Elise changes 2005-2007

[FLKeith]

I am starting to shop for a used Elise. Are there differences between the model years to consider that affect reliability or anything else I should be considering? Are there any years that have more problems than others? Were any significant improvements made over time?
Thanks

[Darth G-F]

Better seats and LED tail lights from 06 on. Drive by wire also started in 06.

Basically eveything else is identical.

[waydui]

Let me say it before anyone else does: "Search is your friend".

That said, I have a 2005 and have friends who have other model years. I'm not aware of any model year having any significant reliability differences from another.

Build dates are more important. In the '05 model year, it seems that models built before January 2005 had more issues that were corrected in later versions. Check the build date to find out.

2005 models were not DBW models. I prefer the mechanical linkage, but to each his own. Cosmetic differences were minor and trim levels improved offering more choices mechanically (Sport Pack, LSD, etc.) than the earlier years.

I wouldn't rule out any given year for reliability issues. The actual car experience and history is the critical factor.

Good luck.

Regards,
Wayne

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by FLKeith

I am starting to shop for a used Elise.

Congratulations.

Originally Posted by FLKeith

Are there differences between the model years to consider that affect reliability or anything else I should be considering? Are there any years that have more problems than others? Were any significant improvements made over time?
Thanks

There were changes and "improvements" made with time, but significant is subject to personal opinion and very few of the changes that I can think of have anything to do with reliability.

-to the seats (2006 introduced the Probax) which were "more comfortable."
-to the headlights (2007 introduced the sealed units) which are slightly less expensive to replace. Slightly. But unfortunately the '07 headlight pattern is not adjustable as the earlier car's were. The '07 bulbs are easier to replace with the new units (IMO).
-to the headlights again in '07 that addressed a burning issue from the sun on the earlier cars. Many, but not all, of the earlier cars had "embellisher rings" placed to address this issue in the earlier lights.
-the early 2005s had shifter breakage that were subject to a recall but not all of them were repaired (I know of one that wasn't repaired but hasn't broken yet).
-2007 introduced a slightly smaller rear view mirror. Slightly.
-multiple crappy head units are available with equally crappy speakers and some HUs and speakers are just fine.
-AC is much more reliable in cars without tops on but other than that it seems to be the same for all MYs.
-DBW throttle in '06 but if you like to pull a cable with your foot that may not be a good thing.

That's all I can think of but I know there are more.

[...m...]

...the later LED taillights use a different pattern from the '05 cars (i prefer the original), and the later rear grille patterns and bumperettes look more tacked-on to my eyes, but opinions vary...

[TheViper]

06 onward were not Drive By Wire (DBW) they were Throttle By Wire (TBW)
Michael

[...m...]

...also, '05 cars (and possibly '06) have a federal bumper exemption stamped onto the model decal, which can offer a nice excuse for not running a front plate...

[lt0302]

most 05 have dual oil coolers while the later have only one.....

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by TheViper

06 onward were not Drive By Wire (DBW) they were Throttle By Wire (TBW)
Michael

Correct. Lotus refers to it as "Electronic throttle control."

[Vampyre]

There are a number of changes from the 2005 to 2006...

The 2006 got new lighter weight pedal box with forged steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This new unit, which is lighter then the previous extruded aluminium unit, has an electronic throttle for quicker and smoother engine response.

Reduced brake pedal ratio, braking effort have be reduced by 30 percent and improved pedal feel for the brake and throttle. All three pedals are better positioned for improved "heel and toe" brake and throttle control on downshifts. The cable-less throttle also ensures that emissions are managed more effectively and kept as low as possible under all operating conditions.

LED side and rear lights with integrated reflectors are fitted which are lighter and brighter. The brake lights illuminate 2 tenths of a second (0.2 seconds) quicker (or one Elise car length at 70km/h / 43 mph) and are 36% lighter (around 0.6 kg) than conventional filament bulbs

2006 models do not have reflectors build into the rear panel, since the LED are brighter.

Updated ECU on 2006

Drive by Wire, throttle body in place of last year's mechanical one.


Daytime running lights

ProBax seat padding was upgraded for increased comfort.

The instruments are more clear and easy to read than in the 2005 model. the Tach has 0 to 3000 RPM's grouped tighter.

2006 has a revised fuel tank and evap. loss system.



Eight new colors join the list of 20 available hues for the composite body panels

Base price was raised $3000

2006 option - switchable engine-managed Lotus Traction Control System (LTC)

2006 Option - Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD) is available as an option for tight low speed, high acceleration driving.

