Smart Roadster Brabus Xclusive

[Bobby Dazzler]

Congratulations, great car, i remember you talking obout them at the BOTG. We have always admired them being Smart fans. We bought a 451 Brabus Xclusuve five years ago which i had mapped, gearbox & engine 130 bhp. It does drive like a GoKart, since it was mapped. It is one of the best designed cars i've ever driven. I use Evolution quite a bit, they recommended the company that mapped the 451 + things like spark plugs etc, highly recommende.

That’s great Peter, thank you for the tip regarding Evolution. I’ve wanted one since they were launched and have been hunting the right car for a few years now and I’ve not been disappointed.

It’s great fun to drive and passengers absolutely love it. It gets lots of looks on the road too, in a good way too! It seems to have a cheeky and fun character for all, not just the driver.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I’ve driven it quite a few times now and it continues to be great fun.

I’m looking into retrofitting an auxiliary cable, which would be handy so I can play music from my phone. Surprisingly at first glance there doesn’t appear to that much online about people wanting to retrofit Bluetooth or jackplug.

I have found a cable online which looks like it should work, but will need to look into how difficult it is to remove and refit the stereo, to decide whether I do it. The basic light weight nature of the car hopefully means it’s simple!

In a perfect world the car would a reach and rake adjustable steering wheels as it’s low set, which means it’s a squeeze to get into and the dials are partly obscured by the top of the steering wheel. It’s not much of an issue though.

 

[Bellow]

I’m looking into retrofitting an auxiliary cable, which would be handy so I can play music from my phone. Surprisingly at first glance there doesn’t appear to that much online about people wanting to retrofit Bluetooth or jackplug.

I'm not sure there's an input to accept an external source. From memory, I tried (and failed) to connect an MP3 player. Channelling it via an FM transmitter to the smart's radio was the only possibility but the sound sucked.

I have found a cable online which looks like it should work, but will need to look into how difficult it is to remove and refit the stereo, to decide whether I do it. The basic light weight nature of the car hopefully means it’s simple!

If it has the same Grundig head unit as the fortwos (I think it has), you'll need the removal tools. U-shaped prongs that insert into the pairs of holes on the fascia ends and release the holding clips.

In a perfect world the car would a reach and rake adjustable steering wheels as it’s low set, which means it’s a squeeze to get into and the dials are partly obscured by the top of the steering wheel. It’s not much of an issue though.

There was a wheel - slightly smaller IIRC - from the V6 model that was much sought after. Not to relieve the issues you highlight but for the feel it imparted to the steering.

Is yours still at standard ride height? Lowering the fortwo flattens the angle of the rear transverse arms improving turn-in no end. As standard, on turning-in, roll pushes the rear axle into toe-in which steers the car back out of the turn requiring additional lock and delivering a two-stage steering corner entry. Flatten the arms and it turns in beautifully with a single application of steering lock. Possibly, the longer wheelbase Roadster is less sensitive to this than fortwos. Lowering fortwos transforms them.

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

If the thigh thing becomes an issue......

Barkis is willing.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If the thigh thing becomes an issue......

Barkis is willing.

View attachment 157620

I could always reduce the considerable muscle from my thighs …

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm not sure there's an input to accept an external source. From memory, I tried (and failed) to connect an MP3 player. Channelling it via an FM transmitter to the smart's radio was the only possibility but the sound sucked.

If it has the same Grundig head unit as the fortwos (I think it has), you'll need the removal tools. U-shaped prongs that insert into the pairs of holes on the fascia ends and release the holding clips.

There was a wheel - slightly smaller IIRC - from the V6 model that was much sought after. Not to relieve the issues you highlight but for the feel it imparted to the steering.

Is yours still at standard ride height? Lowering the fortwo flattens the angle of the rear transverse arms improving turn-in no end. As standard, on turning-in, roll pushes the rear axle into toe-in which steers the car back out of the turn requiring additional lock and delivering a two-stage steering corner entry. Flatten the arms and it turns in beautifully with a single application of steering lock. Possibly, the longer wheelbase Roadster is less sensitive to this than fortwos. Lowering fortwos transforms them.

Thanks for sharing.

What you describe sounds about right, it’s a Grundig head unit and has the two pairs of holes you described. This is the jack plug cable I found which has a mini ISO connector:

Smart Car Roadster ForFour Aux adapter lead CT29MM01

Smart Car Roadster ForFour ForTwo 450 Aux adapter lead CT29MM01 connect iPod iPhone MP3 player mobile phone via 3.5mm jack lead Buy now with FREE UK Delivery.

www.incarconnections.co.uk

If that doesn’t work - and there’s not an option to substitute the CD auto changer - then I would go without rather than install the FM transmitter, as you say they suck!

