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Stu — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:47:39 GMT

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	** helppage\|help		** helppage\|help
	** https://forums.seloc.org/f/35 \|SELOC Tech Forum		** https://forums.seloc.org/f/35 \|SELOC Tech Forum
			* TOOLBOX
			** Special:SpecialPages\|Special pages

User talk:Stu

Stu — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:52:29 GMT

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			[[File:Screenshot 2026-04-03 at 09.43.38.png\|thumb]]
	[[Image:App_Store_Badge_EN.jpg\|145px\|link=http://itunes.com/apps/seloctechwiki/\|alt=alt\|title]]		[[Image:App_Store_Badge_EN.jpg\|145px\|link=http://itunes.com/apps/seloctechwiki/\|alt=alt\|title]]

File:Screenshot 2026-04-03 at 09.43.38.png

Stu — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 14:51:57 GMT

Stu uploaded File:Screenshot 2026-04-03 at 09.43.38.png

New page

Importing Lotus UK to Spain Post Brexit

Happy.smiler — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:05:38 GMT

Observed behaviour

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	* Vehicle: Lotus Exige 390 Final Edition		* Vehicle: Lotus Exige 390 Final Edition
	* ~~Year~~: 2021		* Registered Date: 04/2021
	* Registration: Post-Brexit		* Registration: Post-Brexit
	* Total process time: ~5 months		* Total process time: ~5 months
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	This applies primarily to vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (Brexit transition end).		This applies primarily to vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (Brexit transition end).
	Pre-Brexit vehicles typically follow a simpler process.		Pre-Brexit vehicles typically follow a simpler process.



	=== Key Authorities ===		=== Key Authorities ===
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	==== Observed behaviour ====		==== Observed behaviour ====

	* Regional ITV offices escalate to Madrid		* Regional ITV offices escalate, to regional offices and then to Madrid
	* Focus on:		* Focus on:
	** Traceability of signatory		** Traceability of signatory
	** Recognition in Spanish system		** Recognition in Spanish system

	==== Outcome ====		==== Outcome ====
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	* Provided all required documentation		* Provided all required documentation
	* Confirmed signatory authority		* Confirmed signatory authority

	~~Call centre based in Barcelona:~~
	* English-speaking support		* English-speaking support
	* Helpful and approachable ("simpáticos")		* Helpful and approachable ("simpáticos")



	=== Contacting Lotus Customer Care ===		=== Contacting Lotus Customer Care ===
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	[[Category:Homologation]]		[[Category:Homologation]]
	[[Category:Spain]]		[[Category:Spain]]
			[[Category:Reference]]

Importing Lotus UK to Spain Post Brexit

Happy.smiler — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 21:41:24 GMT

Importing a Lotus from the UK into Spain after Brexit (for vehicles registered from 01/01/2021 onwards) is a documentation-heavy and often non-standard process that can take several months to complete. While the Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is the starting point, it is typically not sufficient on its own, and additional documents such as homologation codes, technical conformity letters, and type approval confirmation are often required.

New page

== Importing a Lotus from the UK into Spain (Post-Brexit) ==

=== Overview ===

This guide describes the process of importing a Lotus vehicle from the UK into Spain after Brexit, based on a real case:

* Vehicle: Lotus Exige 390 Final Edition
* Year: 2021
* Registration: Post-Brexit
* Total process time: ~5 months

'''Important:'''
This applies primarily to vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (Brexit transition end).
Pre-Brexit vehicles typically follow a simpler process.

=== Key Authorities ===

* ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos)
Spain’s official vehicle inspection and homologation body (similar to UK MOT + approval for registration)

* Spanish Ministry of Industry
Responsible for homologation framework and recognition of authorised signatories

=== Step 1 – Certificate of Conformity (CoC) ===

==== Expected ====
* Manufacturer-issued CoC

==== How to get a CoC ====
The recommended first step to obtain a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for a Lotus is to contact your local Lotus dealer and ask them to request and supply the document on your behalf. In many cases, dealers can access the manufacturer systems directly and may simplify the process. If this route is not successful, you can then contact Lotus Customer Care directly, typically via email or by phone through their UK headquarters, with requests often handled. You will need to provide your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), proof of ownership such as the V5C or purchase invoice, and your contact details, and sometimes identification. The CoC usually costs between €150 and €200 and is delivered within one to three weeks, depending on the vehicle and availability of records. It is typically issued as a PDF and signed by Lotus. However, for vehicles registered after 01/01/2021 (post-Brexit), the CoC alone may not be sufficient for registration in Spain, and it is advisable to request additional documentation at the same time, such as a homologation codes letter, technical conformity letter, type approval confirmation, and signatory authorisation. Keeping all correspondence is important, as it may be required by ITV during the registration process.

