Fixing James May’s CRASHED Tesla Model S at The Smallest Cog

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James May threw Mike Fernie the keys to his daily driver, a Tesla Model S, to be repaired at The Smallest Cog. Andrew Greenhouse and Mike get stuck in to remedy all of the EV's issues, before meeting up with James and reuniting him with the car.
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[@Drivetribe]

What car of James' would you like to see on the channel next? Thanks to Liqui Moly for sponsoring today's video! Check out their products here: bit.ly/DT-Liqui-Moly-EV

[@azaboy2]

THE RARI

[@23Mondeo]

Possibly more of his A110

[@MdvK13979]

On another subject: Andrew made an exquisite bbq out of Chrysler Crossfire bits if I remember correctly. What of that series, will there be a follow up?

[@mycroftsanchez901]

The Alpine.

[@chrislautoronto]

Was Mike talking about The Grand Tour episode that just released like a month ago or was he talking about the next episode that the guys were filming? Also, James May did TGT and Our Man in India back to back?

[@book5ter]

I have the sneaking suspicion that this is less of a car and more of an appliance for James.

[@sebastianmuglia7451]

I agree he's treating this car just like any other non car enthusiasts. Just a vessel to get from point a to be.

[@hudo108]

I mean, it's just a Tesla.

[@battlewolf578]

The same as most tesla owners then

[@HansDelbruck53]

@@sebastianmuglia7451 Or from point A to point BMW.

[@jeromethemechanic6871]

He basically said that in the last episode, soo

[@jmsunemploymenttube9191]

Not sure why people think I don’t care about the Tez. If I didn’t care, I wouldn’t have it mended. It just suffered a series of unfortunate mishaps.

[@CantcerCause]

You're right, I would mend a toaster as well

[@adoniplaitis4765]

James trying not to get sued from Tesla

[@GrockleTD]

It doesn't come off as "don't care at all" just seems more not minding if it's a little messy

[@Repairyman]

And I don't really think you crashed it, as described in the title. Scuffed is a probably more accurate. Maybe you've see a few crashes.

[@oompahloompah2]

@@CantcerCause You mean you’d mend a working toaster’s paintwork?

[@GryphLane]

I love how small Richard's lifesize cardboard cutout is 😂

[@djswany85]

I could've sworn it's hair blew in the wind ever so slightly

[@PlayMoreGolf-RipOff]

TBH I thought he looked taller

[@The.Fake.Adam.Lulich]

It took me a solid 30 seconds to realize that wasn't him. I think I need to get eye's and or brain checked.

[@Chrisamic]

Well it is life size.

[@mrmikemotors]

Andrew is such a natural on camera, this just scratched my workshop itch, thanks boys! Cuppa tea Ant?

[@CaydeSmax]

they all are, season 1 you can tell they weren't sure how to 'act' and then season 2 they were relaxed and having fun with it

[@mrmikemotors]

@@CaydeSmax has to be a testament to Richards professionalism, he’s an absolute pro to work with I’ve heard. I can’t get enough of his content.

[@TJPenitencia]

"I think it's just the build quality that's a bit terrible on 'em." This CRACKED me up.

[@moogle68]

Why? It's pretty common knowledge and has been something that Tesla have had to address publicly multiple times, I believe.

[@JxH]

@@moogle68 Why "Why ? ..." ? As to why, it's because it's like a 3lb wart hanging off the nose of an otherwise absolute beauty. You'd think that they'd do something about it. It makes me laugh too. I put it down to Tesla being an 'American' car company, and all that implies. I've owned 1970s Dodges, and it all seems familiar.

[@moogle68]

@@JxH Believe it or not, there are more important things in life than the consistency of the distance between two panels on your car... like, whether the car turns on and drives or not for example. If you have an eye for detail, obsess over how other people see you (seems like an insecurity problem to me), and literally nothing more important going on in your life than worrying about the minute details in the appearance of something that most people use for less than an a couple hours each day, then I _guess_ that metaphorical comparison of a minor cosmetic imperfection to a comically large blemish on your face makes sense. Outside of those that are part of the car culture here in the US, almost no one would know what you are talking about if you mentioned "panel gap" or "fit & finish" issues. I get that there's an aesthetic pleasure/satisfaction to seeing something that is consistent down to the smallest detail, but it's really such a pedantic thing to care so much about with all that's going on in the world today. And even if it is truly your opinion that those details *Are* very important, I (and many others it seems, based on the likes) just don't get why such a matter of fact statement about a problem that no one is trying to hide, and that is entirely cosmetic in nature, is so funny to you.

