Delivery / Service Issues (panel gaps, delivery delays / issues / Service problems etc)

[Gauss Guzzler]

2021's built in Q1/Q2 have a 10 inch length of weatherstripping abruptly trimmed away from that region to clear the power trunk strut.
Yours appears to have something weird in the gap up near the trunk hinge. Is that what you're referring to? Maybe they changed the weatherstrip trimming for Q3 cars?

At any rate, that weatherstripping is for aesthetics/noise/debris and is not intended to block water.

 

[Ron_M3]

Took delivery of M3 LR 5 days ago. After coming home noticed about 8-9 mm gap at the driver side rear roof panel/trunk lid (see photo). Took it to a car wash - no leak or any other road noise. I logged with the mobile service tech who came to install HokeLink. Should I take it to a SC (2 hours away) or not worry about it?

I'd show it to the mobile service tech and get their thoughts. They would know whether it's an easy correction or adjusting it might cause some other issue.

 

[KenC]

Took delivery of M3 LR 5 days ago. After coming home noticed about 8-9 mm gap at the driver side rear roof panel/trunk lid (see photo). Took it to a car wash - no leak or any other road noise. I logged with the mobile service tech who came to install HokeLink. Should I take it to a SC (2 hours away) or not worry about it?

Can you show us the comparable pic on the right? And a pic of the whole back to check for symmetry?

 

[Nallambal]

Can you show us the comparable pic on the right? And a pic of the whole back to check for symmetry?

Here is a left and right comparison.

 

[Nallambal]

I'd show it to the mobile service tech and get their thoughts. They would know whether it's an easy correction or adjusting it might cause some other issue.

The mobile tech measured and uploaded the pictures to Tesla. He said the rear roof is misaligned. Not sure what this means. The car drives great and coming from a Prius Prime, I love the handling. If not for the cosmetic defects, this car is close to perfect.

 

[Nallambal]

Here is a left and right comparison.

Picture of the back. I don't see any major realignment (I didn't even notice the gap before taking delivery..so, not a good eye)

 

[Josie67]

I just received my M3P Tuesday afternoon, and after 3 days of scrutinizing the car/washing/waxing/vacuuming etc, I haven’t noticed one build issue at all! Panels are all aligned well, the paint is in exceptional shape, and zero issues inside.

 

[Nallambal]

I just received my M3P Tuesday afternoon, and after 3 days of scrutinizing the car/washing/waxing/vacuuming etc, I haven’t noticed one build issue at all! Panels are all aligned well, the paint is in exceptional shape, and zero issues inside.

Enjoy! Alignment looks great from the pictures.

 

[lukey13]

To the 2021 M3 owners, do you guys have this big gap too on the right side? I just noticed it a week after I got my car back from the service. They fixed the alignment of the trunk but I’m not sure if they made any adjustments on the tail lights and bumper too.

 

[Nallambal]

To the 2021 M3 owners, do you guys have this big gap too on the right side? I just noticed it a week after I got my car back from the service. They fixed the alignment of the trunk but I’m not sure if they made any adjustments on the tail lights and bumper too.

Do you see the gap between the tail light and the trunk lid? Hard to tell from the picture

 

[lukey13]

Do you see the gap between the tail light and the trunk lid? Hard to tell from the picture

I do. The right tail light’s looks bigger. Here’s more pictures and I took some pictures of the left one too for comparison.

 

[Nallambal]

I do. The right tail light’s looks bigger. Here’s more pictures and I took some pictures of the left one too for comparison.

I checked mine (also white M3 LR, 2021). I do have gaps and some protrusion. I didn't notice/bother. I took the car for a wash and don't notice any condensation/leaks. Looks like the tail light units are individually sealed. I would not worry too much.

 

[travis3000]

Now I am worried about having issues when I pick my car up... these stories are scary. I certainly hope I don't have to refuse it or send it back for a week to deal with these issues. Fingers crossed. At the very least I am going to be very particular when I examine the vehicle before I sign off on it.

 

[sychotix]

Now I am worried about having issues when I pick my car up... these stories are scary. I certainly hope I don't have to refuse it or send it back for a week to deal with these issues. Fingers crossed. At the very least I am going to be very particular when I examine the vehicle before I sign off on it.

Ask yourself, how many people buying a Tesla 1) Browsing this forum, and 2) Going to post saying "Yup, car was great." Those that have issues are much more likely to make a post. Many other car brands have these issues as well, but people typically don't walk around their car with a measuring tape to ensure a gap isn't half an inch bigger on one side.

 

[sroy]

Now I am worried about having issues when I pick my car up... these stories are scary. I certainly hope I don't have to refuse it or send it back for a week to deal with these issues. Fingers crossed. At the very least I am going to be very particular when I examine the vehicle before I sign off on it.

The vast majority of people have no issues at all. The second largest group have minor easy-to-fix issues. Horror stories are over represented on the web and rare. 184 000 3/Y delivered in Q1.

 

[JarLockHen]

I just received my M3P Tuesday afternoon, and after 3 days of scrutinizing the car/washing/waxing/vacuuming etc, I haven’t noticed one build issue at all! Panels are all aligned well, the paint is in exceptional shape, and zero issues inside.

Beautiful! Makes me wish I had gone with red now instead of black. Congrats! Glad to hear no issues

 

[ilikemypizza]

So did any of you ever manage to get this gap corrected? Just took delivery of a 2021 M3P built on 2/25, and it’s absolutely perfect, except for a similar gap so it’s still happening.

I reported to service, just curious what the consensus is with the repair.

I can for sure live with it, especially if fixing causes other issues, but if easy I’ll get it corrected. Looks like there were several reported but can’t find any follow-up posts w/ corrections.

Tim

I also have this gap. Has anyone had this issue fixed by Tesla? Wondering if it's worth the bother. I took delivery on 3/29

 

[TBrownTX]

I also have this gap. Has anyone had this issue fixed by Tesla? Wondering if it's worth the bother. I took delivery on 3/29

Ended up canceling the service appointment I had to fix it. It doesn’t bother me anymore.

Tim

 

[ilikemypizza]

Ended up canceling the service appointment I had to fix it. It doesn’t bother me anymore.

Tim

Yeah, that is where my head is at too. Its hard to notice and its not the worst thing in the world. My only complaint right now is my misaligned trunk (gap on the right is smaller than the left), but I am learning to live with the imperfections

 

[TBrownTX]

Yeah, that is where my head is at too. Its hard to notice and its not the worst thing in the world. My only complaint right now is my misaligned trunk (gap on the right is smaller than the left), but I am learning to live with the imperfections

Same. I worry other stuff will get messed up if I attempt to fix. I would have never noticed any of this on another car or thought twice about it, we get hypersensitive being conditioned to look for "panel gaps" due to forums like these. It's an awesome car overall and I'm absolutely loving it, a few minor flaws detract nothing from the ownership experience.

Tim