2008 Smart Fortwo 451 - Front Body Panel Removal

In this video, I remove and refit the front body panel section on my 2008 Smart Fortwo 451 Passion 84 BHP. This also involves the removal of the side skirts/plastic sill trims. This procedure applies to the 2007-2014 451 models but not the earlier Fortwo or City Coupe 450.
During this procedure I highlight the importance of changing the indicator side repeater bulbs while working in this area of the car and I also clean the exposed areas including the parts of the Tridion which would be behind the front panel section.The aerial mast is seized to the aerial base on this car and I explain a way around this situation.
Removing this front panel section exposes components such as headlamps, wiring and the air conditioning condenser. It also shows the connector blocks for the front fog lamps which are somewhat redundant in the case of this vehicle, as it is not fitted with this option.
If you enjoy my videos and would like to help support Auto Knight in creating similar content, please click here: www.buymeacoffee.com/AutoKnight
Disclaimer - Please be advised that my videos are not instructional and are merely footage of me, with many years of motor trade experience, carrying out vehicle repairs and maintenance. Please conduct your own research, ensure you have the correct tools/necessary expertise and undertake your own due diligence before carrying out vehicle repairs. If in doubt, entrust an automotive technician / car mechanic.
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License code: UFRVIMYSQCAA0QXM

[@benjaminniemczyk]

I have done this operation, and it is both fascinating and infuriating. I have had the antenna seized up. Those lower side panels are tricky to remove. But once you get it all done, I agree, it is a thing of beauty to behold. The engineering of smart is pitch-perfect.

[@tedschroeders5289]

Great video. Thorough. Complete. No nonsense. Just fyi, the Ariel mast does unscrew from the base. I removed mine by hand - no tools.

[@bailey2439]

FYI he stated in the video that the aerial should release from the base but that particular one was seized so it was easier to lift panel over

[@thecouncilofcircumcision7930]

Wrecked mine this January, went 50 mph into a ditch, just bent the alignment and cracked the front panel, they are built extremely tough

[@scottroland6577]

Your video is one of the most informative video's that I've ever watched. Your attention to detail is remarkable. I sincerely thank you for your work, as my wife had an encounter with a deer. Sadly, the deer lost, but the Smart needs new headlight assemblies. Thanks again, Scott😇

[@autoknight747]

I really appreciate your positive and motivational feedback - thank you! I’m really glad the video has helped you following the deer encounter. They appear out of nowhere and a sturdier than they look!

[@badraven_indieauthor]

I have a 2013, and love the video. I have to remove the front panel as well. Thank you for the tutorial!

[@phoebelala]

Spectacular, thanks for this, I’ve just bought a late 2013 brabus, and I know that I’ll be pulling it apart to clean under the panels. Very helpful👍

[@jorgseidel5144]

Hi, du machst echt gute Videos. Sehr detailliert und in einer Ruhe. Hut ab. Vielen Dank dafür.

[@SebastianAmmerlynd]

Thanks, man! Greetings from Germany!

[@andreabernardini9998]

Nice video, very helpful!!!! Thank you man for show me “How to do it”!!!!

[@tarbetbalfour6811]

excellent, will do it in summer to finish off the rust proofing

[@richblain]

Thank you a lot, because this will be one of my next "operations" with my little SMARTy

[@adotintheshark4848]

Thank you! Very informative and well-made video!

[@jimmyadams628]

Such a relaxing job 👍

[@Picassomad73]

All my respect for the remarkable job.

[@ChrisBrown-ux8jn]

Very Good, i thing you videos really informative and detailed. Just got my 2011 451, am in Australia

[@roycarter6235]

Thank you I have subscribed. I just purchased a 2012 Smart Fortwo 451. A great little car but..........My hands are too large to get to the clearance lamps in the front headlight assemblies. If I take off the front panel I should be able to get at them more easily. Once again thanks.

[@spec4589]

Excellent job!

[@jamesallen4050]

This was exactly what I needed. Thank you! New sub. 😊

[@pauljohnson726]

Just Fantastic ,I am well impressed thanks ,👍

[@jeffstangl1471]

Hopefully you have a headlamp replace video. Thanks for being only content who's understandable, step by step, and up close views.