[@JxH]

@@moogle68 Google: Tesla Fit and Finish Issues = "About 79,400,000 results..." And....Tesla has a reputation for this issue. But what's even funnier is your post. Thanks for the laugh.

[@johnl9763]

I think the state of the car shows the difference in mentality. He doesn't care about the Tesla like he does his other cars.

[@davefitzpatrick4841]

And Yet he chooses a Tesla as his daily driver , not a fossil fuel car !

[@TheTemplarnight]

@@davefitzpatrick4841 yes congrats captain observant, what was the point of that comment.

[@Gobbbbb]

@@davefitzpatrick4841 A daily driver is an appliance to him, because he can afford it to be. Clearly he doesn't care about it enough to worry about damage.

[@davefitzpatrick4841]

@@TheTemplarnight the original comment was actually derogatory towards EVs , but the fact he actually chooses one as his daily actually speaks volumes about EVs ! Yes he May ( excuse the pun)not care for it, but the fact he chooses to use a EV over any ( let's face it he can afford any car he would want) fossil fuel cars actually says allot!

[@davefitzpatrick4841]

@@Gobbbbb but as someone who can afford any vehicle he wishes, he chooses a EV over a ICE car, says allot ( they guy can afford virtually any car on the planet but chose a Tesla as his daily) he might not care for it , but it still says allot !

[@Recessio]

Andrew is a great teacher, I learnt a lot watching this!

[@Frank-ed7hj]

There's something satisfying about seeing professional work being done.

[@DrinkWhiskeyRaiseHell]

That was not professional work at all. You always detrim a vehicle beige paint and body. Masking off is the lazy and cheap way. You create a hardline in the clear and it will erode from there.

[@Frank-ed7hj]

oh?

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

that wasnt bad but not professional

[@Frank-ed7hj]

OK we got a bunch of fellas here saying it's not professional work. I must be wrong. 😅

[@mrturnbull9504]

Not for the person doing the work... everyone loves to come watch me working and I have to put a fake smile on instead of saying the truth which is....f off! Lol

[@panteleon]

Love seeing captain slow in the videos!!

[@richardbloemenkamp8532]

I played the video at 1.5x and he is still slow.🤣

[@thenick06]

It's so cool seeing so many different aspects on the channel. Engine builds, restorations, paint work. It's great to get an insight. Great work DT!

[@James-semaJ]

We need more of these videos. Because it's great seeing how they do stuff at the smallest cog. I know we've seen the show. But learning is fun

[@jayhom5385]

"YOU CHANGED THE SEAT." I laughed at the change in voice from normal James May to TG/GT James May.

[@mclarenjohnf1]

I was working on a car for someone a and found a cooked chicken under the passenger seat it had been there for 2 months, another one was a wrapped up in paper prawn shells and other bits left over from a holiday. The worst I had was a rover metro when someone had spilled a 4 pint container of milk in the foot well and left it it took me almost a week to clean the carpet and the thick foam underlay with a jet wash and a steam cleaner. what made it worse was drying it.

[@the88tench3]

Was your chicken customer Bob Mortimer by any chance? He's known for his car meat if you've seen his gone fishing series on BBC 2!

[@lettuce984]

@@the88tench3glad I’m not the only one who thought it was Mr Mortimer 😂

[@samuelgarrod8327]

Bob uses pocket meat not car meat.😊

[@pissmyasslynch5325]

🤢🤢 grooooss

[@conner6052]

The banter between these lot is top gear worthy. Legends

[@kelvynbettridge]

I felt there was a lack of respect actually.

[@unklederty]

Andrew pretending to shoot Mike at 12:46 is very funny.

[@roblonsdale8927]

Makes you your toes lock up with cramp?

[@DanDavies741]

There's definitely some role reversal between Hammond and May now, May just seems to have adopted the role of crashing into everything 🤣🤣🤣

[@abouc]

That old milk in James' Tesla is nothing compared to the horrors lurking in my wife's car. It's like a homeless hoarder lives inside there with a pair of dogs.

