The RWD in comparison seems to run the same time but a lower trap, it's likely gearing and will eventually outgain the Xi at top end. BMW has a sweet 6 speed tranny and can be brake torqued further contributing it being faster, but as far as passing power or merging for everday driving they seem fairly equal. A new 5 will probably be out by the time the TL gets a 6AT but in any event that should help close the current gap. The TL is dimensionaly larger and the interiors trade off in some areas vs others but seem equal overall. I prefer the ergonomics, tech, navi and stereo of the Acura, also style, exterior and especially interior. It may have some nicer material touches but the way it's done is overly bland and has been for too long, IMO. Feels more on the sport side for a sports luxury combo than I like. The Bimmer has some nice features not even available in the entire Acura lineup but it's pricey enough just matching the TL, close to $20k more compared to what the TL discounts for. The 5 does do a lot of little things better, but the TL has more big things going for it, reliability, resale/residual, and safety in crash testing, that I know of. Knowing the owner and speaking to many others about the car, most of what makes the car command that price and prestige is mostly subjective.

kevTL888

my lease of '08 535i sport is due next month. i'm still enjoying every mile out of the ultimate driving machine. there is NO comparison between the two cars. granted my TL is not a SH-AWD but the 535i sport with that twin turbo motor is insane, so effortless to drive fast. handles like a dream and the steering wheel is way better than the electronic ones in Acura. they're having major discount now on the new e60 5 series since the new one will be out soon, why not take advantage of it and get the bimmer.

danimal1968

To bring the 535 (especially the xi) into the SH-AWD's price range, those would have to be some mind-boggling discounts...

cp3117

Congrats on your purchase as your color selection is very nice.

I am assuming that the title is a typo and you meant you tested the 528i and not the 535i......

cornelius

loaded 535i vs. loaded TL SH-AWD = $60,000 vs. $43,000

CraigMacDTA

Nice Good news indeed! One piece of advice - go with the Umber! Best interior EVER!

winstrolvtec

Just proves my point. The similar performance and output also makes the TL easy to drive fast, the SH actually outhandles any 5, short of an M, and the new electric steering is easier to tune for Acura, making the light feel their choice in design, especially for the FWD version. It may be too light for many tastes but the BMW's hydraulics are also too firm for mine, not to mention that electric works in proper order of lighter to firmer in relation to speed and not the other way around. Acura has been quoted as having "mastered the black art of tuning electric steering", making it generally more well received then mosts including BMW's optional electric steering. There is nothing there that warrants a $20k premium, only preference and opinion, logically it's not worth it in comparison, but it is a great car and if you value those things by that measure, more power to you.

danimal1968

Anyone paying anywhere near 43K for a loaded SH-AWD these days paid too much. And if you make it 535xi for a true apples-to-apples comparison, that's another 3 grand added to the BMW's price.

slammie

Wow. All I can say is, wow. I have always lusted after the BMW 535i, especially recently with the addition of the twin turbo 3L six. It is a beautiful car! Unfortunately, 60k is too fucking much! So, am I ever happy to read about how well the TL compares to the 5. Some, apparently, even prefer it. I'm sure this will change once the 2011 5 series shows up next year, but by then I'll be driving the 6M TL. Well, provided the bean counter gives proper authorization.

kc1953

Glad to see my thread elicited thoughtful and respectful responses. If I posted this on a Bimmer forum I would have been tarred and feathered.

Well, yesterday I pulled the trigger and bought the TL Tech sh-awd. The same car I hijacked from the dealership for a one hour test drive. It turns out the color was the polished metal metallic with ebony.

Those car pundits that complain this car isn't quick enough have apparently not pulled the shift lever into sport and stomped on it. Fast enough for me. The handling is other worldly. Nothing better than taking a sweeping curve that has 35 mph limit at 60 mph and not feeling scared.

Today is our company's golf outing day, and I don't play golf, so I'm thinking I should call it a day continue to break in the TL.

Oh...and I didn't spend 43k. I was just comparing the MSRPs on the 535i with the TL Tech SH-AWD. I paid $40k. If I would have decided a month earlier I could have picked it up for about $38,500. The supply of the awd TLs is dwindling, and people are starting to loosen their pocket books a little.

CraigMacDTA

Congrats! Enjoy that bad-ass sound system while you take those sweeping curvy turns!!! I'm jealous!