Exige driving lights availability

[codymac]

Just heard from my dealer, who spoke with their field service representative today. Here's the scoop on driving lights and the Exige...

The word is that there's not an alternative grill available. The FSR recommended that with "some minor trimming of the Exige front grill, the Elise driving lamps can be easily installed." I'm also told that if a factory trimmed front grill were available, it would require removing the front clam to replace.

I'm not sure if the Exige comes pre-wired - no matter since there's a solution for Elises that aren't.

Apparently there's no reason Lotus stated it wasn't offered/available and can be done easily enough.

[QuickSilver]

Almost every UK Exige picture I have seen - in Evo Magazine, Top Gear Magazine, Car Magazine etc. over the past 15 months shows Exiges with drive lights. This month's Evo (March) includes a test comparo of the Exige Cup which again has drive lights.

Therefore I am not sure why they are not a regular option here and why there isn't a grille etc. available.

Seems odd. I did enquire when I bought my Exige, because initially I just assumed they all had them as I had seen so many in print.

[Stormy320]

Yeah - your post doesn't make much sense to me. Almost every Exige has driving lights - so what's up??

[edaddy]

Originally Posted by Stormy320

Yeah - your post doesn't make much sense to me. Almost every Exige has driving lights - so what's up??

I believe driving lights come standard with some options on the euro Elise's. It might be the same with Exige's too. So an add-on kit may not be available.

[codymac]

Originally Posted by Stormy320

Yeah - your post doesn't make much sense to me. Almost every Exige has driving lights - so what's up??

Maybe this will help jog your short term memory:
http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/show...5&postcount=25


Next time you drop in on your dealer, ask for the part numbers for the Exige. When he looks stunned because he can't find them, you'll understand.

[LotusFamily]

Cody.... Our Exige just arrived and we had to jump through some hoops to get the light kit . You have to tell your dealer to contact Lotus Uk and order the grill and lighting kits for the UK spec. Exie. A clam is a clam and it will fit. The downside is it's kinda spensive. The grill is glued in place instead of bolted (or some other normal/sane way of mounting such a low-easily damaged piece) so the clam must come off to mount the kit and grill. The price for your lights, grill, interior buttons and trim (instaled) is around $1000.00. If you're willing, your dealer will make it happen, just know how to ask (or demand in some cases ). If they say they cant, put them in touch with Fox Valley who will show them the error of their ways. Good luck.

[codymac]

Excellent! Thanks!

[Stormy320]

Dude - almost every Exige in the U.K. has driving lights. Driving lights can be installed on any Exige.

I don't care if it's a U.K. Exige or a U.S. Exige - it can be done. Lotus makes all the parts.

I don't know why there is an issue getting driving lights in the U.S. I don't feel the reason you posted on why U.S. cars don't have driving lights makes any sense, but that's just me.

You said the alternative grill is not available...that B.S...because the U.K. cars have the "alternative grill".

Are you suggesting Lotus refuses to ship the alternative grill to the U.S., like they won't ship us the Super Charger. Now that I can understand.

[codymac]

Originally Posted by Stormy320

Dude - almost every Exige in the U.K. has driving lights. Driving lights can be installed on any Exige.

I don't care if it's a U.K. Exige or a U.S. Exige - it can be done. Lotus makes all the parts.

I don't know why there is an issue getting driving lights in the U.S. I don't feel the reason you posted on why U.S. cars don't have driving lights makes any sense, but that's just me.

You said the alternative grill is not available...that B.S...because the U.K. cars have the "alternative grill".

Are you suggesting Lotus refuses to ship the alternative grill to the U.S., like they won't ship us the Super Charger. Now that I can understand.

C'mon, man. You already know your dealer can't currently get the parts - at least, not without going through the same channels you or I would go through (i.e., sourcing them from the UK).

Don't tell me it's BS, tell Lotus US!

I'm just saying that the Lotus US boys don't have the part numbers and don't know how to get the parts - they aren't available in the US (yet, at least). As a result, my dealer called Lotus to inquire and this was what Lotus US suggested. Bear in mind: without a kit, there's no instructions and not many US dealers will have installed a set yet.


