I wanted to provide a quick post/feedback regarding my experience last night with our brand new M3LR and the Matrix Headlights. If you have been following this thread 2022 Q2 production Model 3 missing matrix headlights? of which I have been actively involved, with the recent changes to M3’s, where some were now coming with the older reflector headlights, I have been actively involved since this all occurred right before we were going to pick up our M3. I want to be clear, I dont want or mean this to become a argument thread about reflector vs matrix, they are both very good, but just wanted to share an update, especially since the headlights became unfortunately very critically needed on our very first major drive/outing with our brand new M3, with only 150 miles on the odometer so far . . .
As mentioned in the ‘missing matrix headlights’ thread linked above, I have a unfortunate heath condition which has greatly degraded my night vision. When researching cars for our next purchase, good quality headlights were at the very top of the list. I know that the older reflector style are also very good, top rated, as my brother has one of the very first M3s to roll off the assembly line and I have used his car. I then researched and tested the newer Matrix headlights, and for me they were even better, but both very good, and a huge upgrade from what we had before. So I was very happy when our M3 finally arrived, and had the Matrix headlights.
We unfortunately ended up having to put them to the true test right away. This week, my father in law was given some horrible news that his cancer had returned, and far worse then initially thought. We ended up making a unplanned drive to their place, about 80 miles way, through dark backcountry curvy roads. We ended up staying until very late. I am not a fan of driving at night due to my night vision/health issues, and especially a night like last night, where it was not only very dark, but also pouring down rain. Add in that it was a late hour, and being tired and exhausted from the stress/emotion of the situation. However there also was no way I was going to cut things short and not let my wife spend the much needed time there with her dad and family. When we did finally leave, I was pretty worried, as it was pitch black, raining buckets and there was tons of standing water/road spray. Also really our first big trip in the new Tesla, so still getting used to it, and first time with our dog in the back, and she was still antsy and not yet comfortable. So suffice it to say I was tired, stressed, and worried.
As we got out of town and hit the first real dark area out in the country back roads, we were just blown away- the headlights are absolutely AMAZING- they truely light up the world, and really are effective at piercing a heavy downpour of rain and road spray. I could see really well, the light is so bright but also the matrix makes it very evenly spread out, no hotspots. Combined with a fresh coat of rain-x on the windshield glass, and I was able to easily drive home, and what a relief! Seem crazy to have that big of a life impact such as that on somethign seemingly so ‘trivial’ as a freaking headlight, but it really was. Especially since I anticipate there is going to unfortunately be a lot of late night drives back from her parents house in our near future due to the cancer treatment and care needed. Gives me great comfort too that if my wife drives there solo, as she most likely will have to do on a regular basis to assist with care, she will be safe and secure. . .
Thanks for listening and thanks Tesla for our initial experience in the car to be really good and a much needed literal ‘bright spot’ (pun intended) in an otherwise dark time . . .
As mentioned in the ‘missing matrix headlights’ thread linked above, I have a unfortunate heath condition which has greatly degraded my night vision. When researching cars for our next purchase, good quality headlights were at the very top of the list. I know that the older reflector style are also very good, top rated, as my brother has one of the very first M3s to roll off the assembly line and I have used his car. I then researched and tested the newer Matrix headlights, and for me they were even better, but both very good, and a huge upgrade from what we had before. So I was very happy when our M3 finally arrived, and had the Matrix headlights.
We unfortunately ended up having to put them to the true test right away. This week, my father in law was given some horrible news that his cancer had returned, and far worse then initially thought. We ended up making a unplanned drive to their place, about 80 miles way, through dark backcountry curvy roads. We ended up staying until very late. I am not a fan of driving at night due to my night vision/health issues, and especially a night like last night, where it was not only very dark, but also pouring down rain. Add in that it was a late hour, and being tired and exhausted from the stress/emotion of the situation. However there also was no way I was going to cut things short and not let my wife spend the much needed time there with her dad and family. When we did finally leave, I was pretty worried, as it was pitch black, raining buckets and there was tons of standing water/road spray. Also really our first big trip in the new Tesla, so still getting used to it, and first time with our dog in the back, and she was still antsy and not yet comfortable. So suffice it to say I was tired, stressed, and worried.
As we got out of town and hit the first real dark area out in the country back roads, we were just blown away- the headlights are absolutely AMAZING- they truely light up the world, and really are effective at piercing a heavy downpour of rain and road spray. I could see really well, the light is so bright but also the matrix makes it very evenly spread out, no hotspots. Combined with a fresh coat of rain-x on the windshield glass, and I was able to easily drive home, and what a relief! Seem crazy to have that big of a life impact such as that on somethign seemingly so ‘trivial’ as a freaking headlight, but it really was. Especially since I anticipate there is going to unfortunately be a lot of late night drives back from her parents house in our near future due to the cancer treatment and care needed. Gives me great comfort too that if my wife drives there solo, as she most likely will have to do on a regular basis to assist with care, she will be safe and secure. . .
Thanks for listening and thanks Tesla for our initial experience in the car to be really good and a much needed literal ‘bright spot’ (pun intended) in an otherwise dark time . . .