[@autoknight747]

Thank you! I try to make my videos as clear as possible hopefully without being too tedious. A sped up video of a job, filmed from a distance and to music is no good to man or beast!

[@adotintheshark4848]

also, your videos show all the work being done. No "assembling is the reverse of disassembly". And you don't talk excessively over your videos. @@autoknight747

[@amadonnnmelendez7250]

Muy bien esplicado gracias des de México saludos.😊

[@FamilieHalm]

Vielen Dank für die perfekte Anleitung aus Deutschland .Hat Spaß gemacht beim Zusehen : ))

[@ckupcu]

Very good video - thank you!

[@CupidStunt99]

I'm glad I found this before attempting to replace the dipped beam bulbs. There should be a special hell for designers who make a bulb replacement such a mammoth task. Idiotic! A tip I was given - replace both left and right bulbs at the same time. The extra expense is outweighed by not having to remove the front again two weeks later!

[@autoknight747]

Definitely worth replacing bulbs on both sides. They were installed at the same time in the factory therefore their life expectancy should be similar. On the 451, you shouldn’t have to remove the entire front though to access dipped/main/sidelight bulbs. It can all be reached once the bonnet section is removed.

[@DonKeyhoetee]

This is very informative and just what I need. I'm getting a pair of headlight assemblies to replace the originals. Unless I'm mistaken, I'll need to remove the front to access all the screws holding them on.

[@user-bj1uq6je3s]

Good question. I got the replacement , but can't find a video showing how is done. DID you remove the whole bumper to replace them?

[@DonKeyhoetee]

@user-bj1uq6je3s so far, I have the replacements, but haven't had the time to do the work. I'll update when the work is done.

[@user-bj1uq6je3s]

@DonKeyhoetee thanks. I got it done .pretty easy if you got the tools. Only toke me 45 minutes to take it apart and put the new light covers on.

[@T44YPE]

Thank you for the video, one of my door hinge bolts has come loose and the door has dropped so the front has to come off.

[@ToRichmondRealEstate]

THANK YOU for this amazing video! I'll have to remove my front panel in order to fix a broken door hinge...if i can find a replacement hinge.

[@jamesinman4936]

great job ...thank you

[@mikeeb9245]

I put a Sony DAB radio in my Smart 451 and bought a DAB wire kit from Halfords. I also had too change the antenna, and... Yes it BROKE at the fixing..! The good thing is the antenna "holder" is fairly cheap and loads on eBay. Beware.. most of the replacement antennas have a 6mm thread and it's a 4mm fitment. ENJOY..!

[@ckupcu]

Antenna mask is removable. You could have removed the mast before removing front-left body panel...

[@craigm6047]

Great video, I need to change the AC condenser, so this is a great help. Have you ever considered doing a power steering retrofit if your car doesn't already have it.

[@autoknight747]

Thank you! That would make a great video but I find the steering to be pretty light on these, without PAS. There’s not a lot of weight bearing down on the front wheels.

[@helmutfassbender9625]

100 % The Best

[@chokj96]

Thx a lot

[@leo-tg3hs]

Awesome video, a Big thank you for sharing your knowledge ! What is the name of that tool you use to remove the clips ? Oh and would you suggest to change them ?

[@africaland506]

Per facilitare puoi svitare la antenna prima di togliere il pannello di plastica.

[@user-mf2sd4mh9j]

Hello great video , wondering if you can offer any advice I have smart for two it’s not starting, changed the starter motor (faulty) still not starting it been stationary for 1 year any advice on possible faulty, thank you

[@bluedog373]

Nice job. The windshield washer resevior fails on these cars. Perhaps a video on the replacrment is in order.

[@manuelvenegas4737]

Thanks for the video, do you know by chance what size the side skirt fixing clips were? the two that you put on the back of the side skirts?

[@autoknight747]

Happy to remove one and take full dimensions. Drop me an email (on the ‘about’ page of this channel) and I’ll reply there.

[@SandyToesDetecting]

Hopefully not have to done very often. My old 450 I took the front off far too many times to replace bulbs. At least now all easy to get to.

[@autoknight747]

That was definitely a down side of the 450. Only so much that can be achieved through those two little vent apertures!

