For some days now, the first Model 3 Highland models have been on our roads, and we have already been able to thoroughly test a Highland model. Part of the model refresh also includes new rims. For many customers waiting for their Model 3 Highland, this led to confusion and discussion about whether wheels from the old Model 3 could still be used. Furthermore, for a while, it was not clear which rims would even fit the Model 3 Highland. We want to clarify these uncertainties in this article.

With the Model 3 Highland, Tesla has slightly changed the rims. The offset (ET) of the standard rim is now 38mm. Previously, 35-40mm was specified in the COC documents. The tire dimensions have remained unchanged.

The change in offset is minimal, so all rims that fit the pre-Highland Model 3 will also fit here. All other dimensions (bolt pattern, number of holes, rim width, etc.) have remained identical.

However, the issue of rim approval arises here. If 38mm is required on paper and the rim, for example, has 40mm, this is not noticeable to the driver in practice, but it is not approved on paper.

There are two ways to approve rims for a vehicle in Germany:

1. Approval with ECE: An ECE document is issued for the rim. The rim dimensions must be EXACTLY the same as specified in the COC documents. Since there are currently hardly any rims with ET 38mm for the Tesla, rims with ECE approval are currently NOT approved.
2. Approval with ABE: With an ABE approval, rim and tire dimensions that deviate from the standard can also be driven without registration. For this purpose, an expert opinion is prepared for the rim, in which it is stipulated for which vehicles the rim is approved. For this, the expert opinion typically specifies the maximum power (in registration certificate part 1 no. P.2) as well as the EC type approval/ABE(in registration certificate part 1 no. K - e.g. e4*2007/46*1293*...)prescribed. If the vehicle data mentioned in the ABE match the vehicle documents, the rim with its dimensions and the tires listed in the expert opinion is approved for the vehicle.

Tesla has NOT changed either the EC type approval or the specified power. This can also be seen from the fact that the key numbers (2.1. and 2.2in registration certificate part 1) are identical to the "pre-Highland" models.This means that rims that have an ABE approval with the corresponding data fit the Model 3 Highland and are still approved for it.

Unfortunately, rims that only have ECE approval lose their approval for the Highland model.

Our customers' most frequently asked questions on the topic

Can the old standard rims from the Model 3 be used on the Highland model?

Only with registration at the TÜV. Due to the slightly changed offset, the old rims are not approved and must be registered at the TÜV. The costs for registration will be stated by the TÜV inspector, but based on our experience, they are around €80-100.

 

I have aftermarket rims from the old Model 3. Can these be used on the Highland model?

That depends on the rim. If the rim has ABE approval, it is most likely approved. To do this, you need to check the ABE certificate of your rim and compare it with the EC type approval of the Highland model.

 

I have a rim with ECE approval and would like to use it on the Model 3 Highland. Is that possible?

With registration at the TÜV, it should generally be possible. The costs for registration will be stated by the TÜV inspector, but based on our experience, they are around €80-100. With this registration, for example, the popular MAK Solar rim can also be used on the Model 3 Highland. It is important to present the vehicle papers and the ECE certificate of the rim to the TÜV inspector before ordering and to clarify the registration.

 

How do I know which rims fit my Highland model and are approved?

We have been able to collect almost all available rims for the Highland model here. We have checked all rims from our range and explicitly stated it on the product page of each rim (Model 3 from 10/23). All listed rims have a valid ABE for the Highland and can be mounted without registration.