Made in China Model 3: Build Quality / Hardware Differences

[PaulMD]

So is there confirmation of the newer models having two reversing lights? And if so, are they effective? The single reversing light on my M3 is pretty useless as it doesn’t light up anything. It’ll still be useful to indicate to those behind me that I’m reversing, but it certainly doesn’t help light up where I’m going. Fortunately, the reversing camera night vision is actually pretty good!

Still on mine in the day Here's a bad Ring screenshot, as can't take a pic myself.

I did notice last night that I could see my drive better when reversing on, than in my last car.

Do I need to go and check to see what they've removed?! (driver lumbar still there ;-)

 

[MrBadger]

Earlier Model 3's owners would often mention the limited tilt available on the drivers side door mirror - it wouldn't tilt back far enough not to see an excessive amount of car bodywork when seated in some positions - you soon learn to lean forward for a better view.

I've not seen this mentioned for a while so presume this problem has quietly gone away on newer cars?

Maybe with the Chinese factory building a higher proportion of right hand drive cars than Fremont they have addressed the problem? It never seemed to be such a big problem for LHD cars although some wide angled mirror solutions did originate from LHD markets. Some speculation that it was down to the in mirror electronics taking up different amount of space between the two door mirrors that meant that one mirror had more swivel room than the other.

 

[Durzel]

Still on mine in the day Here's a bad Ring screenshot, as can't take a pic myself.
View attachment 720899
I did notice last night that I could see my drive better when reversing on, than in my last car.

Do I need to go and check to see what they've removed?! (driver lumbar still there ;-)

It's passenger that got removed. No idea if it's been reinstated.

You're right - that's a terrible photo lol. Still, thanks for having a go

Would be interested to see an actual high quality photo of the new lights (with and without brake lights on) to compare.

 

[Peter 224]

April 2021 build M3 LR AWD, one reversing light N/S, one rear fog light O/S.
The reversing light seems to work to support the rear camera, the rear fog light is really bright.

 

[sparkymark75]

How do you find your build date? I understand you can't decipher it from the VIN and the sticker I have on the inside of my passenger door appears different from those online.

I'm assuming my car wasn't built in week 46 of 2007!

 

[Simonix]

It's passenger that got removed. No idea if it's been reinstated.

You're right - that's a terrible photo lol. Still, thanks for having a go

Would be interested to see an actual high quality photo of the new lights (with and without brake lights on) to compare.

These photos are from a FB group member, so not mine.

 

[Irata]

The brake lights are now the outer tail lights becoming brighter. No onger the tiny brake lights.

 

[Peter 224]

More parts simplification, the same boot rear light fit for all markets, it seems.
The new brake lights are 1000% better.

 

[browellm]

That is a lot.

 

[Electron Mike]

These photos are from a FB group member, so not mine.

View attachment 720966
View attachment 720967
View attachment 720968

Is this the new model 2021?

 

[Durzel]

Is this the new model 2021?

Basically, the Q4 on one and/or late Q3 built ones.

 

[Electron Mike]

Basically, the Q4 on one and/or late Q3 built ones.

So it's the up to date model 3 with dual reversing lights

 

[MrT3]

I've not seen this mentioned for a while so presume this problem has quietly gone away on newer cars?

Still a problem I believe.

 

[kelvin 660]

I thought my reversing light was brighter on my new SR+ than my old SR+. I will have to check tomorrow...

Just checked and it only has 1 reversing light! My car was manufactured in July 2021... Still the light does seem brighter...

 

[sparkymark75]

My car also has one reverse light. Delivered 7th Sep, no idea when it was manufactured!

 

[page3]

April 2021 build M3 LR AWD, one reversing light N/S, one rear fog light O/S.
The reversing light seems to work to support the rear camera, the rear fog light is really bright.

Same on my September SR+.

 

[Electron Mike]

I wonder can you fit extra bulbs / leds?

 

[teaston]

I wonder can you fit extra bulbs / leds?

No, they are built into the light. Probably possible to retrofit the light clusters if you can buy them, but might need some wiring changes.

 

[Js1977]

Noticed the two reversing light on ours the other day when the mrs reversed in and forgot to google/investigate. Collected ours on September 30th 21. I do remember telling the Mrs that our other one (September 2020) has probably came from factory with a burnt light so Ill probably have to raise a ticket to get it sorted under warranty lol

 

[page3]

FYI my brothers LR, which he collected a week after me has two reversing lights. My SR+ has one.