Smart roadster brabus 1 year ownership experience

I have had my car just under 1 year now so it seems like a good time to give an update.

[@subieadventures777]

The Smart car we never got in the USA. So many neat cars like this out there and, nope not in the states and that sucks! Smart ... gone, Fiat ....gone, Suzuki ... why, folks here need these friggin land boats that's why.

[@ClellBiggs]

My current car is an FRS. I would have gotten one of these instead in a heartbeat.

[@brucemartin8435]

I am new to Italy and never seen or heard of on of these. Spotted a roadster her in Arienzo IT. SWEET RIDE!

[@sod16]

Thank you so much for this video, esp regarding the wing mirrors :) - please keep us updated!.

[@jamiespruce4547]

Fabulous. I want one. Even more since watching your videos 👍

[@AlexS-ei7kp]

Cool little machine. All we ever get here in the states are neutered versions of the euro spec cars! Take care of her.. they’re super rare.

[@olid-p870]

My standard notchback roadster is now up to 192k miles, and my Brabus coupe roadster is over 90k too. have done just about everything on them myself over the years.

[@MarkusAJ]

Looks really good after the detail 👍

[@fabiomachado8432]

It looks amazing !

[@artpereira]

Love it. Wish these were available in my country

[@BetomOfficial]

Yours looks brilliant mate! Really great job on taking care of it! I just bought one, needs a bit of work I'll just say, hasn't been ran in 3 years, was out in the open with NO cover all those years (even the paint is peeling on the front trunk). A bunch of issues: leaks needs new filters, battery and a lot of replacement parts at the beginning. But I bought it for a reason, I want to work on it for a few years. It isn't a brabus, well it isn't yet. Am going to engine swap if to a brabus version of the 3 cylinder after I run that engine out. And change the body to a brabus body kit and a few more bits and bobs. should be fun. (If you're wondering how much it cost, I bought for £100 from a friend).

[@wheelsandwatches]

That sounds like a lot of fun! You should document the process of doing it up.

[@BetomOfficial]

Yeah I will for sure do that. I'm also most likely going to make videos on it, the project will start in either Q1 or Q2 of next year.

[@gerardo2951]

Gracias por hacer este video, compraré un modelo 2004 y me ha servido mucho para decidirme. Saludos desde Ciudad de México

[@wheelsandwatches]

You are very welcome. I am glad you found it helpful 👍

[@anderssejer7289]

Thats a beautiful car mate 👍

[@spaccaboy]

I've got a silver Brabus Finale coupe - bought it as a school run car to make the mornings as fun as possible for me and my son. Best way to start the day. Unparalleled fun in the summer. Considering a suspension change - the standard Brabus setup is track day hard, a form of torture on normal roads.

[@wheelsandwatches]

Agree and that’s why I bought mine! School run car bit also a weekend/fun car. I changed the suspension for eibach springs and bilstein shocks from these guys ( www.smart-stuff.parts). It raised the car maybe 1cm compared to the brabus set up but transforms the ride. Also the car hunts around a lot less tracking the road surface so it’s a lot easier and more fun to drive.

[@kevincroft9848]

Nice car

[@davidmumcu1514]

Little Bugatti, 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Perfekt,

[@TDDPhoto]

Had mine for a year now as well and it's been bloody brilliant! The only thing that broke in the year of ownership was the turbo valve which cost me €275 but other than that it's been running great

[@sergioelliot9779]

i know im randomly asking but does anyone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly lost the password. I love any help you can offer me

[@jamesontravis8301]

@Sergio Elliot Instablaster :)

[@sergioelliot9779]

@Jameson Travis Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@sergioelliot9779]

@Jameson Travis It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you really help me out!

[@jamesontravis8301]

@Sergio Elliot happy to help :)

[@SparkyRih]

Btw, that steering wheel is not after market, it is an original Brabus v6 wheel for the Roadster... and it is considered a collectors item...

[@wheelsandwatches]

Ah ok, great to know 👍

[@doggydoggworld3724]

It’s aftermarket in the sense that NONE of the production roadsters came with it. It was on the one off V6 yes but the fact that you have to buy it and add it on means it’s aftermarket

[@MrB3cabrio]

Hello and thanks a lot for your presentation an one year experience with your beautiful Exclusive Brabus Roadster ! Can you share with us where you bought the carbon look covers for your interior (IP covers, switches & buttons, central console etc ) ?

[@wheelsandwatches]

Hi, unfortunately I can’t help as all the carbon trim was installed by the previous owner.

