Perry
Active Member
I see talk about Tesla changing control arms for the larger 20" wheels. Does this mean if I get my model 3 with 18" wheels and want to change to 19", I'll have to also change my control arms?
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Model 3 "Performance Brake Calipers" just red or different altogether?
- Thread starter fiksegts
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Msjulie
Active Member
Tesla only includes the suspension change in the 20" tire package. So you should be fine going to 19s.
Perry
Active Member
But why are they changing the control arms? Will the 20" not fit otherwise? What if I later want to put 20s, will I have to change my control arms?
They don't change the control arms, they only change the rear upper fore links. I assume it has to do with the camber adjustment.
I don't know if you would need to revert to the original fore links to go back to 18" or 19" wheels. (The site doesn't say anything, and the manual doesn't mention them at all.)
Perry
Active Member
So then I am assuming that all those who bought the car with Aero 18" wheels and upgraded to 20" wheels are now having alignment problems due to the inability to do proper camber adjustment?
The 20" tire package comes with the rear fore links and are installed at the same time as the tires/wheels.
Perry
Active Member
I understand but why would the fore links come with the 20" unless the the ones that come with the 18" wheels where inappropriate for putting 20" wheels on them.
Therefore I can conclude that those who bought the car with Aero 18" wheels and upgraded to after market 20" wheels will have problems with alignment unless they also change their links.
TexasTeslaRacing
Member
No you won’t have to change control arms. The new arms are just reinforced. Just like if you purchased the 20” through Tesla online.
If you just want to go cosmetic, Evvanex sells M3 red caliper covers for $249 and alloy pedal covers for $49.
To clarify some confusion about the suspension changes with the $5k Perf Upgrade which includes the 20" wheels:
The suspension changes are not related to the 20" wheels, they are related to the suspension sitting 1cm lower. When you install shorter springs, unless the car has adjustable camber from the factory (such as many BMW products), you will need a "camber kit" in order for your tires to still be in-spec camber-wise. Tesla's installing this kit for you. This means that you are free to change to any other wheels you wish, such as the 18" Aeros, without a worry in the world -- your car will still be 1cm lower than a stock TM3, and camber will still be in spec.
The suspension changes are not related to the 20" wheels, they are related to the suspension sitting 1cm lower. When you install shorter springs, unless the car has adjustable camber from the factory (such as many BMW products), you will need a "camber kit" in order for your tires to still be in-spec camber-wise. Tesla's installing this kit for you. This means that you are free to change to any other wheels you wish, such as the 18" Aeros, without a worry in the world -- your car will still be 1cm lower than a stock TM3, and camber will still be in spec.
Can’t argue that lowering the car affects camber but you can purchase the 20” tire package from the Tesla store for the RWD non-lowered car that is described by Tesla as:
“Upgrade your Model 3 with 20” Sport wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires for enhanced performance and style. This package includes rear suspension adjustments to optimize ride quality, and is only available for installation after delivery.
Note that high-performance wheels and tires may affect your range.
Includes:
- 4 x 20X8.5J Sport wheels
- 4 x 235/35/20 – Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- 4 x tire pressure sensors
- 4 x Tesla logo Sport wheel center caps
- 2 x rear upper fore links”
Knightshade
Well-Known Member
Yeah- that's the question.
You can change suspension height via control arms, so it's possible that's why the P with 20s is lower (it remains unclear if ONLY the P with 20s is lower, or if all Ps are)
If they're changing height with springs it's weird they'd bother to develop a new part (or multiple new parts if the shocks are also different) and then have it be such a tiny drop.
You can change suspension height via control arms, so it's possible that's why the P with 20s is lower (it remains unclear if ONLY the P with 20s is lower, or if all Ps are)
If they're changing height with springs it's weird they'd bother to develop a new part (or multiple new parts if the shocks are also different) and then have it be such a tiny drop.
ShaneXman
Member
Perry
Active Member
I don't get why 20" wheels need new rear upper fore links. Does this have to do with lowering? It doesn't look like it since they would not be lowering the car when you install 20" post sale. And then why only rear links? Are they lowering the rear only?
I think Tesla updated the Model 3 comparison page and listed the lower suspension as possible upgrades to the performance package. It doesn't tell us if the 20" wheel setup is directly related to the 1cm drop or not however.
Perry
Active Member
Where is this page? and what do you mean by "performance package", the performance upgrade or the base performance?
Knightshade
Well-Known Member
Someone posted this early this morning-
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/media/screen-shot-2018-07-16-at-9-04-54-am.118626/
Shows the suspension change as an "upgrade" on the P, as in- part of the $5000 performance package.
Still no details though on if it's just a geometry change for the 20s or a "real" suspension upgrade like different springs/shocks
ShaneXman
Member
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