Buyer's Guide Research

Model S 85

Use this page to see which Buyer's Guide topics apply to the 2012–2015 Tesla Model S 85. This page describes the trim. The VIN and vehicle record determine what is present on one specific car.

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Trim summary

SC01 Possible
Years
2012–2015
Battery
85 kWh
Drivetrain
RWD
Model
Model S

Has LDU (RWD). Most common early Model S. Long range for its era.

Compare every trim in the eligibility table

Guide topics for this trim

Check

Large Drive Unit coolant seal

This variant has the LDU, so the rotor coolant seal issue applies. Ask whether a coolant delete or Revision U motor has been fitted, and budget for one if not. LDU guide

Check

Autopilot hardware

Could be no Autopilot (builds before October 2014) or AP1, depending on the exact build date. Autopilot guide

Check

MCU and screen

Cars from this era shipped with MCU1 unless upgraded. Check for eMMC symptoms and whether the MCU2 upgrade has been done. MCU guide

Check

Door handles

Model S door handles are a known cost item. Check that all four present and retract on the test drive. Common issues

Common questions

Does the 2012–2015 Tesla Model S 85 have free supercharging?
SC01 free supercharging is possible for this trim. Whether a specific car has it depends on that vehicle: decode the VIN to see the SC code on record, and confirm the current code with the seller before buying. Transfer policy is Tesla's to set and change.
Which Autopilot hardware does the Model S 85 have?
Could be no Autopilot (builds before October 2014) or AP1, depending on the exact build date.
Does the Model S 85 have the LDU coolant seal issue?
Yes. This variant has the Large Drive Unit, so the rotor coolant seal issue applies. Ask whether a coolant delete or Revision U motor has been fitted, and budget for one if not.