US Emira Replacement Side Markers

pcarguy · Feb 12, 2024

To all of the US Emira owners (or soon-to-be owners). I notice that Lotus has addressed the US regulations by putting the amber side-markers into the main headlight housing.

As a Porsche guy, I have replaced all of my P-cars with clear or frosted side markers, but still compliant as they have an amber light when they illuminate.

Surely there are others that want to replace the Lotus amber lights.

Has anyone got replacements?

FWIW, Porsche replacement side-markers are like 80-200 dollars for a set and are very easy to replace.

B r I a n · Feb 12, 2024

Pumpkin Pride. Since no one in the US has taken delivery, and they are only "US spec" I do not see any one changing them out yet. I also do not see them being as easy to change out as on a 996 or 997. Best case you will be able to open up the headlight assembly to modify.

HydroJim · Feb 12, 2024

Unless the headlights are easy to open, the best option is probably to replace with euro spec headlights.

FlyNavy01 · Feb 12, 2024

A thread on this already exists here.

I don't like the amber strip in US spec lights at all and will be looking to get a euro spec set for my car, but not sure I can justify the apparent $4k+ costs for the OEM set. Hopefully cheaper alternatives can be found soon.

EZcheezy · Feb 12, 2024

i replaced my amber reflectors on my BMW but they are simply on the outside next to the wheel. cheap and easy to fix.

i considered the same for the Emira but you either need to open up the light or replace it with EU spec. both sound way too evasive and expensive for such a minor issue

scc.131.fe · Feb 12, 2024

EZcheezy said:
. too evasive and expensive for such a minor issue

100% agree, both with my clear corners on my E39 and also that I would never buy replacement headlights just to accomplish this. (I did it with insurance money after being hit)

For the Lotus, that's money better spent on driving lessons so that I am more deserving of the car!

Eagle7 · Feb 13, 2024

I don't get why people hate them. I think they turned out looking pretty good myself.

Speedy Emira · Feb 13, 2024

Eagle7 said:
I don't get why people hate them. I think they turned out looking pretty good myself.

Same and like mentioned at 4K to replace them is a mad price and id would sooner spend the money elsewhere.
It used to be all the rage in the UK to have clear or smoked on everything and loads of cars had replacement light clusters at the rear that were completely clear with coloured bulbs.

The problem with aftermarket light clusters or opening up oem ones is the increased risk of fogging. Since the change to ever sleeker headlight clusters there are many cars that suffer fogging especially after rain.

Nova · Feb 13, 2024

I thought moisture in the Emira lights is a feature. I am almost certain I heard existing owners complain about this. Once the lights heat up the fog is gone.

pcarguy · Feb 13, 2024

FlyNavy01 said:
A thread on this already exists here.

I don't like the amber strip in US spec lights at all and will be looking to get a euro spec set for my car, but not sure I can justify the apparent $4k+ costs for the OEM set. Hopefully cheaper alternatives can be found soon.

Thanks for this. That thread didn't come up in a search. It also has a few photos of Blue, White, and dark grey US cars. It's given me hope that my Nimbus with yellow calipers might possibly look ok with the amber.

Also found a US Nimbus photo in the USA thread. Perhaps not as bad as I thought:

seriously · Feb 13, 2024

Baking your lights to open them up is the way many choose to do it. But I just never felt like that was a good idea. Lights are so advanced now that it seems risky. Old days it was just a projector headlight…but back then replacements were also WAY cheaper.

kitkat · Feb 13, 2024

seriously said:
Baking your lights to open them up is the way many choose to do it. But I just never felt like that was a good idea. Lights are so advanced now that it seems risky. Old days it was just a projector headlight…but back then replacements were also WAY cheaper.

Sticking your LED headlights in an oven is sure fire way to ensure your next mod is a set of $5,000 headlights.

Gprodigy · Feb 13, 2024

EZcheezy said:
i replaced my amber reflectors on my BMW but they are simply on the outside next to the wheel. cheap and easy to fix.

i considered the same for the Emira but you either need to open up the light or replace it with EU spec. both sound way too evasive and expensive for such a minor issue

I was rooting for side reflectors outside instead of headlight for this exact reason.

When cars are delivered, someone should try the headlight tint film on the sides to see if it works. I did this for my jaguar and it looks good. However, it may not blend with the car if you don't have black wheels.

Other than that, we'd have to buy new headlights from overseas. :\

GRP · Feb 13, 2024

They definitely stick out a bit but as mentioned not much you can do unless you open up the headlights or apply a tinted overlay in that area but not sure how that would look either.

Speedy Emira · Feb 13, 2024

pcarguy said:
Thanks for this. That thread didn't come up in a search. It also has a few photos of Blue, White, and dark grey US cars. It's given me hope that my Nimbus with yellow calipers might possibly look ok with the amber.

Also found a US Nimbus photo in the USA thread. Perhaps not as bad as I thought:

That’s the exact colour of mine and until I read this thread I hadn’t noticed the colour.

Rapture · Feb 13, 2024

Interestingly, there will be people in Europe that want the amber in the headlights.

I would prefer non-amber, but they don't look as bad as I thought they would. Such a stupid and old DOT rule.

Gprodigy · Feb 13, 2024

Rapture said:
Interestingly, there will be people in Europe that want the amber in the headlights.

well someone start

Emira-Headlight-Swap.com

b/c the traffic will be heavy

luciddaydream · Feb 14, 2024

Gprodigy said:
well someone start

Emira-Headlight-Swap.com

b/c the traffic will be heavy

Actually a brilliant idea.

EvoraParts · Feb 16, 2024

These lights are made in Milwaukee by J.W Speaker. We have a guy in our local Lotus group who worked there but not sure if still does. Won't be any help but ask anyway.
Posted this pic years ago from work.

robrmon · Feb 17, 2024

I generally think they don’t look as bad as I feared, and certainly not $4k bad.
With that said, I’ll see when I get the car if I can apply a tint strip on the side. If it looks crap, I’ll take off the tint, I’ll live with it OEM and move on.

US Emira Replacement Side Markers

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