==== Reality (Post-Brexit) ====
* CoC may NOT be sufficient
* Additional documentation often required, especially for:
** Post-Brexit vehicles
** Small series homologation vehicles

=== Step 2 – Homologation Number (Critical) ===

==== Example format ====
E4*KS07/__*____*__

==== Breakdown ====

* E4 → Approval authority (Netherlands)
* KS → Kleine Serie (Small Series approval)
* Remaining digits → Directive / variant / version

==== Where to Find Homologation Numbers ====

For a Lotus vehicle (and most EU-approved vehicles), the homologation number (type approval number) can be found in several locations.

===== 1. Certificate of Conformity (CoC) =====

Primary source.

The homologation number is always listed on the CoC.

Look for fields such as:
* "Type approval number"
* "EC type-approval number"

Example format:
e4*KS07/__*____*__

This is the most reliable and official reference.

===== 2. Vehicle Identification Plate (VIN Plate) =====

The homologation number may also appear on the manufacturer’s plate on the vehicle.

Typical locations:
* Front compartment (Elise/Exige) on Door sill

===== 3. Registration Documents =====

In some cases, the homologation number may appear on registration paperwork:

* UK V5C (Logbook)

===== Summary =====

The homologation number is most reliably found on the Certificate of Conformity (CoC), but it also appears on the vehicle plate.

=== Step 3 – Homologation Codes Document ===

==== Requirement ====

A manufacturer-issued document listing homologation codes, Lotus calls this document "DOCUMENT CERTIFYING COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATED ACTS FOR VEHICLES FOR PRE-REGISTRATION INSPECTIONS"

==== Format ====

* Typically 1–2 pages (example: in my case 2 pages)

==== Content ====

* EU regulatory references
* System-level approvals:
** Lighting
** Emissions
** Braking
** Noise
** Safety systems
* Cross-reference to type approval framework

==== Purpose ====

Provides detailed technical compliance evidence beyond the CoC

==== ITV Feedback ====

* Content: Accepted
* Issue: Signature validation (see below)

=== Step 4 – Authorised Signatory Issue ===

==== Requirement ====

ITV may require confirmation that the signatory is: ''Recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Industry''

==== Problem ====

* No public register exists
* Manufacturers (including Lotus) do NOT maintain Spain-specific lists
* Even when:
** Documents are correct
** Authority is confirmed

→ ITV may still reject based on signature

=== Step 5 – Ministry of Industry Escalation ===

==== Observed behaviour ====

* Regional ITV offices escalate to Madrid
* Focus on:
** Traceability of signatory
** Recognition in Spanish system

==== Outcome ====

* No clear standard process
* Interpretation varies

=== Taxation (Post-Brexit Imports) ===

For vehicles imported from the UK into the EU:

* 21% VAT (IVA in Spain)
* ~10% import duty

'''Important:'''
These taxes generally apply to any UK → EU vehicle import post-Brexit (subject to origin rules).

=== Manufacturer Support (Lotus) ===

Support from Lotus was critical:
* Responsive Customer Care
* Provided all required documentation
* Confirmed signatory authority

Call centre based in Barcelona:
* English-speaking support
* Helpful and approachable ("simpáticos")

=== Contacting Lotus Customer Care ===

==== Contact Details ====

* Email: ukcustomercare@eu.lotuscars.com
* Telephone (UK): +44 (0) 3300948047

==== Customer Escalations Team ====
* Email: escalations@eu.lotuscars.com

==== Notes ====

* Expect follow-ups, they return calls, without their help it wouldn't have been possible.

=== Key Learnings ===

* CoC alone may not be sufficient
* KS (Small Series) homologation is valid but not widely understood
* Expect detailed technical documentation requests
* Signature validation can block progress
* Process varies between ITV stations
* Time required: ~5 months

=== Recommendation ===

Would this process be recommended?

'''No'''

Due to:

* Administrative complexity
* Lack of clarity
* Time required
* Tax burden (21% + 10%)

=== Summary ===

Importing a post-Brexit UK Lotus into Spain is feasible but complex, especially for:

* Small series vehicles
* Non-standard homologation formats

Expect a documentation-heavy process with possible escalation to authorities.

