I just did my first air filter change in my Model 3. I had watched several videos about how hard it was to unscrew the air filter cover, so I was prepared for a fight. But my September 2021 Model 3 SR+ has a redesigned air filter cover, with the screw at the bottom of the cover and the tab at the top of the cover--making it way easier to get the cover off and on. This was a pleasant surprise and I'm haven't seen anything about this design change, so I'm wondering if mine is one of the first cars to get this feature. I definitely changed my air filters before it was necessary, so that may be why other folks haven't posted about it yet.
Other changes include rerouting of the orange power cables that used to obstruct access to the air filter cover. I was expecting to have to move those cables, but they aren't in the way anymore. I also didn't have to disconnect the speaker or light in the upper panel to do the job--something I've seen everyone do in all the tutorials I watched on YouTube. There was enough slack in those wires to get set that panel off the the right side and easily access the air filters.
Or maybe I'm just the last person to realize these changes?
I had purchased the air filter magnetic cover from Abstract Ocean (it was $30 plus shipping), but since they fixed the cover I don't need it anymore. If you have an older car and want a deal on this magnetic cover, message me. I'll probably ship it to you for $10 USD...just hate to throw it away since it's brand new.
Other changes include rerouting of the orange power cables that used to obstruct access to the air filter cover. I was expecting to have to move those cables, but they aren't in the way anymore. I also didn't have to disconnect the speaker or light in the upper panel to do the job--something I've seen everyone do in all the tutorials I watched on YouTube. There was enough slack in those wires to get set that panel off the the right side and easily access the air filters.
Or maybe I'm just the last person to realize these changes?
I had purchased the air filter magnetic cover from Abstract Ocean (it was $30 plus shipping), but since they fixed the cover I don't need it anymore. If you have an older car and want a deal on this magnetic cover, message me. I'll probably ship it to you for $10 USD...just hate to throw it away since it's brand new.