[@SandyToesDetecting]

@@autoknight747 I purchased in the end super long life quality bulbs as standard ones seemed to fail fare too easily.

[@johndoyle4856]

See the hinges on bonnet how do u remove the bottom hinges that's on bottom that turn for locking the bonnet back on

[@autoknight747]

Video coming soon!

[@pieronettunoo]

...congratulations, everything is explained very well and in detail, the best video I've seen to disassemble the front, I suppose this work must also be done to replace the headlights right?

[@autoknight747]

Thank you! Yes you’d need to remove the front section to access many of the headlamp fixings. To be honest though, once you’ve had the front panels off once, you’ll be able to do it again in minutes!

[@LCZOCCANTE]

where can I find T30 bolt as in the video in UK ? I need one.

[@autoknight747]

It’s easiest to buy any bolts from the Smart dealer. They are not expensive.

[@samanthaosborne1039]

I'm looking to replace one side panel due to it being attacked by a wheel barrow. Is this all one unit or can just the left side panel be removed and replaced?

[@autoknight747]

They can be separated once the front section is off the car. They are held together with metal clips.

[@samanthaosborne1039]

@@autoknight747 OK thanks. So can't just undo one, but have to do both and then separate?

[@brianfreeman8290]

I live in the Welsh mountains where it rains 354 days per year ! Are there any areas revealed that I should rustproof and, if so, with what please?

[@autoknight747]

I have to say that I haven’t really seen corrosion on the 451 in the way that I have on the original 450 (I made a video on those).That said, a lot of structural corrosion starts from within, so it can never harm to drench cavity wax into box sections such as sills. Behind the front panels on the 451 everything is well painted and protected and as such I saw no evidence of any corrosion. At the rear however, crossmember/crash bar can rot on 451 and is steel vs aluminium on 450. Fortunately it’s a bolt on component and easily swapped out. Suspension components and rear subframe/axle beams get a bit shabby but it’s usually just unsightly.

[@brianfreeman8290]

@@autoknight747 A prompt, comprehensive, reassuring and helpful response. Thank you so much.

[@joesepspindel3335]

Mine is a 451 but it's a 2015. Some 2015's are the older style like the 2014.

[@vladmares8128]

Many thanks for the clear instructions! Did you do anything else, or you did it just as an instruction and to clean up :P ? Regards from Munich. 451 MHD pure (unfortunately :-)))) )

[@autoknight747]

Thank you! Since restoring the headlights I knew it’s would be messy behind there from the cutting compound but I also wanted to examine the air con condenser. It was also a good opportunity to make a useful video on this procedure. Wishing you well in Munich, a place I would like to visit someday.

[@martinliska-xf2xt]

Hello, where is the temperature sensor for the Smart Fortwo 451 (1.0 84 hp) please? Thx.

[@autoknight747]

If you mean the exterior ambient temp sensor, it is low down on the front panel (inner front panel, not the one I remove in this video).

[@martinliska-xf2xt]

@@autoknight747 Great, thank you very much.👍👍👍

[@autoknight747]

@@martinliska-xf2xt You might be able to see it in one of my air con videos where I remove the inner front panel.

[@torjosteingrnning5342]

Har både 450 og 451 diesel og det er bare problemer. Spesielt med det elektroniske utstyret. Jeg fatter ikke at Mercedes med sit gode navn og rykte, er med på å lage noe så dårligt. Kunne vært en super bil hvis driftsikkerheten hadde vært bedre.

[@hog2tall]

Did you take your car part just to clean it?

[@autoknight747]

No, to make a KZbin video.

[@hog2tall]

@@autoknight747 I have another question for you do you know anything about the electrical on these vehicles my right front turn signal and my fan. Working at the same time is there a fuse or relay or something I need to check ? I actually watched your vehicle to take the front end off the car but I don’t want to take it off yet if there’s something else I need to check first.

[@roz4747]

Found it a day too late…..😢

[@johnmark1742]

Absolutely love your style! Your manner is that of a godly man. When America is divided and ruled by four, may GOD bless you with His truth also. DANIEL8

[@user-bj1uq6je3s]

Do I need to do all that to replace the light covers?