Got an Exige S and can’t see anything out the back and have contemplated removing it but haven’t bothered yet. Don’t know why Lotus fit it in the first place as I don’t think it is required by law?
First, be VERY careful removing the mirror. The windscreen is VERY fragile
Although rear vision is limited, it’s still useful. The standard mirror is huge (Although I think they’ve recently changed to a smaller item).
I swapped my enormous monstrosity for one from the old shape Merc SLK. I think it was also used on the first generation Audi TT. It’s pretty much the perfect size, a nice oval shape, and reasonably priced.
The Micro mirror is pricey, and actually a little too small.
The only problem with fitting a mirror like mine is that it doesn’t fit the standard plinth. I had my plinth swapped over by my local Autoglass place, they were really friendly and helpful and they didn’t want to charge me. I gave them a few quid anyway.
I looked at one and found it wasn’t wide enough to see the full view with both eyes at once. 3D vision is quite useful for judging distance. If you like it that’s fine, but it’s not for me.
Mine flew off and nearly took out the passenger window after it had been 'professionally reattached to a new screen I had fitted. I didn’t bother with it after that. The law is drivers door mirror + one other so the 2 door mirrors together are fine. I have been thinking of a rear view camera with a 4" tft on the dash but for now, if it’s behind me it’s not in my way so I don’t need to be looking at it
I got one from halfords, I thik it was one for seeing the kids in the back type thing. Anyway, small but just the right size and its suction mount so you can move it to any position you want.
Just bought an Exige S and the Lotus Dealer said that a mirror has to be fitted by law whenever there is a rear window fitted.
Phil
I wonder if that’s the law for manufacturers, the same as the S1 had to be 177 bhp to pass the emissions regulations but you could then legally have a manufacturers upgrade to 190. It’s simply drivers door plus 1 other according to the DOT’s regulations on a car being road legal. According to my local MOT centre at any rate. They passed my S1 without a rear view. I’d guess the dealer has to sell it with a mirror if it should have one but there’s no law to say you can’t remove it if you like