Can my 2012 Model S be replaced with a newer DU?

[Car Angel]

Hello everyone
I’m new to TMC as well as Tesla ownership. I have an early production 2012 model S 85 with a low 42k miles. VIN: 1490.
Because of it’s low miles the original drive unit has never been replaced. I’m aware of the high failure rate of those original DU ’s and I have a budget to replace it if needed in the future. My question is, can the original DU be replaced with a newer DU (say from a 2015) that didn’t suffer the same problems as the original ones. In other words are all Model S drive units compatible?
I have someone local here in Southern California that worked for Tesla service and can handle the swap for me.
My current DU makes a whining sound, especially between 25 and 40 mph, but it’s not the milling sound that is widely discussed. I’m just trying to be proactive with my plan in case this current drive unit gives up the ghost.
Any thoughts?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Greg

 

[KJD]

I am not sure what years will interchange with your 2012, but there is some good information about drive units in this tread below.

Out of Warranty Drive Unit Replacement and Cost

Are you still on the original battery Yes

teslamotorsclub.com

 

[Aggmeister2010]

As far as I can tell from the Tesla EPC, the part number for the small rear Drive Unit used in 2016+ (1056855-00-G) is the same part number that they list for replacement of your 2012 drive unit. So, it does seem you can "upgrade" so to speak.

 

[VegarHenriksen]

Even the Q revision unit being put into cars still has issues. I would not replace prematurely and rather wait for yours to go bad and then have a third-party shop do a rebuild instead