Driving a RHD in mainland Europe !

[goodwoodweirdo]

Hi,

I’m now the proud owner of a 98 S1 and I’ll be importing it to Belgium… being a brit abroad I’m happy to keep the car RHD, but was wondering if anyone knows, technically what’s need to drive a RHD on the right….

Headlights ? can anyone suggest a cheap LHD source ? I guess its just the glass I need….. I’m sure they are not unique to the Elsie…

Thanks in advance

Matt

[bencollins]

headlamp wise i did this twice (but not on an elise which may be different!!), i did not change the lens, but dissembled the the light and exactly reversed the metal ramp in front of the bulb (by drawing a template, chopping it off on a horizontal plane below the ramp, reattaching it with rivets and a spacer plate). Its easier than it sounds and i was careful, 100% ok in TUV, UK and Sweden.
Dunno if the light system just describe uses the same LHD/RHD ramp in the elise though!!!!

[zasker]

As well as the headlamps you will need to check the rear foglight/reverse light. Can't remember if the S1 had 2 foglights and 2 reversing lights. If it only has one of each the fog light will be on the right and you will need to fit an additional fog light on the left.

[bernie_eccle]

I replaced the lamps on my RHD a year or so ago. They were sold by the local motor factor as Valeo (Part No. 460118) but when I took them out of the box they were branded cibie. They cost me £24 +VAT each

The Elise FAQ lists them as CIBIE : CBC 067689 or VALEO : 067689. but I can't remember if that referred to LHD or RHD.

Stewart

[fideel109]

Hi,

here's a link to buy LHD lights for your S1, I've bought them

Valeo 067689

Bloc-optique, projecteur principal VALEO 067689
[067689]
CIBIE ACCESSORIES 32.65€ TTC
au lieu de 54.18€ TTC
Vous économisez 21.53€ TTC

http://www.webdealauto.com/-rojecteur-l ... _info.html

The rear fog light must be on the left side of the car, so you must swap the two lights
Are you going to register the Elise in Belgium?

[goodwoodweirdo]

Many thanks for the links, yes indeed I'll register the Elise in Belgium.... seems a shame but hey, better be within the law...

Any tips for changing the wiring, should I extend the loom at the rear of the car ! I think its easiest...

Kind regards
Matthew

[fideel109]

Hi,

You musn't extend the wires, on the left side of the trunk, you find some connections, one greater plug and two seperates ones (two wires), if you switch the seperate ones, you're fog licht will burm at the right place.
Don't forget that you must have a COC from Lotus to be able to register the Elise in Belgium.

cheers,
JP

[goodwoodweirdo]

Thanks JP.... I'll look into the wiring....

Yes I have the original COC from the factory, it was in all the old invoices etc... I'm a happy man..

Where are you located ? Belgium ? I understand there is a Elise club ...

Cheers
Matt

[fideel109]

Hi,

I live near Sint-Niklaas, in the middle between Gent and Antwerp.
Here're some links to a forume and the CTLB website

http://www.lotusforum.be/index.php
http://home.scarlet.be/sasspurters/htm/nl/home-nl....

cheers,
JP