[RWLott]

Originally Posted by FLKeith

I am starting to shop for a used Elise. Are there differences between the model years to consider that affect reliability or anything else I should be considering? Are there any years that have more problems than others? Were any significant improvements made over time?
Thanks

I thought the 06s introduced wider pedal spacing. I have to use driving shoes for my 05 as the spaces between the pedals is tight. Wider spacing would be an advantage IMO.

[...m...]

...the reflectors were actually eliminated because they're integrated with the LED taillights, not because LEDs are brighter...also, the LSD was made available for the very last '05 cars as well, important for SCCA classing...

[zygotesoup]

I think what steve MEANT to say was:

2005 - Coolest year ever with awesome mechanical throttle, totally bitchin' extruded aluminum pedals, and super neato dual oil coolers!

2006 - Pretty much way worse and totally lame... especially in chili red

Originally Posted by Vampyre

There are a number of changes from the 2005 to 2006...

The 2006 got new lighter weight pedal box with forged steel pedal arms and extruded aluminium pads. This new unit, which is lighter then the previous extruded aluminium unit, has an electronic throttle for quicker and smoother engine response.

Reduced brake pedal ratio, braking effort have be reduced by 30 percent and improved pedal feel for the brake and throttle. All three pedals are better positioned for improved "heel and toe" brake and throttle control on downshifts. The cable-less throttle also ensures that emissions are managed more effectively and kept as low as possible under all operating conditions.

LED side and rear lights with integrated reflectors are fitted which are lighter and brighter. The brake lights illuminate 2 tenths of a second (0.2 seconds) quicker (or one Elise car length at 70km/h / 43 mph) and are 36% lighter (around 0.6 kg) than conventional filament bulbs

2006 models do not have reflectors build into the rear panel, since the LED are brighter.

Updated ECU on 2006

Drive by Wire, throttle body in place of last year's mechanical one.


Daytime running lights

ProBax seat padding was upgraded for increased comfort.

The instruments are more clear and easy to read than in the 2005 model. the Tach has 0 to 3000 RPM's grouped tighter.

2006 has a revised fuel tank and evap. loss system.



Eight new colors join the list of 20 available hues for the composite body panels

Base price was raised $3000

2006 option - switchable engine-managed Lotus Traction Control System (LTC)

2006 Option - Torsen-type limited slip differential (LSD) is available as an option for tight low speed, high acceleration driving.

[buzzy]

Straight from the Service Manual (ignore the bits about the Elise S - it's not available in the US):

2006 M.Y. Introduction: September 2005
VIN character 10 = 6; Serial number restarts at 0001, common to all variants. Introduction of USA Exige and Canadian Elise. 5-speed Elise remains unchanged. Differences between 6-speed '06 Elise and '05 include; Electronic throttle control (using no mechanical cable). Optional Lotus Traction Control (LTC) or Limited Slip Differential (LSD) with LTC. Standard fit Yokohama AD07 tyres on non-USA cars. Optional forged wheels with new 6.0 in front size. LED rear lamp clusters incor- porating reflectors (formerly separate), and commonised USA type CHMSL. ProBax seat foams. New body colours. USA & Canadian Elise; revised fuel tank and evap. loss system. Canadian Elise uses daytime running lights and clutch down start allow switch. USA Exige similar to non-USA, but with USA airbag interior.

2007 M.Y. & Elise S Introduction: June 2006
VIN character 10 = 7; Serial number restarts at 0001, common to all variants. VIN character 4 identifies engine type. Elise S = Y Differences between '07 Elise/Exige and '06 include: Elise 111R renamed Elise R; New sealed headlamp units; raised LOTUS lettering on rear transom; additional screen pillar seal; Alpine audio; improved HVAC duct- ing. New model Elise S uses 1ZZ-FE engine producing 100 kW, with variable inlet timing but fixed valve lift, plastic inlet manifold, revised intake snorkel, revised exhaust manifold and downpipe, smaller tailpipes within standard trims. Elise S also uses new C56 5-speed transmission and 6-spoke roadwheels sharing styling of standard '01 model wheels.

USA Low Speed Damage Mitigation: January 2007
From ‘07 USA VIN serial no. 1579.
To meet USA safety legislation, modifications made to Elise/Exige: Front; armatures and foam inserts added between crash structure and clamshell. Rear; bumper panel housing foam pads either side of licence plate, narrower rear grilles, reinforced boot floor and diffuser support panel, stiffened diffuser. Some elements commonised for all markets.

[RoadDad]

Originally Posted by zygotesoup

I think what steve MEANT to say was:

2005 - ...with awesome throttle by wire...

I certainly hope not as it was a mechanical cable.

[Slipstreamer]

'05 with Sports Package came with 6.5" x 16" front wheels, while later ones came with narrower wheels at 6" x 16" (to induce more understeer).