CMax export Portugal

Vermelho

Hi All,
I am planning to export my Ford C-Max 2011 from Ireland to Portugal and will need to ensure the lights are compliant for LHDs. Typically people exporting to the continent have to either manually adjust lights from RHD to LHD or replace their headlights entirely.

The C-Max does not have the manual adjustment option and Ford in Ireland and my local Ford dealer in Portugal have both said it is not possible to replace the CMax RHD lights with LHD lights. Yet, Ford in Ireland have issued an EU Certificate of Conformance for LHD driving regions. Makes no sense to me if the lights are not conformant!

This means I would not pass the Portuguese version of the NCT or be allowed to import and register my car here in Portugal.

However, I have read of a couple of people online that have successfully replaced their CMax RHD lights with LHD lights. Is it a case that the manufacturers will not officially approve such changes but they are actually possible? Has anyone here done this with their CMax? I really really need to import the car, it’s worth €8k in Ireland and €16k in PT!
Thanks for any advice!

grogi

Vermelho wrote: »

I am planning to export my Ford C-Max 2011 from Ireland to Portugal and will need to ensure the lights are compliant for LHDs. Typically people exporting to the continent have to either manually adjust lights from RHD to LHD or replace their headlights entirely.

The C-Max does not have the manual adjustment option and Ford in Ireland and my local Ford dealer in Portugal have both said it is not possible to replace the CMax RHD lights with LHD lights.

Why it isn't possible to use different headlights? It is just a mechanical difference in the shape of the reflector or masking plate.

Are there some kind of sensors integrated with one of the headlights and the electrical wires differ between LHD and RHD?

This means I would not pass the Portuguese version of the NCT or be allowed to import and register my car here in Portugal.

No, you probably will not pass.

Vermelho wrote: »

However, I have read of a couple of people online that have successfully replaced their CMax RHD lights with LHD lights. Is it a case that the manufacturers will not officially approve such changes but they are actually possible? Has anyone here done this with their CMax? I really really need to import the car, it’s worth €8k in Ireland and €16k in PT!
Thanks for any advice!

Driving a RHD in a LHD traffic, especially in the southern Europe, might not be that fun...

Vermelho

grogi wrote: »

Why it isn't possible to use different headlights? It is just a mechanical difference in the shape of the reflector or masking plate.

Are there some kind of sensors integrated with one of the headlights and the electrical wires differ between LHD and RHD?



No, you probably will not pass.



Driving a RHD in a LHD traffic, especially in the southern Europe, might not be that fun...

Ford will not give me any details on why it cannot be done, it’s a “computer says no” type of scenario. I have driven a RHD CMax over here before and had no problems, just a bit of a pain being on the wrong side at the toll kiosk but I can buy a toll pass to sort that out. It’s mostly motorway and dual carriageways I am driving on.

landmarkjohn

Lots of LHD drive campers here in Ireland use beam deflectors stuck onto the headlights in order to pass DOE (and to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic). I wonder if this is acceptable in Portugal...

Vermelho

landmarkjohn wrote: »

Lots of LHD drive campers here in Ireland use beam deflectors stuck onto the headlights in order to pass DOE (and to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic). I wonder if this is acceptable in Portugal...

Yeah I wondered if that might be an option. I assumed not but I’ll try asking the PT motor department. Although I have seen a few people online saying that the normal deflectors don’t work for CMax so you have to get some sort of template and tape from Ford. It’s so messy!

colm_mcm

If the wiring loom is different, you can just get an electrician to join a LHD to a RHD loom

mistress_gi

landmarkjohn wrote: »

Lots of LHD drive campers here in Ireland use beam deflectors stuck onto the headlights in order to pass DOE (and to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic). I wonder if this is acceptable in Portugal...

I exported a car to Portugal and these stickers are not allowed. It will not pass the Portuguese version of the nct.
It is also pretty much impossible to do it alone so you'll need someone to handle your process, particularly when it comes to dealing with customs and revenue. I tried and failed and I'm Portuguese. So you need more information or have any questions drop me a pm. I will do my best to help!

