Lotus Elise, MK1

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Lotus Elise, MK1 manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 2,1 to 2,4 liters. Service intervals occur every 15000 km or 12 months. The data covers 2 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
Elise 111S, Mk1 (1999-2001)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,4 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 2,1 liter (Service fill)
  • Check 15000 km/ 12 months
  • Code: 5/1
Elise, Mk1 (1995-2001)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2,4 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 2,1 liter (Service fill)
  • Check 15000 km/ 12 months
  • Code: 5/1

Additional Notes

  • The Lotus Elise MK1 manual transaxle holds 2.4 liters at dry fill, a figure that applies when the unit has been fully disassembled, drained, and rebuilt before receiving fresh fluid.
  • The service fill capacity of 2.1 liters is the correct target when topping up or changing fluid in a transaxle that has not been fully stripped, accounting for residual fluid retained in internal passages and components.
  • The 0.3-liter difference between dry fill and service fill on the MK1 manual transaxle reflects the volume of fluid that remains trapped within the unit during a standard drain, meaning overfilling to the dry fill figure during routine service would result in excess fluid in the system.
  • Both the base Elise MK1 covering 1995-2001 and the 111S variant covering 1999-2001 share identical manual transaxle capacities of 2.4 liters dry and 2.1 liters service fill, indicating no capacity difference between the two configurations despite the 111S carrying a higher-output engine.
  • The check interval for the manual transaxle fluid on both MK1 configurations is set at 15,000 km or 12 months under normal use conditions, whichever comes first, meaning the time-based threshold can trigger a check before the distance figure is reached in low-mileage applications.

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