Model 3 Performance - Digital Tinnitus

[neuematic]

Hey guys - recently took delivery of a slightly used '22 M3/P. Love this car but it certainly has it's quirks. I was wondering if anyone had this issue, or if it was considered normal: At highway speeds I can hear a high pitched digital-esque "frequency" sound emitting from somewhere in front of me. Very difficult to describe it outside of something along the lines of "digital tinnitus" or the way a movie might portray digital information being transcribed.

I have a Service Center appointment scheduled for weather strip issues (imagine my surprised in the autowash to feel my arm get sprayed with water!) and am wondering if this is something that might also be worth having addressed?

 

[jjrandorin]

Some people hear the motors more than others. Normal operation can sound like that to some. There is almost assuredly nothing for service to address for it (or nothing they can address is more accurate) but you can certainly ask. i am sure thats what you will be told though ("Sir/Ma'am those are normal operation sounds").

 

[neuematic]

That's what I was wondering. This is my first EV so I am not sure what sounds are normal and what aren't. This most certainly doesn't sound normal, or motor-esque.. (it's basically intermittent high pitched frequency beeping) but I literally have no context for what's normal and what isn't.

I appreciate the reply.

 

[Park2670]

My performance makes that kind of noise at exactly 83 mph. So I use that as my excuse to go slightly faster... Or slower.

 

[neuematic]

I will rest easy then knowing this pulsing satellite relay noise is perfectly normal.

 

[Clover]

I don't hear anything myself, but I'm not exactly known for my hearing. I'd ask about it while you're getting the seal addressed for car washes. If water was getting in, something is not sealed right and I'd want to get that addressed.

 

[MoreAgain]

I mic my rear motor for playback purposes. Does it sound like this:

 

[neuematic]

I mic my rear motor for playback purposes. Does it sound like this:

Awesome video. It’s similarly electronic in nature but there’s an intermittent beeping or “signaling” nature to it.

Hard to describe but it’s as though the car is beaming a dial-up era signal out. It doesn’t change with power or speed, however it seems most prominent when cruising on the highway.

 

[evermore]

Your description sounds similar to this thread: DIY Fix: High-pitch Whine from Drive Unit(s)

Folks there have seen improvements by tightening or replacing a motor ground strap.