The invention relates to a spindle drive for an adjustment element of a motor vehicle, wherein a drive unit and a spindle-spindle nut transmission arranged downstream of the drive unit in terms of drive is provided for generating linear drive movements, wherein the drive unit has a tubular, preferably one-piece, drive unit housing and therein a drive motor and, where applicable, an intermediate transmission arranged downstream of the drive motor in terms of drive, wherein the drive unit and the spindle-spindle nut transmission are arranged one behind the other on the geometrical spindle axis, wherein a spindle drive housing is provided with a tubular inner housing and a tubular outer housing, wherein the inner housing runs in a telescope-like manner in the outer housing. It is proposed that the outer housing of the spindle drive housing accommodates the drive unit with the drive unit housing and is connected to the drive unit.