Tesla Owner Successfully Upgrades HW3 Model 3 to HW4
The third-party retrofit brings newer camera hardware and processing power to older Model 3 vehicles.
A Tesla owner has successfully completed a hardware upgrade, swapping the original Hardware 3 (HW3) system in their Model 3 for the newer Hardware 4 (HW4) platform used in current production vehicles.
What Happened
The owner documented the retrofit process, which involved replacing the HW3 computer and cameras with HW4 components. The upgrade brings updated sensors and processing capabilities that Tesla has been rolling out in new vehicles since early 2023. The project required sourcing compatible parts and performing the integration work outside of Tesla's official service channels.
Why It Matters
Tesla has not offered a formal retrofit program for HW3-to-HW4 upgrades, leaving owners of older vehicles without a supported path to access newer autonomy features that may require HW4 hardware. Third-party upgrades could appeal to buyers who want to extend the life of their current vehicle or gain access to enhanced camera resolution and processing power before purchasing a new car.
The Bottom Line
The successful DIY upgrade demonstrates that HW3-to-HW4 swaps are technically feasible, though it remains an unsupported modification outside Tesla's service network.