[@pissmyasslynch5325]

I once sat inside my uncle's car😂😂😂 the horrors I've experienced is very similar

[@chrislautoronto]

Really appreciate Mike’s forensic breakdown and analysis, it revealed a side of James May I hardly knew, and honestly explained a lot, a lot.

[@bryanroebuck7133]

"You've moved the seat!" I felt that one. I owned a Passat in the past that had, what could be, my favorite feature on any car to date. The drivers seat moved itself as far back as it could when you opened the door, and had the ability to be programmed to each key fob individually. This means that when my wife drove the car, the seat would automatically adjust to her preferred driving position while the same would happen with my key fob. The best part of this was picking your car up from service and not having to spend the next 3 days trying to find your perfect comfy position again. Absolutely loved it. This should be a standard feature on any vehicle with automatic drivers seats.

[@cheesetomatoes]

My '02 GMC Envoy had that, except it misdetected which key you were using just often enough to be annoying. It'd also ratchet the mirrors past the end stops and need realignment each time.

[@richardpurves]

So that means nobody looked at the Tesla control panel and created a secondary driver profile so it didn’t stuff up James’ settings …

[@ojharnett]

By the kettle !! 😂 yep definitely the best place to start !!

[@carlduxbury1472]

The white powder on the seat 😂😂😂😂 imagine. Great to see more of the smallest cog lads too

[@Blahem247]

24th of December ... but what year?! 4:40

[@Lanxe]

Andrew and the cog guys seem like really top blokes! Great video Mike & team

[@Czechbound]

*PRODUCTION* : Keeps getting better and better ... visuals, music, direction, shot choice ... all excellent. Well done !

[@eXX0n]

Watching this, on a Saturday morning, with a cup of coffee, with the music you added, was simply brilliant and wonderful. Great job, and thanks so much.

[@Tvvugt]

Putting that milk in the fridge in the montage had me laughing and gagging at the same time

[@Khuros]

Thanks for showing the process instead of just filming the start and finish. More of this.

[@Goat4459]

That last bit got me tho 😂 having your seat moved is annoying

[@terryhayward7905]

It would not be James if he didn't find something to complain about

[@Goat4459]

@@terryhayward7905 lol

[@JohnSmith-pn2vl]

as if that would be an issue in any Tesla, your settings apply as soon as you enter.

[@umi3017]

@@JohnSmith-pn2vl So they changed the settings? even worse

[@everusualsuspect]

Yeah, James didn't set it to Guest when he handed it over 🙄

[@deandrejul4730]

It would be hilarious if Jeremy cleaned this 😂

[@settler8616]

He might spread the smelly "butter cheese" allover the car.

[@richardbloemenkamp8532]

​@@settler8616 Maybe he would find another can, put on the right side to make it symmetrical, but with the lid slightly open as an alarm to go clean his stinking car. No, I don't think Jeremy would ever touch May's Tesla and leave it in a better state. In addition, I don't really believe May would accept Jeremy within a 100 yards from his car.

[@AdamsHangar]

My goodness, such a fabulous job! The car looks brand new. Amazing work. Not sure I would have given it back 😆 As a side note, every time I think I will understand the British language from watching these, they pop out new words and I am at a loss. LOL

[@Addixxtion]

Which words was it? but don't worry, some of us Brits can't even speak or understand our own language sometimes! 😂

[@herbivore7108]

"I'll give ya a 1,000 quid to neck that down." lol I knew he meant to chug it, just never heard it described as necking it down. Suppose that term could be used in other instances as well 😅

[@stevemawer848]

@@herbivore7108 Neck is more obvious than chug since we all know where our necks are and what goes down them. Chug is what a steam train does. Or is that chuff?

[@stevemawer848]

It's the English language, not British, since there are words used in Scotland and Wales that no English person would understand!

[@davebrown9725]

Also love to learn new Anglicisms. Used to work with guys from the UK, so we would practice.

[@Sympli]

I have subscribed, these long format video's made me do it. I'm so happy with these decent length video's

[@shorseyletterkenny]

No one gonna mention that Hammond keeps a cardboard cutout of himself in the shop? 😂

[@Terentios]

Watchful eye observing the premises 24/7

[@richardbloemenkamp8532]

It's amazing we saw only one of them. I bet they had a hard time filming around all the others.

