August 22, 2021 mini-Update
Brands
- Abstract Ocean (tried white & red lights)
- Oznium, on Amazon.com (tried white; red available)
- RPM Tesla (tried white; red available)
- Tesla (now EV) Offer (white only)
Test Vehicle
2021 Tesla Model X (pre-refresh version) - has 13 upgrade-able interior lights (11 white, two red)
- frunk (2 lights)
- glove-box (1)
- front left & right foot-wells (2)
- left & right bottom-door puddle lights (2)
- left & right rear door-edge red safety lights (2)
- left & right rear foot-well (2)
- left-wall trunk light (1)
- lift-gate trunk light (1)
Perceived Brightness (non-scientific) (from brightest to least bright)
- RPM Tesla
- Oznium
- Abstract Ocean
- Tesla Offer
... - OEM Tesla lights
Order Delivery Times (include non-light parts deliveries)
- Oznium (via Amazon) – 3 days (Colorado? to California)
- Abstract Ocean – 3 days (Texas? to Sacramento, California area) (shipment #1)
Abstract Ocean -- 5 days (shipment # 2)
Abstract Ocean -- 4 days (shipment #3) - Tesla Offer – 4 days (Hong Kong to California—part of larger order)
- RPM Tesla – 19 days (southern California to northern California) (order #1)
RPM Tesla -- 21 days (order #2)
- Abstract Ocean and RPM Tesla lights appear to fit and be applicable everywhere (i.e., all 13 locations, white and red).
- All brands attached to OEM wiring connectors without problems.
- Oznium included a small, metal flat-blade screwdriver in a professional-looking package. But do not use this to pry out existing Tesla light fixtures. It could damage the car and/or light. Use a small plastic trim removal tool (e.g., from Abstract Ocean, Amazon, or local auto parts store)—better yet get an inexpensive set (see below). Best use for metal screwdriver? Read below.
- The hardest OEM Tesla light to remove (for me) was on the lift-gate in the trunk area. It took me three different plastic trim removal tools, sometimes two at a time. Really tight. A bright RPM Tesla light went there, as this location acts as an overhead light for the rear of the trunk when the lift-gate is fully open.
- An Oznium light would NOT fit properly in the second trunk location—on the left-side interior wall (opposite to the outside charge port). It was too loose and would not stay in the opening. An RPM Tesla light went there, also.
- I replaced the two rear foot-well lights--located in open skeletal mounts beneath the front seats--with one hand in a tight, (ironically) dark area. I’ve since read that these mounts are on rails or otherwise come out more easily? My bad. Regardless, use caution as the mounts can break. Support the mount carefully as you remove or install a light. Illuminate the area with a flashlight or cell phone. Maybe enlist the aid of a helper?
- Abstract Ocean (AO) lights are bright and AO is very quick to process and deliver orders. And I like the fact that AO has apparently engineered a proper balance between maximum light brightness while maintaining a safe load on the car's electrical circuitry. Plus they offer light sets pre-tailored for each of the four Tesla car models. If you want a full light set (white and red) from one supplier, at a decent comparable price, and you want it quick, look no further.
- The four Oznium lights were impressively packaged and included that small screwdriver, which is perfect for releasing the plastic catch that holds the Tesla wire connectors to all these lights. Oznium scores points for the screwdriver, for the short pigtail connector built-in to each light (particularly good for puddle light replacement), and for brightness. Oznium loses points for not quite fitting everywhere.
- Tesla Offer lights seem fine. Not the brightest, but they fit and are the least expensive; plus, still brighter than OEM Tesla lights. Although they don’t currently offer red lenses (for the doors), you could replace the remaining 11 lights for just $77.
- RPM Tesla annoyed me with its chronically slow shipping. But I have to admit that they appear to have the brightest lights (of this group). Worth waiting for? Would a full set put an excessive electrical load onto the car's circuit? Probably not. All I know is that they are good for the trunk and frunk areas at night. However, other lights--Abstract Ocean, Oznium--would also serve, as well. In my mind I keep coming back to the comparably slow deliveries. Why, RPM Tesla, why?
Abstract Ocean and Oznium offer complete Model X discounted light bundles. A complete bundle can also be cobbled together on the RPM Tesla site (if you are not in a hurry to receive them). Tesla Offer does not carry red lights.
- Tesla Offer - $77 (11 white lights) (website: Tesla Offer)
- Oznium - $104 (13 lights plus small metal screwdriver) (Oznium)
- Abstract Ocean - $115 (all 13 lights plus sacrificial plastic tool) (Abstract Ocean)
- RPM Tesla - $121 (13 lights) (RPM Tesla)
- The videos make it look simple, and for many locations it is. But not for all. In general take care when disconnecting the OEM Tesla lights. Give yourself plenty of time. Don't work in the dark or in the cold (if possible). Difficulty varies widely depending on location of the lights.
- Don’t break a connector or pull out a wire, and don’t use a metal tool that could damage your car. Use inexpensive plastic trim removal tools instead, and patience.
- Unknown. Time will tell. Since I am using all four aftermarket brands (in different locations), it will be interesting to see how they stand up.
- Has anyone been using any of these brands for long enough to experience failures from age?
- How long should we expect LED lights to last under normal conditions?
What to do with all the functioning but rather dim* OEM Tesla lights? Maybe for a small 12-volt Christmas tree or dollhouse lighting?
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* I could categorize certain politicians the same way.
Note: I am reminded to say that I am not affiliated or associated in any way with any of these businesses, received no special discount (above what you could get), and I received no compensation of any kind from any of these light/accessory companies.
Photos
Photo 1 (from left): Abstract Ocean, Oznium, RPM Tesla, Tesla Offer, and OEM Tesla plug-in lights (bottoms).
Photo 2: Same order (tops). You may be able to see different numbers of yellow LEDs under the clear lenses. For example, the OEM Tesla light has just one LED unit; RPM Tesla 6, I think.
Photo 3: Same order. Note that the Oznium lights differ from the other in design. For example, they have clear plastic tabs (to fit tight against edges of light holes) to the sides of the light body (see red arrow). The other models have them at the ends of the light body (see green arrow pointing at Tesla Offer light). This may explain why the Oznium light happened to be too loose in my trunk wall location.
Photos 4 & 5. Oznium box.
Photo 6. Abstract Ocean package.
Photos 7 & 8. RPM Tesla box.
Photo 9. Example of plastic trim tools; these from a kit for sale on Amazon.
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