Vermelho

Turbohymac wrote: »

We'll I have driven an Irish 4x4 around France and a van last year from roscoff to Geneva without any problems.. But if I were going for anytime more than the once a year holidays . I would definitely buy a left hand drive & either sell or park up the right hand drive here at home.. anyhow the left hand drive will be on home soil & will be a better specification vehicle compared to the low spec top priced models here.. and finally no need to carry out any modifications.. ticket machines coming out of multistory car parks will b on correct side and parts. Servicing.. and testing will all b easier. .also will have a much higher resale value if you need to sell or trade in..☻

The car I have is worth twice as much (8k more) in Portugal than it is here in the current used car market, I am moving permanently and the VRT refund will cover costs of shipping and matriculation. I will probably just drive it until it packs in.

Vermelho

mistress_gi wrote: »

I exported a car to Portugal and these stickers are not allowed. It will not pass the Portuguese version of the nct.
It is also pretty much impossible to do it alone so you'll need someone to handle your process, particularly when it comes to dealing with customs and revenue. I tried and failed and I'm Portuguese. So you need more information or have any questions drop me a pm. I will do my best to help!

Thanks so much, will pm you tmrw!

CiniO

Turbohymac wrote: »

We'll I have driven an Irish 4x4 around France and a van last year from roscoff to Geneva without any problems.. But if I were going for anytime more than the once a year holidays . I would definitely buy a left hand drive & either sell or park up the right hand drive here at home.. anyhow the left hand drive will be on home soil & will be a better specification vehicle compared to the low spec top priced models here.. and finally no need to carry out any modifications.. ticket machines coming out of multistory car parks will b on correct side and parts. Servicing.. and testing will all b easier. .also will have a much higher resale value if you need to sell or trade in..☻

But price makes miracles.

OP said, similar cars cost €16k in Portugal while costing €8k here. It's no brainer.

I managed to get 2005 Honda CRV from Ireland to Poland.
Total cost of getting the car from Ireland there registered and ready to use was below €2000.
If I was to buy exact same car in Poland in exact same condition but LHD, I would need to fork out over €7000.
For a more than triple the price, I'd prefer to struggle with inconveniences of driving RHD in RH traffic.

Riva10

Turbohymac wrote: »

We'll I have driven an Irish 4x4 around France and a van last year from roscoff to Geneva without any problems.. But if I were going for anytime more than the once a year holidays . I would definitely buy a left hand drive & either sell or park up the right hand drive here at home.. anyhow the left hand drive will be on home soil & will be a better specification vehicle compared to the low spec top priced models here.. and finally no need to carry out any modifications.. ticket machines coming out of multistory car parks will b on correct side and parts. Servicing.. and testing will all b easier. .also will have a much higher resale value if you need to sell or trade in..☻

Not really helpful. Read the reason for the OP's post.

Truckermal

Turbohymac wrote: »

We'll I suppose that's what makes all of our opinions to differ.. a 2011 cmax here. Will make 8 to 10 k if it's diesel.. We'll if your cmax will be worth a further 8k when you get it to Portugal. Or even to buy a similar left hand drive over there ..then that means 18 k for 6/7 year old car. ..in portugal.. definitely a rip off.. cars in Germany certainly are not any more expensive than here & higher spec.. God I'll b off to sell our 2012 touran in Portugal ASAP. Should easily get 25k for that. ��

Cars are more expensive in Germany and not a higher spec either!

colm_mcm

Doesn't Portugal have registration tax? Would you be exempt if moving there like here?

https://aduaneiro.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/jsp/main.jsp

Vermelho

colm_mcm wrote: »

Doesn't Portugal have registration tax? Would you be exempt if moving there like here?

https://aduaneiro.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/jsp/main.jsp

Yes I will be exempt, I have to do it in the first six months of moving here and then keep the car for five years.