Sure, you can ring Bell & Colvill up and order the bits - no big deal. I told my dealer that I might go that route, depending on what their FSR said, before he even called Lotus.

My dealer said they'd install them for free prior to delivery. That was with both of us thinking it would be as simple as the Elise installation - I doubt my dealer will be keen to R&R the front clam for free though.

I'm not saying they can't be installed. I'm just sharing what Lotus US has stated (parts not in US at this time, here's an alternative).

Please, prove me wrong - I'll call your dealer and order the kit (or grill) today.

[Stormy320]

gotcha - sorry to give you a hard time .

Actually - my dealer said Lotus needs to go through some U.S. red tape in order to make the lights legal, but they will be available.

I actually already paid for the lights with the sticker price of my car - so it's a wait and see.

You are most likely right - as of now I bet they won't order and Exige with driving lights in order to not have the problem I'm having. I know my dealer was quite surprised when they found out about the situation with my car. I had one of the 1st Exige orders. When I originally ordered the lights they said no problem.

If you want want try calling South Bay Lotus in Hermosa Beach CA and see if they would order a car with lights - I doubt it.

[ducatiexigeowner]

The mesh grills been trimmed i'm sure the wiring loom will already be there....
you can see the black plugs clearly just behind the lamp...have a close look at yours......

[codymac]

Originally Posted by ducatiexigeowner

The mesh grills been trimmed i'm sure the wiring loom will already be there....
you can see the black plugs clearly just behind the lamp...have a close look at yours......

Cheers!

I've got the lamps in hand now and the new grill is down at the shop. I'll try and get a photo on the way to work tomorrow.

It's not simply cut. It's difficult to tell once installed, but the grill rolls inward where the opening is. There's not edge finishing tack-welded to it such as what's around the tow-hook opening, but there is a bit of grill wire finishing the edge.

[Imolas54]

how do you remove the front grill??

[codymac]

Originally Posted by Imolas54

how do you remove the front grill??

It's bonded in place and the only way to remove it is to cut it out - either the grill, the bonding, or some combination of both. It's a clam-off job.

DS's (Lotus) initial recommendation was to carefully cut the NA grill in situ.

[Imolas54]

okay guess i don't need driving lights that bad

[Stormy320]

South Bay Lotus put my driving lights on a few months ago. They cut the mesh for the lights and did an awesome job. You would never know it wasn't factory. It's a great mod.

[codymac]

Originally Posted by Stormy320

South Bay Lotus put my driving lights on a few months ago. They cut the mesh for the lights and did an awesome job. You would never know it wasn't factory. It's a great mod.

A little far from me though and I'm not sure I'd trust what passes for a dealer here with anything sharper than lefty scissors.

[rob240R]

Originally Posted by Imolas54

okay guess i don't need driving lights that bad

you're right . they look good but make little real difference at night . better off upgrading the headlights if you need better lights for a lot of night driving .
put the money towards an ff kit !

[mevistox5]

Originally Posted by Stormy320

Dude - almost every Exige in the U.K. has driving lights. Driving lights can be installed on any Exige.

I don't care if it's a U.K. Exige or a U.S. Exige - it can be done. Lotus makes all the parts.

I don't know why there is an issue getting driving lights in the U.S. I don't feel the reason you posted on why U.S. cars don't have driving lights makes any sense, but that's just me.

You said the alternative grill is not available...that B.S...because the U.K. cars have the "alternative grill".

Are you suggesting Lotus refuses to ship the alternative grill to the U.S., like they won't ship us the Super Charger. Now that I can understand.

Well the S comes with the auxillary lights as standard......

Even overhere (mainland Europe) on the regular Exige the auxillary lights aren't standard. As my car was made to order, my dealer could persuade Lotus UK to supply the car with the lights.

Nico

[Stormy320]

Originally Posted by rob240R

you're right . they look good but make little real difference at night . better off upgrading the headlights if you need better lights for a lot of night driving .
put the money towards an ff kit !

I totally disagree. The driving lights make a big difference. I feel I can see everything.