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TSportiline is speculating the M3 wheels are 18" x 8" and 19" x 8". The tires we know are 235/45/18 and 235/40/19.
The Tesla Model 3 Wheel and Tire Guide
So the wheels are speculated to be the same width and the tires are the same width. Take the cover off the 18" and the "ballon effect" disappears. The economy provided by the 18" is less rotating mass and high energy efficienct Michelin Green X tires with a wear rating of 500. The 19" has more rotating mass and less efficient Conti Pro Contacts with a wear rating of 400.
We all have different cares and concerns. I'm sure you have yours about whatever. Some see cars as just transportation, nothing more. Some see them as employment. Some see them as a tool like my track car was. Even as a tool I cared very much about its aesthetic looks. Some see them as personal art. Ever been to a car show? Each to their own. I leave you to yours.
I don't know - lipstick works pretty good! ;-)
I agree that the 18 tires look stretched and the wheel covers make it look worse. But the overall stance (positioning of wheel in fender - the 18s look quite small and tucked far into the fenders, especially in the rear with too much fender gap) could be improved with the 18s especially. Even with the 19s it's just OK. Compare to any BMW or Audi sedan and even Toyota/Nissan/GM is doing pretty good these days.
Not an issue that keeps me from buying one, though and they probably did it to improve aero.
Waiting4M3
Active Member
Finally saw my 1st M3 in person this morning in Los Gatos. Midnight grey with 18" aero wheel with covers on, SN 003, it already has a CA license plate put on.
The car looks gorgeous. The 18" aero wheels look great in person. I was kinda on the fence about it before, but will be getting the 18" for sure now. To all who have expressed concerns about the look, I would really recommend seeing it in person before ruling it out.
The panel fitting issue between the driver side rear door and the rear quarter panel is definitely visible. Looking edge on at that spot, the rear door may be slightly bulging out ~1/8" from the level of the rear quarter panel. That's basically the only gripe I can find about the car. Being the 1st batch, this is very encouraging.
I'm even more excited now (if it's even possible) about getting the car by early Q1. I didn't have my phone with me so no pics.
The car looks gorgeous. The 18" aero wheels look great in person. I was kinda on the fence about it before, but will be getting the 18" for sure now. To all who have expressed concerns about the look, I would really recommend seeing it in person before ruling it out.
The panel fitting issue between the driver side rear door and the rear quarter panel is definitely visible. Looking edge on at that spot, the rear door may be slightly bulging out ~1/8" from the level of the rear quarter panel. That's basically the only gripe I can find about the car. Being the 1st batch, this is very encouraging.
I'm even more excited now (if it's even possible) about getting the car by early Q1. I didn't have my phone with me so no pics.
I disagree that wheels are a big part of that (at least to me). I honestly couldn't tell you what the wheels on any of my past cars looked like. It's not something I ever look at when I'm looking at a car.
Garlan Garner
Banned
???
Is the Pearl White multi-coat paint on the Model 3 *different* than the Pearl White multi-coat paint my my Model S? My car definitely does not have a satin finish.
I thought the trunk fit a surf board! Cancelling my reservation!
Let me get a chainsaw and we will test if fitting a surf board is any problem
Red Model 3 spotted in my apartment garage in San Jose, CA. • r/teslamotors
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Outrageous! I can't carry my surfboard on the roof where it might get wet if it rains.
T34ME
Active Member
I flagged down a guy driving a base white (the shiny white) MS in the parking lot today. I commented that Shiny White was no longer available. He said his car was 4 years old (it looked brand new other than the bulbous nose) and said he was happy it was available when he purchased. He also had MGP caliper covers in red with glossy black rims. Outstanding look!!! He said after 4 years he is still madly in love with his car. He said I am going to love my TM3, even if it is Pearl White.
T34ME
Active Member
Garlan Garner
Banned
no VIN #?Let me get a chainsaw and we will test if fitting a surf board is any problem
Red Model 3 spotted in my apartment garage in San Jose, CA. • r/teslamotors
Garlan Garner
Banned
plankeye
That Vegan EV Guy
I've said this several times in various forums. You're the first other person I've seen talk about the rims being too wide for the tires. Along with them not looking good that way, the rims are very susceptible to getting scratched/rashed. I suppose the one positive thing is it probably helps handling, as the sidewalls will have less flex since they are already stretched on the wide rim.
plankeye
That Vegan EV Guy
I think the paint is shiny, its just hard to tell in most pictures of the white cars.
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