Rental Model X rides much quieter and smoother than my 2018. What gives?

[markinsf]

Took my MX manufactured 12/18 with 13K miles to the service center for some minor repairs.

They let me borrow a 2017 75D with 35K miles. The ride quality is much smoother and more compliant than my car. The road noise is also noticeably less.

The cars both have the 22" wheels with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. I checked the tire pressure on the rental car and it is 41psi - just as I keep my own tires.

I don't understand how the ride quality could differ so much from car to car. I've been driving around San Francisco - where the streets are falling apart - and what is usually a jarring and rough ride in my newer, lower mileage car, is a smoother, softer, and more quiet ride with the rental.

Any ideas here? Could the suspension be different between the two cars? I'm at a loss. I only know that I wish my own MX drove the way this rental does.

 

[David29]

When you brought it back, did you ask the service person? They might know.

 

[glide]

That’s how Tesla’s are built. There is no consistency.

I’ve been in 2014’s Model S that are very quiet and 2018’s that are very noisy. It’s a crapshoot and, unfortunately, nothing Tesla will do to fix it.

 

[djrockadoo]

You really don’t want to ride in a Raven then... night and day leap

 

[markinsf]

When you brought it back, did you ask the service person? They might know.

Hahhahaha. The service person? Knowing anything about the cars?

 

[markinsf]

That’s how Tesla’s are built. There is no consistency.

I’ve been in 2014’s Model S that are very quiet and 2018’s that are very noisy. It’s a crapshoot and, unfortunately, nothing Tesla will do to fix it.

Yeah. Sort of what I thought. Tesla - never again.

 

[viperssd]

Tire wear is a major component here. On my wife's Audi, it was extremely noticeable when we got new tires installed for road noise

 

[markinsf]

Tire wear is a major component here. On my wife's Audi, it was extremely noticeable when we got new tires installed for road noise

Thanks. The tires were almost shot on the rental. So this could have contributed to the quieter, smoother ride?

 

[kingkong5]

Do they both have air suspension?

 

[markinsf]

Do they both have air suspension?

Yes. Most definitely.

The only differences was that the rental was a 2016 (I said 2017 before but was wrong) and a 75D. Mine is a 2018 and a 100D.

Tires, wheels, air suspension the same. Thanks.

 

[Uncle Paul]

A 75X is much lighter than a 100X due to larger battey packs. Might have made some difference.

In my case though, My new X100 Raven rides and handles tremendously better than my prior X75. Raven suspension is on another level.

 

[wreighven]

I am so excited to “hear” this.

 

[jboy210]

Took my MX manufactured 12/18 with 13K miles to the service center for some minor repairs.

They let me borrow a 2017 75D with 35K miles. The ride quality is much smoother and more compliant than my car. The road noise is also noticeably less.

The cars both have the 22" wheels with the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. I checked the tire pressure on the rental car and it is 41psi - just as I keep my own tires.

I don't understand how the ride quality could differ so much from car to car. I've been driving around San Francisco - where the streets are falling apart - and what is usually a jarring and rough ride in my newer, lower mileage car, is a smoother, softer, and more quiet ride with the rental.

Any ideas here? Could the suspension be different between the two cars? I'm at a loss. I only know that I wish my own MX drove the way this rental does.

Your tires and rims may have some damage if you have hit potholes or curbs. This can make them rumble and shake. While low profile tires and rims look great they are much easier to damage.

 

[bob_p]

The tires will have the greatest impact on ride smoothness and road noise.

Underinflating the tires can produce smoother travel, likely trading off shorter life for the tires. Overinflating the tires has the adverse effect - rougher ride.

The tires are also a major source of road noise, coupled with the type of road (new asphalt is usually very quiet). If the tires have the foam inserts, they'll be quieter. Newer tires also seem quieter and get noisier as tread wears.

We've noticed our 2018 X seems noisier than our 2017 S - and I suspect it's due to the tires and not due to a difference in the vehicles.