Originally Posted by MarkBarbieri

I'm in the market for an Acura RL and I need help with my research.

1) I really like the CMBS. I have read that it is available on the 2006 to the 2009. I keep seeing listings for the 2006 w/ Technology Package, but I suspect that the listers don't know what they are talking about. In fact, I also see listings for the 2005 with Technology Pkg, which didn't exist. So how can I visually or the VIN lookup determine if an RL has CMBS?

Look at the grill with the plastic shield, the millimeter wave radar is behind the shield.



Also look for the CMBS Off Switch on the dash, left hand side of the instrument cluster



The 2005 had only one trim level, and it was the equivalent of the 2006 base, 2007-08 with Technology Package.

The 2006 had two trim levels, base and Technology Package. In 2006 only, the Technology Package meant ACC/CMBS/PAX.

2007-08 and the MMC 2009 all have three trim levels, base (no Nav, no AFS is the easiest way to tell), Technology Package, and Technology Package + ACC/CMBS/PAX.

Due to this confusing nomenclature, they probably do not know what they are talking about.

2) What kind of Ipod connectivity is available? Is it available back to '06, or have they changed it?

2005 and 2006 need some kind of adapter. Acura MusicLink was OEM, but problematic and not recommended. The most common one is the USA Spec you see so much about. I used a Neo Audio adapter. Both plug into the head unit and have two inputs, an iPod jack and a 3.5mm jack. Here is a picture of my installation, the cables only coming out of the bottom of the console storage bin.



It would appear that Dice and Blitz make units for the RL also. USA Spec is rumored to be coming out with a more capable unit that can display iPod text, but that has always been 2-3 months out for the last few months.



2007 and 2008 have an auxillary input for a 3.5mm jack, under the little gray cover



2009 has the standard Acura USB port.

3) Does the sound system have auxiliary inputs? I'd like to put headrest monitors in for playing video for the kids and I want to run the sound through the head unit.

Now you are getting a little beyond me, but yes, there is a head unit aux in, really, I think it is a CD unit aux in. The above mentioned USASpec adapter is one way to get sound into the head unit. Realize that this solution is almost 2 years old. You need to consult with a car A/V specialist but it definitely can be done. At least one has put LCDs in the head rests and another has put a DVD player in the trunk pass through. Here is a thread with the trunk pass through
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...524&highlight=


4) Aside from checking autotrader, craigslist, and ebay, are there any other good sources for used RLs?

I would guess it kind of depends on your area. I would not expect Texas to have many RLs because AWD tends to be more popular in the area with snow. Here in VA, one source I think of immediately is my dealer, Pohanka Acura, in VA. They are a high volume dealer that also sells lots of used and CPO Acuras. They find the used business is really hot now because of the economy (and possibly the Power Plenum--sorry I could not resist) and my sales man says they are buying lots of used, low mileage Acuras. For example, in Feb, I think he said they bought something like 22 MDXs from local dealers to sell, and TSX loaners were his best deal, about 12K miles on them, all CPO'd with an extra 12K miles of warranty to 60K, and about $22K out the door... But you ask about RL's, and I always see a selection of pre 2009 RLs when I am there. Don't know about the pricing, I expect it to be high, but it does seem to be a Buyer's market now.

5) It's hot where I live (SE Texas). I've seen some mention of cooled front seats. I've also seen mention that this is only a Canadian thing (like that makes any sense). Can I get an RL with cooled seats in Texas? I couldn't care less about heated seats.

Only the 2009 has ventilated seats. Previous to that, only Canadian market models had cooled seats.

I already understand the evils of PAX and know that I cannot get CBMS without it (unless I buy a 2009). I'll factor replacing the wheels into my expected cost.

Any other information would be helpful.