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I agree that basic build quality is probably worse than a similarly priced BMW, Audi, etc. I haven't had any quality issues with mine but I know if I started m

I agree that basic build quality is probably worse than a similarly priced BMW, Audi, etc. I haven't had any quality issues with mine but I know if I started measuring panel gaps it won't measure up to others in the price range. Noise insulation at highway speeds, door closing sounds, etc. don't quite measure up with the price either. Mostly I prefer the simplicity of the vehicle and drivetrain. Alternatives from other companies are getting more complex both in interior (3 touchscreens + buttons + weird electronic shifter knobs) and drivetrain (auto start/stop, hybrid, plugin hybrid, 48v mild hybrid, turbo + supercharger, etc.) A basic standard un-complicated ICE setup is becoming obsolete due to emissions, fuel economy, and power targets. The biggest change I would make to the Model 3 design is ditching the frameless windows and using normal door frames which are less complex (no need for the window to move each time you open a door) and easier to seal up.

bentcorner 7y ago
> The biggest change I would make to the Model 3 design is ditching the frameless windows and using normal door frames which are less complex (no need for the window to move each time you open a door) and easier to seal up. It'd be interesting to understand why the window needs to move down to open the door. I had a 90's acura integra that also had frameless windows, and the door seal was engineered such that it flexed enough to allow you to open/close the door with the window all the way up, but (as far as I can remember) road noise and weather sealing wasn't a problem.
- mywittyname 7y ago
  Most frameless window cars now have a drip edge around the window that's supposed to keep moisture away from the door seals. The window goes down a bit in order for the window to clear the drip edge. If your battery goes dead in one, then the window will catch a little and pull. It's okay if it happens a few times, but over time it will probably pull the window off of the tracks.
ImprovedSilence 7y ago
I thought bmw and mercs do the window thing too.
- greedo 7y ago
  My VW CC has frameless windows that drop a centimeter when you unlock the doors. While I like the look, I think this increases road/wind noise.
- stetrain 7y ago
  Some do, some don't. It's definitely a common thing in higher end cars, I just think it's probably over-extending for Tesla to implement this more complex system in a car that's supposed to be cheaper as well as their first real high-volume production vehicle. Other decisions (single center screen, recessed air vents, lack of physical controls) all seem to be about simplicity and reducing parts in favor of software. Frameless doors and window seals kind of goes against that in favor of fashion.

bentcorner 7y ago

> The biggest change I would make to the Model 3 design is ditching the frameless windows and using normal door frames which are less complex (no need for the window to move each time you open a door) and easier to seal up. It'd be interesting to understand why the window needs to move down to open the door. I had a 90's acura integra that also had frameless windows, and the door seal was engineered such that it flexed enough to allow you to open/close the door with the window all the way up, but (as far as I can remember) road noise and weather sealing wasn't a problem.

mywittyname 7y ago
Most frameless window cars now have a drip edge around the window that's supposed to keep moisture away from the door seals. The window goes down a bit in order for the window to clear the drip edge. If your battery goes dead in one, then the window will catch a little and pull. It's okay if it happens a few times, but over time it will probably pull the window off of the tracks.

ImprovedSilence 7y ago

I thought bmw and mercs do the window thing too.

greedo 7y ago
My VW CC has frameless windows that drop a centimeter when you unlock the doors. While I like the look, I think this increases road/wind noise.
stetrain 7y ago
Some do, some don't. It's definitely a common thing in higher end cars, I just think it's probably over-extending for Tesla to implement this more complex system in a car that's supposed to be cheaper as well as their first real high-volume production vehicle. Other decisions (single center screen, recessed air vents, lack of physical controls) all seem to be about simplicity and reducing parts in favor of software. Frameless doors and window seals kind of goes against that in favor of fashion.