Customer complaint
A UK vehicle unable to pass its Spanish ITV test
The customer had exported the UK-specification Audi Q8 to Spain. During its Spanish roadworthiness inspection, the vehicle failed because its exterior lighting remained configured for use on UK roads.
The dipped-beam pattern was designed for a right-hand-drive vehicle and was unsuitable for permanent use when driving on the right. The rear fog-light arrangement also required changing to meet the inspection requirements.
Previous advice
A proposed repair costing around €12,000
The customer approached several garages in Spain, including an Audi dealership. He was advised that the headlamp assemblies needed replacing with brand-new European-specification units.
The quoted cost was approximately €12,000, making the conversion difficult to justify financially.
Remote investigation
Establishing what coding could—and could not—change
Because the vehicle was already in Spain, MPH Northwest connected remotely using our diagnostic and coding platforms. We investigated whether the lighting configuration could be converted without replacing the headlamp assemblies.
We successfully accessed and enabled the available headlamp adaptation. Testing then established that the software adjustment could only lower the dipped beam by a few degrees. It could not fully convert the UK beam pattern for permanent use on Spanish roads.
An honest technical conclusion
Coding alone could not provide a compliant permanent conversion. Replacement European-specification headlamps were required, but they did not need to be brand new.
Repair strategy
Identifying a more economical component solution
MPH Northwest used UK technical systems to identify the correct European-specification components. We then worked with the customer to locate a suitable pair of used Matrix LED headlamps in Poland.
The replacement headlamps and the parts required to relocate the rear fog light were supplied directly to the customer in Spain. We also identified the necessary rear-light wiring alterations and coordinated with an Audi dealership in Spain to complete the physical installation.
International coordination
Managing the solution remotely from the UK
The vehicle was not available for us to inspect physically, and the language barrier between the parties made technical coordination more difficult.
Despite those challenges, MPH Northwest identified the correct technical solution, sourced the required components and supported the installation process from the UK.
Final result
A viable conversion at less than half the quotation
The lighting conversion was completed for approximately €5,000—less than half of the original €12,000 quotation for brand-new headlamp assemblies.
By sourcing suitable used components and managing the technical work remotely, MPH Northwest made the conversion economically viable and allowed the customer to keep and use the Audi Q8 in Spain.