[@siraff4461]

Anyone else got an image of James dressed as Santa snorting -ahem- sugar while chewing on a pork pie as the car goes down the motorway on autopilot? No wonder he forgot the milk.

[@andrewwhite1305]

What a pretty car at the end. Nice job

[@ZesPak]

The Model S is a great shape I reckon. Well over a decade old now with only a front fascia change. Also, that blue is the best factory color (not that there's many though).

[@ATomvids]

Next Grand Tour special: A Greek Hot-Rodyssey

[@Messier31NGC224]

Great episode! Really enjoyed it!

[@Fortunes.Fool.]

The TG episode with used BMWs they had scoped by the forensics company was hysterical.

[@luissera1296]

Manlove forensics

[@MrBigMalT]

What a lovely bloke Andrew is 👍

[@aaronwalcott513]

The suspense-building of a mere car detailer is bordering on cinematic! That first 3:55 mins was just a walking cliffhanger 😷🤣

[@pendragon6207]

These long form episodes need to continue, forever. Cheers!

[@composimmonite3918]

How could you not question him about the suspicious white powder on the passenger seat?!

[@shannono8397]

James inspired me to keep detailing brushes in my cars, I also let my cars get messy sometimes (usually summertime) May always picks the best floral shirts! He is ICHIBAN!

[@pauldavies6037]

Hope you send May a large bill for all that work you have done!

[@MichaelG1986]

I remember once forgetting a wedge of bleu cheese (in the wrapper) in the trunk of my car during the pandemic. It was summer and I didn't use my car for about a week. I got in my car and noticed a terrible smell. I checked the trunk and realized what I'd done. "Rank" is a proper word to describe the smell.

[@jools1978]

I can only imagine. The smell that hit me the time I walked in the door after work and discovered I'd accidentally left a wedge of brie sitting on the kitchen counter all day was bad enough.

[@smashingturnips5353]

I love the way he teaches. Seems like a lovely bloke.

[@roppenheimer12]

Mike should be wearing goggles when using the sander.

[@Account1746]

New grand tour gonna be exquisite once again

[@arniefunkel9341]

7:12 the guy at the shop saying...Hammond came in and did it and bam he was done... Im a huge fan of top gear, grand tour, this channel, James May, James May's Hair, Clarkson, Hammond is also great, for real though...but what this guy just said gave me the final piece of the ticket. Thank you, Arnie

[@foxtrotx-ray5283]

Should have hidden the bottle milk bottle in Richard's Office. Actually, I'm shocked and appalled that it didn't go straight to the bin.. Outdoors. What are you lot like? :D

[@Breznak]

They should see the interior of our cars (two adults, three cihldren, outside dog, rural area, gravel road, no cleaning in at least a year)

[@ROBBO0206]

The cog boys are all big boys wonder if there’s a cafe very near by lol love the show

[@mohammedchoudhury3593]

Where would you like to start? By the kettle. Answered like a genius. 👏 👏 👏

[@SyntheticFuture]

**acts as if car is a hoarders mess** Actual car: 3 fries, 2 wrappers, some paper towel like things and a bit of dirt. I've seen so, so soooooo much worse than this 🤣

[@kzero1499]

25:45 how much you wanna bet James turned down the wrong bit of road?

[@thecremeegg]

Going to need to respray the whole car now as these fixes will be nicer than the rest. James did say he wanted it Porsche yellow ;)

[@gpaje]

That's why they blend and polish the whole car, the color will match well. But I remember James mentioning yellow in the last video.

[@stevena9305]

Yeah he said he would pretend to be horrified but would actually like it.

[@JohnySv]

James giving Mike the bill brought me way back to his rolls royce film when he paid for fuel. Where did these years go?

[@brybish]

Enjoyed that

[@AdrianMcDaid]

I own this car in this colour. I do love it. Could do with few touch up's like they have done here.

[@Kjetterix]

I like his Spotify Daily Mix lists, Iron Maiden, AC-DC. Great taste :)

[@mistreku]

"YOU MOVED THE SEAT" had me chuckle

[@ellenwood2167]

I really enjoyed this project.