I had heard about the V6 wheel but I didn’t realise they were smaller. I saw one for sale online at the weekend, I think it was £1400, so I will live with the standard wheel for now, an option though.

Interesting to hear the transformation lowering has on the Fortwo. My Roadster is standard (I believe) and already very low and speed humps - especially cushions - are a challenge.

Do you still have your Smart?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Made some phone calls today. It seems that Mercedes has released a huge recall so getting through on the phone was a nightmare, and unfortunately online quotes don’t work for Smart.

The variation in price is quite significant, and some of the call agents hadn’t got a clue - I had to guide them through - I felt sorry for them, although I guess most customers don’t have a clue either.

Booked in for a B-service, air filter, combi filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake fluid, and coolant which I believe is every additional item. Explaining that I wanted items not yet due was a challenge too!

I tried an independent specialist which was much less expensive than two of the main dealers I called but not much less expensive than my preferred dealer, and they’ll give me a a courtesy car.

Booked in for an MOT too at my usual MOT station. Again it’s not yet due but I want to make sure everything is spot on. I make being over the top looking like not caring when it comes to this!

 

[Bellow]

Thanks for sharing.

What you describe sounds about right, it’s a Grundig head unit and has the two pairs of holes you described.

The tools shouldn't be too hard to find. I have if you struggle...

This is the jack plug cable I found which has a mini ISO connector:

Smart Car Roadster ForFour Aux adapter lead CT29MM01

Smart Car Roadster ForFour ForTwo 450 Aux adapter lead CT29MM01 connect iPod iPhone MP3 player mobile phone via 3.5mm jack lead Buy now with FREE UK Delivery.

www.incarconnections.co.uk

If that doesn’t work - and there’s not an option to substitute the CD auto changer - then I would go without rather than install the FM transmitter, as you say they suck!

It's so long ago, I can't remember exactly the difficulties I had trying to feed an external source. Mine didn't have an auto changer but I have a vague recollection of trying to feed in via its connectors. From memory, the unit just cut out when I tried. Guess the only way you'll know if that cable (which wasn't available back then) works is to try it.

I had heard about the V6 wheel but I didn’t realise they were smaller. I saw one for sale online at the weekend, I think it was £1400, so I will live with the standard wheel for now, an option though.

They were stupid money back in the day - still are!

Interesting to hear the transformation lowering has on the Fortwo. My Roadster is standard (I believe) and already very low and speed humps - especially cushions - are a challenge.

Night and day transition. I fitted the optional thicker rear anti-roll bar and with Roadster steel wheels and 195/50 Pilot Sports all round it was proper agile. I kinda guessed that lowering might not be an option for you though I think some did.

Do you still have your Smart?

Yes, but it's been sorned from when it came off the road after the winter of 2019/2020 just before lockdown started. Pic below is of it then with coating of winter grime, its second set of wheels with winter tyres still fitted. Might give you an idea of what lowering does to ground clearance.

 

[Bellow]

I tried an independent specialist which was much less expensive than two of the main dealers I called but not much less expensive than my preferred dealer, and they’ll give me a a courtesy car.

Bear in mind it is quite some time since MB techs had training on servicing Suprex smarts. The situation where indies were better than dealers at fault diagnosis was already established some time ago. For servicing though, dealers should have data at hand for that. Talking of data, I have the official Technical Data Manual. If you need anything looked up....
A word of caution re engine oil. The Suprex takes badly to being over-filled. Be sure the car is absolutely level when checking and on no account allow it be overfilled. For safety, stay away from the uppermost portion of the stick.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The tools shouldn't be too hard to find. I have if you struggle...

It's so long ago, I can't remember exactly the difficulties I had trying to feed an external source. Mine didn't have an auto changer but I have a vague recollection of trying to feed in via its connectors. From memory, the unit just cut out when I tried. Guess the only way you'll know if that cable (which wasn't available back then) works is to try it.

They were stupid money back in the day - still are!

Night and day transition. I fitted the optional thicker rear anti-roll bar and with Roadster steel wheels and 195/50 Pilot Sports all round it was proper agile. I kinda guessed that lowering might not be an option for you though I think some did.

Yes, but it's been sorned from when it came off the road after the winter of 2019/2020 just before lockdown started. Pic below is of it then with coating of winter grime, its second set of wheels with winter tyres still fitted. Might give you an idea of what lowering does to ground clearance.

