ROADWORTHY AGAIN - My journey with the Smart Roadster Brabus Coupe

back in October 2020 I finally took collection of a 2004 Smart Roadster Brabus Coupe.
Purchased via Collecting Cars - this one caught my eye as one of the originals into the UK with only 25k miles on the clock!
On arrival however - it became apparent there was more to the car than the lovely photos might have lead me to believe!
Here I discuss and document the work carried out along with my thoughts and reflection.
Waste of time or worth the effort - you decide!

[@Scala598]

Possibly the coolest car in your collection...😳 Small sports cars on UK roads just go together so well.

[@CarMadDad]

YOU KNOW IT ALL TOO WELL BUDDY X

[@dka774]

I’ve only just moved from Worcester. Crazy seeing you drive round all the places I know.

[@CarMadDad]

Good spot 👌

[@kgExige]

I had a Smart Brabus Roadster-Coupé Xclusive for 11 years. Here is my summary of the car's merits and downsides. Positive aspects Size: Small cars are so much more usable on today's crowded roads. Roof system: Using the remote to open the roof as I approached the car always put a smile on my face. The soft-top roof is a great solution, as it can be opened or closed at any speed. I also had the hardtop for winter use. Negative aspects Suspension: The Brabus suspension is very harsh and unforgiving. Alloys: The original alloys are extremely soft and liable to distortion (not helped by the hard ride). Semi-auto gearbox: It took a long time to work out that you actually have to treat it like a manual change. When activating the flappy paddles (which are actually very good) to change gear, it is best to lift your foot from the accelerator as with a normal clutch. Used like this, it works well but I suspect most people give up before sussing this out. Steering: In comparison with many sports cars, the steering is rather devoid of feel. I kept my Brabus Roadster for so long because I couldn't find a more modern alternative as a replacement. But, finally, I found something that is better in almost every way. It does not have quite the same neatness of design, though it too is unusual. Furthermore, the soft top roof is not as special (and should not be operated at over 20 mph). However, everything else about the new car is better (performance, quality of fittings, equipment, ride, practicality, steering, manual gear change, etc., etc.). The successor I chose is also a car that, like the Smart roadster, never sold as the manufacturer had hoped: Mini JCW Roadster. a fabulous little car.

[@CarMadDad]

Thanks for the view and your comprehensive thoughts chappy 👍

[@petersmith259]

Agreed with the steering issue: Try removing the PAS worm gear from the rack and disconnecting the PAS motor. In my view, transforms the otherwise dead steering.

[@simoncouldry7174]

Frightening amounts of corrosion underneath. Understandable considering it’s previous use! Good job getting it back together 👍🏻love the charity idea too.

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers chappy - yes very pleased with the "before and afters"!

[@djohh3057]

No, that's just surface rust, nothing structural - all the components come off and get cleaned and painted. they are pretty tough little cars underneath.

[@carlosfernandes2488]

I have one just like this, I love it!

[@CarMadDad]

Good choice 👍 😂

[@JGBecknell]

I wish they had offered this in the States. It looks so fun.

[@CarMadDad]

I bet we could make it happen dude! 🇺🇸

[@cannonfodder691]

Cracking car, I’ve had 3 Roadie’s sadly not Brabus. I will have another one day, enjoy!

[@CarMadDad]

Agreed Good Sir!

[@Nominally]

Great mods. Can you share which garage you used?

[@CarMadDad]

Hi Chap - thank you I used a mechanic who is presently between (looking for) a new garage. If you drop me a line on insta maybe through a DM I can put you in touch - he was based in Worcestershire 👌

[@rodzter1]

Hi, can’t find, so how do you spell the name of the garage you mention (Lenchies?) in Worcester?

[@CarMadDad]

Hi chap Paul is presently between premises If you drop me a DM on instagram I’ll ping you his contact info 👌

[@MrJohnnyquark]

I'm thinking about getting the sames spacers and coilovers. Have you changed the ride height?