[[Category:TechWiki]]
[[Category:Importing]]
[[Category:Certificate of Conformity]]
[[Category:CoC]]
[[Category:Homologation]]
[[Category:Spain]]

File:Crank marker.jpeg

JulianT — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:21:36 GMT

JulianT uploaded File:Crank marker.jpeg

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File:90btdc.jpeg

JulianT — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:20:47 GMT

JulianT uploaded File:90btdc.jpeg

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File:Cams.jpeg

JulianT — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 17:19:47 GMT

JulianT uploaded File:Cams.jpeg

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Tyre pressures

Happy.smiler — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:50:46 GMT

Tyre pressures

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:50, 29 March 2026
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	\|'''S3 Exige'''\|\|'''FRONT'''\|\|'''REAR'''\|\|'''Road or Track?'''		\|'''S3 Exige'''\|\|'''FRONT'''\|\|'''REAR'''\|\|'''Road or Track?'''
	\|-		\|-
	\|Michelin Pilot Sport 4\|\|32\|\|35\|\|Road		\|Michelin Pilot Sport 4\|\|29\|\|32\|\|Road
	\|-		\|-
	\|Tyre Name\|\|PSI \|\|PSI\|\|?		\|Tyre Name\|\|PSI \|\|PSI\|\|?

Coolant

Lithopsian — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:18:53 GMT

Brands and codes: many Japanese blue coolants are PHOAT

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	*'''Yellow''': G05-type lobrid ("heavy duty"), or "universal" (eg. Prestone), or plain OAT (eg. many trucks)		*'''Yellow''': G05-type lobrid ("heavy duty"), or "universal" (eg. Prestone), or plain OAT (eg. many trucks)
	*'''Yellow-green''': probably Renault type D, used to be plain OAT, now Si-OAT (some POAT "green" coolants are pale and yellowish)		*'''Yellow-green''': probably Renault type D, used to be plain OAT, now Si-OAT (some POAT "green" coolants are pale and yellowish)
	*'''Red''': usually plain OAT, sometimes 2-EHA-based, often more complex carboxylic acids or mixtures, to G12 or G12+ standard (note that OEM Toyota coolant for very old models is red ~~and IAT~~)		*'''Red''': usually plain OAT, sometimes 2-EHA-based, often more complex carboxylic acids or mixtures, to G12 or G12+ standard (note that OEM Toyota coolant for very old models is red HOAT)
	*'''Pink''': usually an OAT that is safe to mix with other types of coolant, may be Si-OAT or PSi-OAT, to G12+, G12++, or G12 EVO standard, but Japanese (eg. Toyota) pink coolant is PHOAT		*'''Pink''': usually an OAT that is safe to mix with other types of coolant, may be Si-OAT or PSi-OAT, to G12+, G12++, or G12 EVO standard, but Japanese (eg. Toyota) pink coolant is PHOAT
	*'''Violet''' or '''lilac''': usually Si-OAT or PSi-OAT, to G12++ or G12 EVO standard, although Comma/Halfords describe their G30 as violet		*'''Violet''' or '''lilac''': usually Si-OAT or PSi-OAT, to G12++ or G12 EVO standard, although Comma/Halfords sometimes describe their G30 as violet
	*'''Purple''': glycerin-based Si-OAT to G13 standard		*'''Purple''': glycerin-based Si-OAT to G13 standard
	*'''Blue''', '''blue-green''': may be IAT or lobrid OAT ~~(common for European and Japanese OEM coolants)~~		*'''Blue''', '''blue-green''': may be IAT, lobrid OAT, or PHOAT
	*'''Green''': may be IAT or P(H)OAT (usually Japanese), or Si-OAT (BMW/Toyota HT-12)		*'''Green''': may be IAT or P(H)OAT (usually Japanese), or Si-OAT (BMW/Toyota HT-12)

