Topic: 06 TL vs 540i

[Newman]

After researching on my next used car (not a big fan of loans, sticking to what I can afford at the moment), I'm facing a dilemma as to which car to choose between the final two that I like: a 2006 Acura TL or a 2003 BMW 540i?

Here's my dilemma: the Acura is newer, similar mileage (around 90K, just like the BMW), but smaller in proportion to the E39 which is also older. I'm not a big fan of small cars, and I'm not saying that the TL is small by any means, but in terms of size, the BMW is more to my liking, but the 3yr age difference makes me forget about this. Although a BMW fan, the 04-07 TL definitively is a stunning car, and until I had driven one, I didn't have any dilemma.
 
So, for approximately 15K, which one would be a better buy (forget my preferences in terms of brand)? I'm assuming that in terms of upkeep costs, both should be almost the same (the Acura being slightly cheaper). Note: both cars are on the verge of the 100K km mark.

Appreciate the feedback.

[mmret]

I think if you don't care about the presumably tighter driving dynamics of the 540, and you do care about the money issue, then the TL is by far the better buy. The predicted reliability gap is pretty huge at equal age, let alone when the TL is 3 years newer.

[dr_spock]

I think 06 TL would be the better buy if you don't have deep pockets for repairs and maintenance.   

[Careener]

Had Honda sorted out the transmission issues on the TL by 06? If so it's a no brainer as a daily driver despite how
Awesome the 540i was.

[CanuckG35]

As much as I like the E39 540i, I would go with the TL in a heartbeat.  Like mmret already posted, the predicted reliability gap between the two is rather large, and IMHO, the TL is the more reliable vehicle of the two. 

[Newman]

Had Honda sorted out the transmission issues on the TL by 06? If so it's a no brainer as a daily driver despite how
Awesome the 540i was.

I read about some intermittent issues with transmission with this series, but nothing about it being a regular occurrence. Is there a place/forum where I could perhaps check if it has been part of a recall or if the one I'm looking at is from that particular series, or would the dealer be able to provide me with this (although I'd much rather find out on my own).

I must admit, I was leaning towards the TL (plus the FWD vs RWD issue during winter), since the age difference alone made it hard to justify the price for the E39, but being a big cars fan as I am, I was looking for reassurance that I'm not missing something about the TL that I might regret later.

I intend to use the car daily, so if there's any issues that are popular with this model, I'd appreciate the insight so that I can check the one I'm looking at before purchasing.

Appreciate the help.

[Careener]

Try this thread.
http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752955

[Sir Osis of Liver]

TL

The upkeep on a 540i can become crippling.

[Newman]

Try this thread.
http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=752955

Awesome source of info on the Acura lineup. Tnx Careener.

PS: It's overwhelming (and reassuring) to know that everyone considers the TL a better/smarter buy than the E39.

[tpl]

The 2003 E39 was IIRC the last year and should therefore have the least faults from manufacture and design.
A friend of mine bought one in 2008 and has had no trouble with it.  However, it was a rare 540i manual transmission one with the M-sport pack and was a low mileage example. Also he does not depend on that car for commuting.

[airbalancer]

Is there a Indy BMW Mechanic in London, that could make a would of difference
Also check out http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/ and http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/index.php?

[Careener]

Another excellent source of info is the temple of VTEC at vtec.net

[Loudpedal]

A friend at work had that year of 540, and as others have mentioned, the maintenance and repair costs were nothing short of shocking.   He recently sold it and replaced it with a new S4.

The TL on the other hand, requires about as much maintenance as a Civic, and this is part of the reason I purchased one.   The dealer I bought from has a customer with a 04 TL with 400K on it, and apparently it's required noting more than regular maintenance and wear and tear items.   

Good luck with your decision. 

[Allen]

I had an 05 TL for 4 years, absolutely falwless

[Weexy]

I'd go TL as well.   

I've had mine for ~3.5 years and has generally been good.  The tranny issues were mainly with the previous generation (pre' 2004)

Only issue i've had other than regular maintenance was a timing belt tensioner fix.  Had fixed under warranty when in for a scheduled maintenance.  This is a common problem with the 3.2  The issue and fix are described in the 1st and 2nd post here:

http://tl.acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=626763&highlight=chirping


Regular maintenance costs have been reasonable.


Positives with the TL are the powertrain - smooth strong engine, good mileage given the output and size of the car, comfortable interior.  Negatives are rather poor visibility, turning circle of a Greyhound bus,  and interior squeaks & rattles galore.  Have had a couple fixed (passenger side armrest, passenger side dash).  There are others that come and go intermittently -- if you are bothered by squeaks, etc... this car will drive you nuts.

[Snowman]

TL for sure.

[Julie]

if you are bothered by squeaks, etc... this car will drive you nuts.

I know people have had problems of rattles and squeaks in TL's and TSX's (there are people on this forum who have had them), but I also know othrs have not had any.  So far I've had none on my 4-year TSX.  Perhaps if the car you are considering doesn't have any... and it's 4 or 5 year old car by now, chances are better you won't be stuck with that problem... 

If you like the drive of the TL, by all means a TL...  As much as I love the E39 540i, it should be much more hassle-free...

[Newman]

Thank you for your feedback guys, you did help push me in the right direction. Tried three TL's in the last few days, impressive, but slightly weird as well. So far, my longest experience in a TL was for a 15 minute ride. Having now tried several, my impression did shift a bit. The car is solid, excellent build quality (although I did notice the "rattling" issue in one), but it drives kind of strange. It's the steering that I found to be quite a "turn-off", since it was seamless, void of any steering feeling whatsoever. The same on all three. At the moment, the car exhaust, ride and excellent overall value is keeping me from turning away, but I do have to admit though, I'm slightly disappointed.

The search for "My TL" continues, despite the numb steering. Thanks for helping.

PS: the most serious contestant so far has 65K on it, everything else - navi = $18.9K. A bit on the pricey side. The other two were in the $16.5K, $17K range respectively, with 90K km, 85km.
UPDATE: found another 06 TL for $13.9K, but has 150K. Not sure if that may be a tad too many km's for this one, although the price is quite attractive.

[mmret]

Perhaps try out a TL-S? It will be pricier but maybe you'll like it much more. Doesn't hurt to find out.

I don't mind the steering in my TSX (great on center feel and nicely weighted imho) but I guess the TL is a heavier car.

[airbalancer]

Maybe you should looking in the States
for a car?
Probably get a better deal