The TL is a quiet, comfortable sedan that drives better than most people expect. It had double wishbones up front from the start, then a six-speed manual for 2004, the Type-S back for 2007 and SH-AWD for 2009. The Acura TL coilovers on this page fit all four generations, with BC Racing first in each.
Call 1-800-460-9106 with your model year and we will find your kit.
Acura TL sports sedan
1996 to 2014
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
A TL is a comfortable daily car first. Good coilover suspension keeps it that way while it sits lower and corners flatter.
The year decides the kits
Each generation has its own kits, and one KW kit covers the first two. On 1999 to 2003 cars, kit years differ by brand.
Type-S and SH-AWD
BC names its 2004 to 2008 kits for the TL and Type-S. For 2009 to 2014, BC and Ksport name theirs for FWD and AWD.
Keeping the ride comfortable
Start with a modest drop and soft shock settings. Adjustable coilovers with one knob let you firm it up for a weekend drive.
BC Racing and the TL
BC Racing for four TL generations
BC Racing coilovers for the TL come in four series: BR, DS, ER and ZX. ER and ZX are for 1999 to 2003 only. BR and DS come for every generation from 1996 to 2014. Each BC card below shows the series for that kit. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
Here is which TL kits come in each BC series, and what each one does.
BR and DS, every generation
A single 30-click knob sets compression and rebound together. DS adds a digressive piston for firmer control. Either one works well on a TL you drive every day.
ER, 1999 to 2003
ER is an upright shock with an external oil reservoir and separate 30-click adjustment for compression and rebound. It is sold for the second-generation TL.
ZX, 1999 to 2003
BC describes ZX as its "most track-tested" system. It is also sold for the second-generation car.
To add Swift Springs to a BC TL kit, order through the Custom Build for BC Coilovers page. Ask us which spring rates suit a sedan this size.
TEIN, KW, Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport
Five other brands build kits for the TL. Call 1-800-460-9106 if you are not sure which one fits your plans.
TEIN coilovers for the Acura TL come in eight kits across three generations: Street Basis Z and Street Advance Z from 1999 to 2014, and Flex Z for 1999 to 2008.
Ksport covers 1999 to 2014 in three kits, the last one named for FWD and AWD.
Kits for commuting, the Type-S and back roads
The commuter
For a quiet, comfortable car that sits a little lower, use soft shock settings to keep the luxury feel.
Kits to look at: BC Racing BR or DS, TEIN Street Basis Z, Ksport
The Type-S
Shopping for 2007 Acura TL Type-S coilovers? That car already has firmer suspension from Acura. Pick a kit for how firm you want it, then fine-tune.
Kits to look at: BC Racing DS, TEIN Flex Z, KW, Fortune Auto, Feal
Weekend back roads
For the second-generation TL, BC sells ER, with separate compression and rebound adjustment, and ZX, its "most track-tested" system.
Kits to look at: BC Racing ER or ZX (1999 to 2003), TEIN Flex Z, Fortune Auto
Acura TL coilover kits by generation, newest first
Start with your model year. Each card opens the product page with the coilover specs.
Notes in BC kit names: "Extreme by Default" means the kit ships as BC's Extreme Low version as standard, built shorter for a lower drop.
2009 to 2014 TL, fourth generation, FWD and SH-AWD
Chassis codes: UA8, UA9
BC Racing kitThe BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2009 to 2014 Acura TL. Photo: BC Racing.
Check before you order: BC Racing and Ksport name their kits for FWD and AWD cars, so they fit the SH-AWD TL. TEIN has two kits here, Street Advance Z and Street Basis Z.
2004 to 2008 TL, third generation, Type-S included
Chassis codes: UA6, UA7
BC Racing kitThe BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2004 to 2008 Acura TL and TL Type S. Photo: BC Racing.
Check before you order: BC Racing has two kits here, both named for the TL and Type-S. One is named "Extreme by Default," so call us about ride height before choosing it.
BC Racing kitThe BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 1999 to 2003 Acura TL. Photo: BC Racing.
Check before you order: Each brand lists different years here. Fortune Auto starts at 2001, and KW's kit runs 1998 to 2001, so call us to confirm for your year.
Here is what TL owners report most often in forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each one means for your coilovers.
Torn front compliance bushings
Third generation TL, 2004 to 2008
A long-running AcuraZine thread has owners finding cracked or torn front lower control arm compliance bushings, some as early as 25k to 40k miles. Reported symptoms include clunks over speed bumps and shimmy. A torn compliance bushing lets the lower arm move, so the car can still clunk and wander after new coilovers go in.
Before you install: Look at both front compliance bushings for cracks before the install, replace them in the correct orientation if torn, then align.
Rear camber goes negative when lowered
Third generation TL, 2004 to 2008
Lowered TL owners on AcuraZine report rear camber around -2 degrees and extra wear on the inside edge of the rear tires. Some run it with toe set to zero, others fit adjustable rear camber arms. The lower you set the coilovers, the more rear camber you add, and toe errors then wear tires faster.
Before you install: Get a full alignment with toe set carefully after the install, and budget for rear camber arms if you want a big drop.
Front clunk over bumps
Second generation TL, 1999 to 2003
TL owners on AcuraZine chase a front clunk over bumps. Reported fixes include torn front lower control arm bushings, sway bar end links and sway bar bushings, and one owner still had the clunk after fitting coilovers. New coilovers will not stop a clunk that comes from worn bushings or end links.
Before you install: Check the lower arm bushings, end links and sway bar bushings before the install, and replace worn parts at the same time.
The TL story
How the TL changed by generation
Acura's press release for the 1999 TL already talks about a double-wishbone front, and every later generation kept it. Each one also added something new for the driver.
2004
Third generationIt got a 270 hp V-6, a double-wishbone front and a 5-link double-wishbone rear. For the first time, the TL came with an available six-speed manual. Six-speed cars got Brembo front brakes.
2007
The Type-S returnsIt came back with a 286 hp 3.5-liter V-6, a solid 27 mm front anti-roll bar, a stiffer rear bar, firmer damping and Brembo four-piston front calipers.
2009
Fourth generationYou could get front-wheel drive or SH-AWD, with a 280 hp 3.5-liter or 305 hp 3.7-liter V-6, on a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear.
Our kits start with the 1996 car and end with 2014. Find your TL's year above to see its kits.
Acura TL coilover FAQ
Do SH-AWD TLs need a different kit?
Not for BC Racing or Ksport. Both name their 2009 to 2014 TL kits for FWD and AWD cars. TEIN and Fortune Auto name the same years by the UA8 and UA9 chassis codes.
Is there a coilover kit for the TL Type-S?
Yes. BC Racing names both of its 2004 to 2008 kits for the TL and Type-S.
What BC Racing series are sold for my TL?
BR and DS are sold for every TL from 1996 to 2014. The 1999 to 2003 car also comes in ER and ZX.
What does "Extreme by Default" mean on one BC kit?
That is how BC names one of its 2004 to 2008 TL kits. Call us and we will explain the ride height range before you order.
Which TEIN kits fit the TL?
TEIN lists Street Basis Z and Street Advance Z for the 1999 to 2014 cars, and Flex Z for the 1999 to 2008 cars.
Will a lowered TL still ride like a luxury sedan?
It can. Pick a modest drop, set the shocks soft, and adjust from there. An alignment after the install keeps the tires wearing evenly.
What is the BC Racing warranty?
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Each of the other brands sets its own warranty terms.
