Wheel trading

I would be ecstatic to option 19" wheels on my 40 kWh Model S and swap them plus $2,000 to any other Model S owner (Sig or otherwise) that wants to give up the 21" wheels (even with 6-9 months of wear on them).


UPDATE: I'm not getting the Model S any more so I can't swap with anyone. :-(

I'm betting that Telsa will change their tune on allowing Signature owners to trade in their 21" wheels for cash and/or options. If not, I would be open to such a swap, although I'm considering the aero-wheels. Hard to judge from the photo on the Tesla options page, but while I don't like the look as much, I want the extra range they a projected to bring.

The people at Tesla I spoke to yesterday said right off the bat that Signature owners can't downgrade for refunds/credits.

I'm most likely getting a Signature and would consider swapping down to the 19 inch wheels if I can find someone who wants the 21 inch.

I get that the giant 21 inch wheels look good, but they have a lot of drawbacks vs the 19 inch wheels.

1. Tires choices are fewer and significantly more expensive.
2. Ride is rougher due to lower profile tires.
3. Rolling resistance is higher, meaning less range.

I love the look of the turbine wheels, and if they were available in a 19 inch size, that would be my choice.
Why do you want the 21 inch wheels other than for the turbine look?

richkae said:

I love the look of the turbine wheels, and if they were available in a 19 inch size, that would be my choice.

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Hi Rich,

I certainly agree and I recently expressed my opinion to our store manager suggesting that Tesla add the option of 19 inch turbine wheels.

Larry

WhiteKnight, I don't think you really want to trade 19" wheels for the 21" wheels after 6-9 months of wear on MY roads. But if you don't mind lots and lots of damage to the metal from flying gravel, and probably a couple of repaired punctures, you might have yourself a deal.

richkae said:

I'm most likely getting a Signature and would consider swapping down to the 19 inch wheels if I can find someone who wants the 21 inch.

I get that the giant 21 inch wheels look good, but they have a lot of drawbacks vs the 19 inch wheels.

1. Tires choices are fewer and significantly more expensive.
2. Ride is rougher due to lower profile tires.
3. Rolling resistance is higher, meaning less range.

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There's more:
4. Available tires for the 21" wear out at least twice as fast. Look at the UTQG ratings for the selections.
5. Wider wheels get more rim damage from flying gravel and curb strikes, where on the 19" that would be the tire getting hit.

neroden said:

curb strikes, where on the 19" that would be the tire getting hit.

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At least on the model that they had on display the 19" wheel protrudes beyond the protection of the tire!

Lloyd said:

At least on the model that they had on display the 19" wheel protrudes beyond the protection of the tire!

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And here in Boston, all curbstones are granite (by law)! They can do a number on rims really quickly.

litte out of thread but .. :

Tesla light-alloy-wheel supplier : ?

Sportservice Lorinser | Light-alloy wheels

http://www.sportservice.lorinser.com/light-alloy-wheels.html

EV_de said:

litte out of thread but .. :

Tesla light-alloy-wheel supplier : ?

Sportservice Lorinser | Light-alloy wheels

http://www.sportservice.lorinser.com/light-alloy-wheels.html

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Those are very similar but not the exact same. The Betas on 10/1 had 10 spokes in the turbine wheels, these have only 9 spokes.

.. but similar enough for me and my 19" turbine winter tire sets ... :smile:

WhiteKnight said:

Those are very similar but not the exact same. The Betas on 10/1 had 10 spokes in the turbine wheels, these have only 9 spokes.

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Thats a good Idea to make your S look Unique. Get the 19 wheels that come with the S. Then buy the chrome or black version of those wheels on your own. You can even get 19 inch rims.

All in all, It will run you an extra $1000 since the 21 inch wheels are $3500.00 From Tesla.

http://www.carid.com/lorinser-wheels/rs8-105136.html

WhiteKnight said:

Those are very similar but not the exact same. The Betas on 10/1 had 10 spokes in the turbine wheels, these have only 9 spokes.

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The prototype also had 9...
Tesla Model S Sedan Prototype Unveiled

Lloyd said:

At least on the model that they had on display the 19" wheel protrudes beyond the protection of the tire!

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I'm hoping the aeros are different

We also live in an area with granite curbs (though it isn't by law).

neroden said:

I'm hoping the aeros are different

We also live in an area with granite curbs (though it isn't by law).

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what's the point about the granite curbs ?

Maybe they think they're harder than concrete and do more damage?

granite curbs are standard in germany , but you get only in touch with them if you park sideways and you are not used to your vehicle ...

Mycroft said:

Maybe they think they're harder than concrete and do more damage?

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Here's a good picture of a typical granite curbstone:

Not only is granite harder than typical concrete (or asphalt curbs, used in many areas), it has a 90-degree angle and often protruding irregularities extending outward -- sometimes, by a centimeter or more.

EV_de said:

you get only in touch with them if you park sideways and you are not used to your vehicle ...

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Well, ideally, yes, but (a) parallel parking is the primary form of public parking in the Boston area and (b) there are often challenges that make the ideal parking maneuvers challenging (hills, sharp curves, poorly parked surrounding cars, etc.). The point is, with sharp-edged granite curbs everywhere, all it takes is one mis-cue and you'll have just put a nasty scrape on these 19" rims.