[@94JReedy]

Mike with the paint felt very much like bring you kid to word day 😂

[@MogR91]

I was expecting him to crash it right away as he drove away there at the end

[@flaviantropy]

James May has turned into Billy Connolly fully

[@geomacaulay]

For UK customers, Teslas quality reputation comes from cars built in their 1st factory in California IE: Anything pre 2019 was imported from USA and any model S or X. New cars come from their shanghai factory which are much better. If you see a model 3 with chrome window trim- it's older from USA. New ones from Shanghai have black window trim. You'll find build and paint finish noticably different. Just beware if your buying 2nd hand and it has chrome window trim.

[@stevena9305]

Window trim and door handles to be exact.

[@wildolan]

very interesting stuff. and slightly off topic but as a car modeller (1:43) scale some of the techniques and tips are very relevant albeit on a much smaller scale

[@Flying151]

There's a panel waiting for me to get painted. It's plastic and it's got some deep scuffs, so it needs a bit of filler. What product would you recoomend? I'm new to this type of job, but very eager to learn.

[@LetsGetSwifty]

Hoping you guys would do what James kinda hinted at by painting it Porsche Racing Yellow lol.

[@jamesward6460]

Nice pinz in the shop there!!

[@Ochumvru]

Haven't laughed at a car video in a while, but the milk jug bit did me in I was wheeeeeezing

[@villageoldman]

Wroughton , near Swindon . :)

[@bssodeh-hb1xz]

James doesn't disappoint😅

[@anignorantbrit]

It is a gorgeous car mind. I have the Model 3 Standard and am thinking of going for the Performance Model in red. Quite a bit pricier though.

[@notagain8661]

Crash? More like Mall shopping scrapes! 😂

[@daftphil9706]

James is beginning to look a lot like Henry Cole from ch4 "Find it. Fix it. Sell it." fame.😂

[@williebauld1007]

Did you find James' stash of rubber "adult interest toys" like the sort he had in Namibia and France?

[@MarcosCodas]

Liqui Moly is no joke, most of my high CC motorcycle friends only use LM on their stuff.

[@junkyardhemi]

I think captain Slow just pranked the Smallest Cog🤣

[@riaanbotha5559]

What episodes are being recorded for The Grand Tour?

[@lfcbpro]

To be fair, that's the standard milk from the Co-op.

[@DL.j]

19:44 may spill his coke 😂

[@iloveesr]

Neil and Andrew really know their stuff.

[@user-rm2cr4qy7m]

always learning .. thanks Mike and Andrew

[@Simon-ui6db]

I was very particular of my rover 75 connie se but my current 206 I couldn't give two hoots about.

[@markoverton5858]

We’ve all done that left a milk carton behind 😂🤣😂🤣

[@kristapsbanis1574]

amazing video

[@biggels1990]

I get the feeling James may was never ocd about anything and it was just his character for top gear

[@egyptology22]

I love how these guys have gone from proper rough salt of the earth professional world class metal workers, to almost posh salt of the earth world class metal workers! You can see the Hammond effect that money has improved their life. They are so relaxed now their future is guaranteed. 😊

[@pissmyasslynch5325]

Very high quality videos actually. Now i have some ideas of the process of fixing paint jobs😊

[@rayne1213]

I love this! I'm still saddened that I can't enjoy and support Hammond's newest endeavor.

[@rachelgreenwood7047]

Do a Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory & clone James using that Biro & Tissue!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@LoftechUK]

Please keep going.

[@tripprogers4814]

Sounds like a job for Manlove

[@tripprogers4814]

You just know, James did NOT want any of this revealed

[@johnstones7484]

I have been in the trade as a painter for forty odd years, I would have loved to work in a booth like that 😢

[@adamscarchannel5578]

Oh, I hope we a Grand Tour Update and we Did!

[@SharpblueCreative]

Wroughton airfield. I will be going past there in a bit.

[@BurpleRX7]

Would love to have you guys work on my car! I’m going to save up because it is going to need a fair bit of work soon especially underneath

[@stefansikora5183]

That milk is still fresh. Give me a piece of it.

[@1chish]

Please excuse my OCD but that isn't Swindon its RAF (previously RNAY) Wroughton. Where the Science Museum locates some of its exhibits. Also the site of Princess Alexandra Hospital to where Falklands casualties were brought in '82.

[@d3m0ndancer]

"We missed the ding on the drivers door"... Don't believe it.... that was for show..... Andrew would not have missed that......he's a perfectionist.....