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	*'''HOAT''': Comma/Glysantin G05 (yellow, with sodium benzoate and nitrites) BMW LC-87 (blue), Comma/Glysantin G48 (blue/green, with silicates), Halfords NAP-free (= Comma G48), Citroen/Peugeot/Opel/G33 (blue)		*'''HOAT''': Comma/Glysantin G05 (yellow, with sodium benzoate and nitrites) BMW LC-87 (blue), Comma/Glysantin G48 (blue/green, with silicates), Halfords NAP-free (= Comma G48), Citroen/Peugeot/Opel/G33 (blue)
	*'''OAT''', VW G12 TL 774D (red), VW G12+ TL 774F (pink), Comma Super Longlife Red (red), Halfords OAT (red), Comma/Glysantin G30 (violet), Glysantin G33 (blue/green), Glysantin G34 (orange), ECP Triple QX Red (red), ECP Triple QX Orange (orange), Havoline XLC (orange), Granville Zerocol (red), Bluecol 5yr (red), old Renault Type D (yellow-green)		*'''OAT''', VW G12 TL 774D (red), VW G12+ TL 774F (pink), Comma Super Longlife Red (red), Halfords OAT (red), Comma/Glysantin G30 (violet), Glysantin G33 (blue/green), Glysantin G34 (orange), ECP Triple QX Red (red), ECP Triple QX Orange (orange), Havoline XLC (orange), Granville Zerocol (red), Bluecol 5yr (red), old Renault Type D (yellow-green)
	*'''P-OAT/PHOAT''': Honda Type 2 (blue), Renault Type E (blue)		*'''P-OAT/PHOAT''': Honda Type 2 and many other Japanese (blue), Renault Type E (blue), Toyota Super Long life (pink or blue)
	*'''Si-OAT''': VW G12++ TL 774G (pink), VW G13 TL 774J (purple, with glycerin), ECP Triple QX Purple (purple, with glycerin), Havoline QFC (red, with glycerin), BMW LC-18 (green), Glysantin G40 (violet), new Renault Type D (yellow-green)		*'''Si-OAT''': VW G12++ TL 774G (pink), VW G13 TL 774J (purple, with glycerin), ECP Triple QX Purple (purple, with glycerin), Havoline QFC (red, with glycerin), BMW LC-18 (green), Glysantin G40 (violet), new Renault Type D (yellow-green)
	*'''PSi-OAT''': VW G12EVO (pink), Glysantin G64 (green), Glysantin G65 (pink)		*'''PSi-OAT''': VW G12EVO (pink), Glysantin G64 (green), Glysantin G65 (=G64, but pink)

	==Lotus==		==Lotus==

	===Elise S1===		===Elise S1===
	The Elise S1 contains a Rover K-series cast aluminium engine. The Elise S1 owner's handbook recommends only using Unipart Superplus, which was green, and a change interval of two years. Unipart Superplus is no longer available, but similar non-OAT coolants are. The "official" Xpart coolant for the K-series engine is now a red OAT coolant, available [https://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/84/608/lotus-approved-engine-coolant/ at EliseParts]. Many S1's have been switched to the red OAT type at some stage of their lives, which should last approximately 5 years before needing to be changed.		The Elise S1 contains a Rover K-series cast aluminium engine. The Elise S1 owner's handbook recommends only using Unipart Superplus, which was green, and a change interval of two years. Unipart Superplus is no longer available, but similar non-OAT coolants are. The "official" Xpart coolant for the K-series engine is now a red OAT coolant, available [https://www.eliseparts.com/products/show/84/608/lotus-approved-engine-coolant/ at EliseParts]. Many S1's have been switched to the red OAT type at some stage of their lives, which should last approximately 5 years before needing to be changed, although the official Lotus service interval is 4 years.

	Either IAT or OAT coolants can be used in the Elise S1. The important thing is not to mix them, and to flush the system if changing from one to the other. Modern OAT coolants ("pink", G12+/++, G30, etc) are more forgiving about being mixed with other types. A HOAT coolant (Unipart AFC) was briefly listed as the official coolant for the K-series in the MGF around 2000. Check the levels regularly and refresh at the recommended interval.		Either IAT or OAT coolants can be used in the Elise S1. The important thing is not to mix them, and to flush the system if changing from one to the other. Modern OAT coolants ("pink", G12+/++, G30, etc) are more forgiving about being mixed with other types. A HOAT coolant (Unipart AFC, blue) was briefly listed as the official coolant for the K-series in the MGF around 2000. Check the levels regularly and refresh at the recommended interval.

	===Elise S2===		===Elise S2/3===
	Rover engined cars use the same coolant as the S1.		Rover engined cars use the same coolant as the S1. The recommended coolant for Toyota-engined cars is Havoline XLC.

	===Evora===		===Evora===