S3XY Knob & Buttons Review
Physical controls for your Tesla. The upgrade the touchscreen purists don't want you to know about.
REVIEWS / STEERING WHEEL
S3XY Knob & Buttons Review — Best Steering Wheel Upgrade for Tesla Model Y
S3XY Buttons are the best starting point for most owners, and the Knob is better if you specifically want dial-style climate and volume control. Check Juniper build-date compatibility before ordering.
Tesla's all-touchscreen approach is polarizing. Some love it; some miss having a physical knob for climate and volume. Enhauto's S3XY Knob and S3XY Buttons are the most popular solution — over 130 programmable shortcuts that let you control your Model Y without taking your eyes off the road.
Last updated: March 2026 · 9 min read
⚡ Quick Verdict
- S3XY Knob: Best for owners who want a BMW iDrive-style dial. Volume, climate, regen, and Autopilot at your fingertips. ~$350-440
- S3XY Buttons: Best for quick-fire actions — frunk, glovebox, seat heat, charge port. Simpler and cheaper. ~$140-250
- Commander Module: Required for both. Unlocks full functionality. Included in most bundles.
- ⚠️ Juniper Warning: US-built Model Y after Nov 2025 may have compatibility issues. Check before buying.
⚠️ Juniper Compatibility Notice
The S3XY Knob and Buttons work with most Model Y Juniper builds (2025+). However, US-manufactured Juniper Model Ys built after November 2025 may not be compatible due to Tesla's CAN-BUS connector changes.
Enhauto is actively working on a fix. Before ordering, check the official compatibility page and verify your build date (found on the driver's side door jamb sticker).
What Are S3XY Knob & Buttons?
Both products are made by Enhauto (Enhance Auto) and work through a "Commander" module — a small OBD dongle that plugs into your Tesla's diagnostic port. This module talks to your car's systems and enables physical controls that normally require the touchscreen.
🎛️ S3XY Knob
A rotary dial with OLED display that mounts on your center console. Rotate for volume/climate, press for shortcuts. Think BMW iDrive but for Tesla.
- • OLED display with visual feedback
- • 4 physical buttons + rotary dial
- • 5 customizable pages × 5 actions each
- • Built-in haptic vibration
🔘 S3XY Buttons
Self-adhesive Bluetooth buttons you stick anywhere — steering column, console, door panel. Each button supports 3 actions (single, double, long press).
- • Available in 2, 4, or 6-button sets
- • 3 actions per button (9 functions per button)
- • Stick anywhere with adhesive
- • Smaller, more discreet than the Knob
What Can You Actually Do With Them?
With the Commander module, you unlock 130+ actions. Here are the most popular ones owners set up:
🚗 Driving
- • Toggle regen braking strength
- • Switch Chill/Sport acceleration
- • Activate/re-engage Autopilot
- • Continuous Autopilot (auto re-engage)
- • Wiper speed control
- • Off-road mode toggle
🌡️ Comfort
- • Adjust cabin temperature
- • Fan speed control
- • Toggle heated seats/steering wheel
- • Bioweapon Defense Mode
- • Battery preconditioning
- • Rear climate control
📦 Utility
- • Open frunk/trunk/glovebox
- • Open charge port
- • Open passenger door
- • Mirror fold/adjust
- • Strobe lights
- • Courtesy honk
S3XY Knob vs S3XY Buttons — Which One?
| Feature | S3XY Knob | S3XY Buttons |
|---|---|---|
| Price (with Commander) | ~$400-440 | ~$140-250 |
| Form Factor | Rotary dial + OLED | Adhesive buttons |
| Best For | Climate, volume, scrolling | Quick-fire single actions |
| Placement | Center console | Anywhere |
| Display | OLED with page navigation | None (muscle memory) |
| Haptic Feedback | Yes (built-in vibrator) | Click feel only |
| Actions Per Unit | 25+ (5 pages × 5) | 3 per button (9 with gestures) |
| Installation | Console mount | Peel-and-stick |
Our take: If you want one product, start with the S3XY Buttons. They're cheaper, simpler, and immediately useful for the 5-6 actions you do most. If you find yourself wanting more — especially analog control over climate and volume — add the Knob later. Many owners end up with both.
Honest Concerns
QC reports on the Knob
Some Reddit users have reported paint peeling, the knob detaching, and OLED burn-in after ~1 year. These seem to be isolated cases, but it's worth noting for a $400+ product.
Juniper CAN-BUS changes
Tesla keeps changing things. The Nov 2025+ US Juniper incompatibility is a real issue. Enhauto has a track record of patching these, but you might wait a few weeks for a fix if you have a brand-new build.
Do you actually use 130 shortcuts?
Realistically, most owners use 5-10 actions regularly. The Knob shines if those include climate/volume (analog control). If you just want 4-5 button presses, the Buttons alone might be enough.
Where to Buy
S3XY Knob + Commander Bundle
~$400-440 · Official Enhauto store
S3XY Buttons (6-pack + Commander)
~$240 · Official Enhauto store
All Enhauto Products
Browse all options, bundles, and accessories
FAQ
Do S3XY Knob and Buttons work with the Model Y Juniper?
Yes for most builds. US-built Model Y after Nov 2025 may have issues due to CAN-BUS changes. Enhauto is working on a fix. Check their site before buying.
Do I need the Commander module?
Yes. It's the brain that connects to your Tesla's systems. Without it, you get basic Bluetooth only. With it, 130+ actions. Most bundles include it.
Will it void my warranty?
No. It's plug-and-play via the OBD port. No permanent modifications, no wire cutting. Unplug it and it's like it was never there.
S3XY Knob vs Buttons — which one first?
Start with Buttons if you want quick actions (frunk, glovebox, seat heat). Get the Knob if you miss having analog climate/volume control. Many owners end up with both.
Can it control Autopilot?
Yes, with Commander. You can set shortcuts for Autopilot activation, continuous re-engage after lane changes, and more. Some features depend on your Tesla's firmware version.
Bottom Line
S3XY Buttons are the best entry point — simple, affordable, and immediately useful. Stick one near your steering column for the frunk, another on the console for seat heat.
S3XY Knob is the premium choice for people who want analog control over climate, volume, and regen. If you came from a BMW/Audi with a physical controller, you'll love it.
Both together make the Tesla feel like it should have shipped this way. Just verify Juniper compatibility before ordering.
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