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2022 Q2 production Model 3 missing matrix headlights?
- Thread starter E90alex
- Start date
Congrats. Hope my LR comes with Matrix headlights also. Was tempted to order the Performance given the price difference between that and the LR has reduced recently. I assume we can still change the order moving forward?
metroplex
Gearhead
So looking at the IIHS headlight testing data, the Reflectors throw light out further than the Projectors. So it seems like the Matrix/Projectors might have a better cut-off and aiming, but don't project light out as far as the Reflectors. Based on this data, I'd go with the older Reflector design as it meets/exceeds the 5 lux distance requirement while the newer Projectors are just short of it in the straight line testing. From experience, you want as much light out front as possible to spot potholes/objects in the road. Especially when it is dark with wet road surfaces. 2021 Tesla Model 3 4-door sedan
Here is the updated premium headlights
2019 Tesla Model 3 Earns Good Score In New IIHS Headlight Testing – May Later Qualify For Top Safety Rating
Tesla made changes to its Model 3 headlights. Here’s why it matters to both drivers of the Model 3 and those in traffic around the car.
www.torquenews.com
metroplex
Gearhead
They used the wrong data. The one in that article is the reflectors. If you do a google search for IIHS model 3 and then go to the 2020 or 2021 model, they show both with a cut off date. The projectors are brighter everywhere but dead ahead. Then when you click on the data measurements that delta is about 8 meters from what I recall.Here is the updated premium headlights
2019 Tesla Model 3 Earns Good Score In New IIHS Headlight Testing – May Later Qualify For Top Safety Rating
Tesla made changes to its Model 3 headlights. Here’s why it matters to both drivers of the Model 3 and those in traffic around the car.
metroplex
Gearhead
I paused delivery for 2 wks cuz we were on vacay and was worried when the EDD got updated to 8/31-9/xx. But it switched back to 6/17 in about a week. Not sure if that was normal or that I asked if they could move the date up or they were trying to make the end of qtr push.
You're only one comment away from unlocking your signature! Out of curiosity, what was the actual timeframe from removing the hold and a new VIN assigned? I am in a hold right now until my vacation next week, which just so happens to line up with the Illinois EV rebate starting. Trying to decide if I should remove the hold while on vacation to speed things up, or if I play it safe and wait until the end.
I texted Tesla two days after I returned from my vacation and they responded the same day. But as mentioned in my last post, the EDD date initially went all the way to 8/31-9/xx, but updated back to June after like 2-3 days after I texted them again to see if they could do anything to move the EDD back up. I am not sure if it was me asking or the fact that they were trying to do an end of the quarter push.
I got this message:
"Hi xxx, we currently plan to build and deliver your Model 3 in June.
Please reply JUNE if you are ready for delivery this month and we will contact you about scheduling your delivery once your Model 3 is built.
Please reply DELAY if you cannot take delivery this month and we will reach back out at a later time."
oreobbq
Member
I'd rather have the one with more capability but they both work great.
The data from this thread is helpful. I can't think of another instance where Tesla switched between old/new parts like this. ie. Removing lumbar, removing radar, and not alternating parts due to supply/cost. Maybe they'll start switching between the craparellis and michelins on the M3P.
metroplex
Gearhead
Yes! I guess the point I was trying to convey was that people were stressing about not getting the Matrix/projectors but the Reflectors had more light output straight ahead. This is more important to me as I do a lot of driving at night, and you want as much reaction time as possible for potholes/objects especially when it is an unlit road that is wet (from rain, snow/slush, etc...) which makes it even harder to identify potholes or objects. Either one is fine, but given a choice I'd go with the Reflectors. The Matrix/Projectors just have much better refined/defined cut-off points. Getting the exact photometric output and mapping takes a lot of time/effort/money. The testing isn't cheap either as you have to find a facility to conduct it on a goniometer.
Currently no. Physically I believe the lights fit and have the same connector. But it requires a software configuration change to be functional that Tesla is not willing to make.
heavyD
Member
Reflector headlights are inferior. That light straight ahead is due to less precision as they are more prone to blinding oncoming traffic. I'm not saying that people should refuse delivery if their Tesla comes with reflector headlights but If given the choice nobody should ever choose reflector headlights over projector as it's akin to choosing a 720p TV over a 4k TV. Yes the 720p TV will work fine for cable TV but the 4k TV offers more precise picture, more capabilities and more expensive hardware.
But couldn’t the software be easily updated in the future? If the 2 headlights are physically interchangeable that would seem like a simple solution. As long as you’re willing to pay $$$ for replacement Matrix lights, when they’re available
oreobbq
Member
Understood. Given that the NHTSA has approved the use of matrix headlights, Tesla could update the functionality any day now. Or maybe they'll keep it nerfed for the sake of not shafting those with premium lights.
This entire thread..
This entire thread..
metroplex
Gearhead
Except IIHS reported 0 glare with those LED reflector headlights. There's simply and factually MORE light output straight ahead with the reflectors vs the projectors. This is not really up for debate. Without seeing the photometric mapping from the test lab, it'd be hard to say it is prone to blinding oncoming traffic especially when IIHS reported 0 glare.
The main benefit from the matrix/projectors is peripheral lighting. The beam pattern looks VERY cookie cutter/clean and focused on side lighting. The reflectors throw more light out further. Given a choice, I'd go with the reflectors because you want as much light out forward as possible with minimal glare. If anything, I personally feel the model 3 headlights are still inadequate. The best Tesla headlights would be on the Model Y with the most output forward.
If you want to see glare, take a look at the 2016-2019 Explorer LED lowbeams (I have the 2018). IIHS reports 232% excessive glare, haha. But those headlights are really good, by far one of the best I've used for such an inexpensive vehicle. Driving at speed in pitch black roads with wet surfaces, they are a night/day difference and I don't even have foglights.
Given a choice, I'd go with the reflectors for that extra 24 feet or so of forward lighting distance. Projectors/Matrix isn't bad, just not as much light output where I'd personally want it.
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