[@CarMadDad]

Yeah she is sitting slightly lower and all the better for it 👍 The springs are set not far of the max ride height

[@longdashes]

Hey bro. By a funny little "accident" my uncle just sold me a Smart Roadster Coupé (not Barbus), with 60 KW in black! It's my very first car ever and I just had the chance to drive it. He adjusted it a bit, so it's even a bit lower than usual, but hell boy this thing is pure joy. I've been driving the cars of my mother from time to time, but this is my very first own car. I cannot wait for it to be registered under my name and I am able to use it to drive to college. Any tips, hints, advices? I am so hyped!

[@CarMadDad]

Fantastic "accident" chap ;0) I'm by no means an authority when it comes to these - but in my experience I would ensure all services are up to scratch and that all carpets aren't holding any moisture. Then id join theroadster.net for some real expert advice!

[@longdashes]

@@CarMadDad Thanks! I already found something concerning.. The freaking roof only opens a tiny bit and then stops. :s Edit: Fixed it. Was easy, just had to make sure it's even on both sides. Dayuuum!

[@CarMadDad]

@@longdashes No trouble at all buddy. That could be a simple fix - sometimes the roof needs greasing and others it could be the battery is running low.

[@peterkirton4580]

The car looks good Dale, are you willing to share what it cost you to put right?

[@CarMadDad]

Cheers Peter - very pleased with it. Yes of course. Total bills to date (courtesy of a overly generous friends labour costs being rather cheap = £2,250)

[@peterkirton4580]

@@CarMadDad thanks Dale. A lot cheaper than I thought

[@CarMadDad]

Most likely down to “mates rates” Peter 😉

[@MrVig]

according to my school path,1.5 years to wait for my dream Brabus coupe !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CarMadDad]

👏🏼

[@MrVig]

@@CarMadDad + It'll be may dayly driver (I might put some Bilstein shock to make It slightly more conftorble and slightly higher for the road bumps In the city In order to make It better as a dayly driver)

[@The_Monkey_Boss]

Is the cabin loud with the roof down over 30 mph? Also at what speed does it get too loud to have the roof down?

[@CarMadDad]

Subjective I guess chap - but I tend to drive with the roof down everywhere if I can. I would say above 60 is starts to really pick up but isn’t the worst I’ve experienced at all.

[@LaszloLendl]

I driven my Brabus X version with 130hp on Autobahn around 190+210km/h in Cabrio mode with another person in it and we just loved it. Don't think it was more noise then other Cabrio i driven.

[@torac6989]

How is the Bilstein B14 compared to the Babus coils and struts?

[@CarMadDad]

I feel they have added a layer of capability to the cornering and control at pace chap Otherwise - marginally stiffer but very little change otherwise

[@torac6989]

@@CarMadDad thanks for the reply. Still cant really decide. Very happy with the comfort of the car right now.

[@CarMadDad]

Don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the Bilstein chap and the aesthetics with spacers are 👌

[@bernhardwidmer886]

Righthand drive from Switzerland/France?

[@CarMadDad]

Yes 🇬🇧 👍

[@MrVig]

Does It feels conftorble with the new suspension ??

[@CarMadDad]

No major difference when compared to the original set up chap. Marginally stiffer but also far better road handling. Highly rate the set up

[@MrVig]

What "dayliable" suspension I could get then ??

[@CarMadDad]

This set up would be fine or just stick with stock

[@MrVig]

@@CarMadDad I've heard that the brabus stock setup Is just as riding on rocks before so Idk

[@MrVig]

@@CarMadDad I'll figure that out as I go probably

[@minityper]

I would put a Honda k series in it. Would be awesome i think.

[@CarMadDad]

Do you think it could work???

[@minityper]

@@CarMadDad I got 2 classic mini’s with Honda engines. They are 500x better then with an a series. I love the look of a smart roadster but with a reliable powerfull engine they would be much better. Problem is, expensive😅.

[@CarMadDad]

@@minityper noted chap - i feel a project car coming on!!!