View attachment 157624

Looks like a right bad ass!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Bear in mind it is quite some time since MB techs had training on servicing Suprex smarts. The situation where indies were better than dealers at fault diagnosis was already established some time ago. For servicing though, dealers should have data at hand for that. Talking of data, I have the official Technical Data Manual. If you need anything looked up....
A word of caution re engine oil. The Suprex takes badly to being over-filled. Be sure the car is absolutely level when checking and on no account allow it be overfilled. For safety, stay away from the uppermost portion of the stick.

Great advice, and thank you for the offer re technical information - much appreciated.

 

[Bellow]

What you describe sounds about right, it’s a Grundig head unit and has the two pairs of holes you described. This is the jack plug cable I found which has a mini ISO connector:

Smart Car Roadster ForFour Aux adapter lead CT29MM01

Smart Car Roadster ForFour ForTwo 450 Aux adapter lead CT29MM01 connect iPod iPhone MP3 player mobile phone via 3.5mm jack lead Buy now with FREE UK Delivery.

www.incarconnections.co.uk

If that doesn’t work - and there’s not an option to substitute the CD auto changer - then I would go without rather than install the FM transmitter, as you say they suck!

See photo below of the rear of my Grundig.
Uppermost is for the CD changer - my fortwo has no plug for that port. The other two which are eight pin but each deploys only four pins are for for in and out. The lowermost is the in (power), the other the outputs to speakers.
I can't see how the cable you intend using works. Not saying it won't - just that I cant see how!
The U-shaped thing lying on the Grundig is one of the removal tools - available from MB/smart dealers IIRC.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Or just make them with some bent coat hanger wire like I did.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

See photo below of the rear of my Grundig.
Uppermost is for the CD changer - my fortwo has no plug for that port. The other two which are eight pin but each deploys only four pins are for for in and out. The lowermost is the in (power), the other the outputs to speakers.
I can't see how the cable you intend using works. Not saying it won't - just that I cant see how!
The U-shaped thing lying on the Grundig is one of the removal tools - available from MB/smart dealers IIRC.

View attachment 157647

Removal tool ordered

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

See photo below of the rear of my Grundig.
Uppermost is for the CD changer - my fortwo has no plug for that port. The other two which are eight pin but each deploys only four pins are for for in and out. The lowermost is the in (power), the other the outputs to speakers.
I can't see how the cable you intend using works. Not saying it won't - just that I cant see how!
The U-shaped thing lying on the Grundig is one of the removal tools - available from MB/smart dealers IIRC.

View attachment 157647

Standard equipment for removing most car radios from dashboards in those good old 1980’s and 90’s.

 

[fabes]

And still Corsa Ds of 2013 (other Vauxhall's also I suspect)

 

[nyssa7]

Bear in mind it is quite some time since MB techs had training on servicing Suprex smarts. The situation where indies were better than dealers at fault diagnosis was already established some time ago. For servicing though, dealers should have data at hand for that. Talking of data, I have the official Technical Data Manual. If you need anything looked up....
A word of caution re engine oil. The Suprex takes badly to being over-filled. Be sure the car is absolutely level when checking and on no account allow it be overfilled. For safety, stay away from the uppermost portion of the stick.

This

I see little point in taking any of the non-ForTwo models anywhere near a Mercedes dealer. Both my roadster coupes looked after by S2Smarts who know more about these cars than pretty well anyone, have all the official tools and diagnostic kit

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I’m a big believer in using cars as intended so the Smart has done school runs, hospital trips and supermarket runs this week, and has covered 400 miles this week.

I could be “ruining” the thing that makes this car special, ie exceptionally low mileage - but this car deserves better than being sat in a heated garage 364 days per annum

I do wonder whether there is a lower mileage example in the UK.

 

[BandyAndy]

Well now this Smart Brabus is obviously your new love child, and is taking up all the slack around the house, there is an SLK sitting at home doing nothing, but crying.
I am quite willing to cheer this neglected soul up for you.
You just PM me your ridiculously low price for her, and I will sort out the transportation.

There you go, win win

 

[SpikyMikey]

Well now this Smart Brabus is obviously your new love child, and is taking up all the slack around the house, there is an SLK sitting at home doing nothing, but crying.
I am quite willing to cheer this neglected soul up for you.
You just PM me your ridiculously low price for her, and I will sort out the transportation.

There you go, win win

I'd be more than happy to ferry it for you from Chez Dazzler to Chez Bandy at a very reasonable mileage rate (plus expenses)