Made in China Model 3: Build Quality / Hardware Differences

[mosraza]

All Q3 Model 3's and after have two reversing rear lights AFAIK. This was mentioned a while back here I'm sure.

 

[PaulMD]

All Q3 Model 3's and after have two reversing rear lights AFAIK. This was mentioned a while back here I'm sure.

Searched this thread before posting and found no mention of it.

 

[sparkymark75]

Searched this thread before posting and found no mention of it.

I just saw it mentioned on Facebook today, I didn't even realise. Seemingly the rear indicators are bigger which would be better as the indicators are tiny.

 

[teaston]

My Q3 doesn’t have two reverse lights!

 

[Doudeau]

Nor does mine - MIC registered May.

 

[teaston]

Nor does mine - MIC registered May.

This is definitely a Q3 change, so any car pre July built won’t have it.

 

[Kevg]

Mines not got 2 reversing lights I’m sure Not that light up anyway… didn’t pick up til end September but will check build date tomorrow.

 

[teaston]

Looks like the change was some time between second to last week of july to second to last week of august.

 

[Irata]

The brake lights have changed as well.

I don't think they are simply exchangeable with the previous taillights, the wiring harness is likely different. There are some 3rd party replacement taillights that are similar, they needed a wiring modification to install.

 

[Kevg]

new thread - “show us your rear”

 

[Kevg]

Also before I spam this post anymore. If mine doesn’t have 2 reverse lights I might have to buy the eagle eye tail light kit

 

[teaston]

Also before I spam this post anymore. If mine doesn’t have 2 reverse lights I might have to buy the eagle eye tail light kit

I am a bit gutted I haven’t hot the new lights, but this is the thing buying a Tesla, whenever you buy there’ll always be something new just around the corner!

Nowhere near as gutted as I would have been if some 71 plates had the new larger battery pack that they’re already getting in Europe!

 

[Durzel]

First I’d heard of new rear lights as well. Unfortunately (?) Tesla are always innovating, so there’s always going to be things like this happening.

 

[kelvin 660]

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

 

[mosraza]

My Q3 doesn’t have two reverse lights! View attachment 720748

That's because you have a sexy car already... I LOVE the Red so much. Does it show swirls/dirt much?

 

[MrBadger]

First I’d heard of new rear lights as well. Unfortunately (?) Tesla are always innovating, so there’s always going to be things like this happening.

I'm not sure that I would use the inclusion of two reversing lights as an example of Tesla always innovating. Whilst there are plenty of examples of Tesla innovating, I've had cars dating back to early 70's (and earlier models from 60's had them too) with 2 reversing lights so not really sure that this one is an example of innovation

But yes, Tesla are constantly tweaking the spec of their vehicles (for better or worse) so the whole idea of model year/refresh cars is much looser than other car manufacturers as these changes can occur at any point without notice.

 

[Durzel]

Yeah that’s a fair point, “innovating” is the wrong word in this case. “For better or worse” is definitely right, like the dimming mirrors or even the frunk bag hooks.

 

[Cardo]

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!

 

[PITA]

Looks like the change was some time between second to last week of july to second to last week of august.

My car was ordered in August and collected on 10th September 2021 in Uk. Made in China.

I only have a single reverse light on the nearside light cluster.

 

[browellm]

Cut to scene: bloke in Tesla overalls distractedly looking over at the parts bin as he tries to complete a tricky Sudoku
"Yeah, just stick two reversing lights in week then, it'll be fine."