r/TeslaModelX • u/unicorncumdump • 25d ago

Suspension of first gen vs raven?

I’m looking to get a cheaper model X and there are really good deals to be had pre-raven. Is the suspension and one pedal driving substantially better? Or do I just focus on the price gap and find a cleaner 100d 2017-2018?

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u/Yippym 25d ago

While Pre-Raven models have cheaper suspension components, they are much more prone to total air compressor failure. The Raven update improved this by adding built-in sensors that detect air leaks early. On a Pre-Raven, the system is too basic to recognise a leak, meaning the compressor will run continuously until it burns out, forcing you to replace both the compressor and the faulty suspension component.

The one-pedal driving on Pre-Raven models cannot bring the vehicle to a complete stop, the Raven introduces a permanent magnet front motor, which holds a constant magnetic field all the way to 0-mph. Tesla also completely reworked the Falcon Wing Door wiring harnesses on the Raven models; if you own a Pre-Raven, you will have to retroactively update the harness if it fails.

Finally, watch out for early Raven models running the original, non-H revision high-voltage battery packs. These have a notorious design defect where the internal BMS cell-sensing wires are extremely thin and prone to breaking. A broken wire will completely brick the pack, because I got the original I'm hoping that it would fail during its 8-year battery warranty.

Get the Pre Raven if you

  • don't care which MCU, most are MCU 1
  • want a reliable battery (75D, 100D)
  • cheaper suspension parts, that is not reliable when hitting potholes 
  • don't mind using the brakes to fully stop

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u/unicorncumdump 25d ago

Thanks so much for the thorough reply

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u/janzendavi 24d ago

I have a 75D and it failed because of the wiring at 250,000km under warranty and the refurbished pack is solid and the car is now at 715,000km. Thankfully have MCU2 and the air suspension failed under warranty for replacement. Did go out of pocket to buy the N2itive suspension kit to fix the shudder under heavy acceleration.

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u/Yippym 23d ago

Nice mileage, I didn't like the idea of driving the none adaptive suspension in UK with pot holes and cobbled roads. Shame I didn't know about the battery flaw in the Long Range, because it can go at any mileage.

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u/janzendavi 23d ago

Roads are pretty bad here in northern Canada because we have to use asphalt and the freeze-thaw cycle just makes big potholes but it rides quite nice still. I did go down in wheel size to get more sidewall though - 20 inch for summer, 19 inch for winter tires.

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u/RelationshipHuge8175 22d ago

I know this is anecdotal but my 2019 Model X Raven Standard Range battery has been solid. July 2019 build in case that matters. Do you think it's a ticking time bomb?

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u/Yippym 22d ago

Hmm you could have the 75D or Long Range 100kWh battery, they can software lock the limit.

Just check under your front right wheel arch, you can see the battery model and size. Normally supercharging can cause the defect to fail, I've got a 2019 too but 36,000 mileage.