Tesla Tesla OEM Options Review — Cost & Results

Enhance Your Tesla Tesla with Factory Options

Many Tesla owners seek to elevate their driving experience beyond the standard features. While Teslas are known for their advanced technology, certain OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) options, often referred to as factory options or dealer options, can add significant convenience and a touch of luxury. This review focuses on popular retrofits like soft-closing doors and auto-door handles, which are frequently considered by owners who either missed out on these during initial purchase or wish to add them post-delivery. These upgrades aim to enhance the daily usability and perceived quality of your vehicle.

Soft-Closing Doors and Auto-Door Handles: Convenience Redefined

The desire for a more refined experience is understandable, especially with premium vehicles like the Tesla. Soft-closing door systems address a common minor annoyance: the force required to fully shut a car door. Instead of a potentially loud or jarring 'thud,' the soft-close mechanism gently pulls the door shut the final few inches, ensuring a smooth, quiet closure. This not only reduces noise and impact but also contributes to a more premium feel, akin to luxury sedans. Complementing this is the auto-door handle feature. For Teslas with flush-mounted door handles, this system makes them more accessible. Upon approaching the vehicle with a key fob or a simple touch, the handle automatically presents itself, eliminating the need to press it manually. This is particularly useful when your hands are full, offering a seamless entry experience. Beyond mere convenience, these factory upgrades can subtly enhance the vehicle's overall aesthetic and perceived value.

Installation Process and Considerations

Adding these OEM options typically involves professional installation to ensure proper function and integration with your Tesla's systems. The process is generally straightforward but requires careful handling of vehicle electronics and door mechanisms.

1. System Integration: Technicians will integrate the soft-close motor and sensors into the door mechanism, ensuring it works in conjunction with the existing latch.
2. Auto-Handle Module: For auto-door handles, the necessary modules and actuators are installed to detect the key fob signal or touch input and trigger the handle's pop-out function.
3. Wiring and Calibration: All new components are carefully wired into the vehicle's electrical system, followed by calibration to ensure smooth and reliable operation.
4. Testing: Thorough testing of both soft-close and auto-door functions is performed to confirm correct operation under various conditions.

The installation time for soft-closing doors is typically around 1-2 hours per door, and for auto-door handles, it's also about 1-2 hours. If both are installed simultaneously, the total time can range from 3-4 hours, often allowing for same-day completion. The cost for these retrofits can vary. Soft-closing doors alone might range from approximately $150-$300 USD, while auto-door handles could be around $200-$400 USD. When purchased as a package, costs can be more economical, potentially falling in the $400-$700 USD range for both, depending on the specific product and installer. These prices are approximate and based on typical market rates in Korea, where such installations are popular, with costs converted for US context. Durability is generally high, with most systems designed for long-term use and often coming with a warranty from the installer or manufacturer, typically covering the components and labor for a specified period.