[@jasonpoulton865]

I regret selling my couple in black just like yours.Want another for weekends.

[@frankvonmarees5913]

Very nice Exclusive! I have a notchback which needed lots of love as well. So I must have spent twice or triple the amount of the purchase price on parts and maintenance already. Have done the suspension, springs, rear brakes, engine mounts, turbo hoses, cycle valve, new roof, new rims, new intercooler, new LED headlight units and many many more parts. Still need to do brake lines, those tend to get severely corroded after 15+ years around all the clamps - you might want to look for that under the bottom covers. Oh, and I see your point on parts of "choice" - too many to count. Coming up is a new stainless steel douple pipe exhaust from a custom manufacturer. And Lambo style doors. And .. oh, I might have to stop throwing money at it and develop some grown-up self control. :D

[@wheelsandwatches]

I have had all my brake lines upgraded to HELL performance braided lines so al good on that front. You could spend a fortune on these. Full respray, as you say new roof, wheel refurb, new exhaust, engine out and powder cost the sun frame and so the list goes on! I am done and will enjoy the car all next year before looking to move it on.

[@frankvonmarees5913]

@@wheelsandwatches Thanks for your feedback! Just wondering: are you referring the rubber made lines? Those are worth replacing as well for sure, with braided lines you should be fine basically forever. However, I was referring to the metal brake lining from the ABS unit that leads to the rear brakes. I have seen those fail and spontaneously leak fluid in real life because they are sort of hidden underneath. Only wanted to clear the confusion, if any at all. :-)

[@wheelsandwatches]

Ah ok, I have heard this as well. I haven’t asked for them to be looked as specifically but I would hope during the brake line fitting and various work I have had done to the car they would be ok. Also, when I bought it I had a specialist look over the whole car and he has had the engine out.

[@04dram04]

Such a cool car. A shame it never came to the US

[@R-Tap]

Super cool.

[@liberalmatt]

Drum brakes, offside mirror angle and the split hardtop quite a faff, but otherwise I love mine! Local kids call it a batmobile...

[@04dram04]

Everything about this car reminds me of a Lotus Elise. Same spirit

[@darrenridley6144]

Hi buddy. Enjoyed that. Interested to know about the permanent trickle charge connection.

[@wheelsandwatches]

Hi chap, it’s a c-tec MXS 5.0. One of the cable options connects directly to the battery terminals. I had to buy an extension cable to get it to where it is and cable tied it at a few points. Very easy to do. www.theultimatefinish.co.uk/ctek/mxs-5-0-12v-battery-charger-and-conditioner.aspx

[@jamiespruce4547]

It would be good to see you do a driving review 👍

[@wheelsandwatches]

I’ll give it some thought.

[@wt-n5849]

@@wheelsandwatches Mate, when you’re ready to let it go, hit me up cos I’m desperately looking for a well loved one like yours in the same colour. Failing that, what specific Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks did you use? I ask because I know the Brabus roadster is notoriously low! Next question: do you have the hard top as well or its just the soft top? Please do link up so we talk.

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@wt-n5849 I won’t be selling for a while. As you clearly know maintenance and condition is king with these and not mileage. They are low but adding the eibach springs dampers I have added raises the car about 2cm and I have had no issues with bottoming out at all. I bought these (www.smart-stuff.parts/452-eibach-lowered-sports-springs-25mm-kit and these www.smart-stuff.parts/shock-absorbers---full-set-4---450-fortwo--452-roadster-902). I don’t have a hard top.

[@cujimmi]

I've just got one of these.. I hear what you're saying about the car being very twichy.. I'm not letting my misses near it either!

[@wheelsandwatches]

I didn’t let my wife drive it I think it would have scared her! Putting on new suspension really did reduce the twitchy steering a lot though. I hope you enjoy yours 👍

[@cujimmi]

@@wheelsandwatches to be totally honest it's scared me a couple of times!!.. May I ask what the cost of the suspension mods was?

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@cujimmi I bought eibach lowering springs. They do raise the ride height a tad over the brabus set up. They cost around £220 from a company called ‘smart sruff’. I also bought bikstein shock absorbers from them as well for £100 ish. Then paid a garage to fit them. Made a massive difference both in improved concord and less twitchy steering.

[@cujimmi]

@@wheelsandwatches thanks mate that's definitely a mod I'll be looking at doing.. My car is the standard coupe so I assume a different setup from the brabus.. Still very twichy though.. I reckon there great ( cheap) fun cars! Thanks again 👍

[@DavidB-rx3km]

Every sentence is a question? Good video, not many covering the roadster in detail! 👍

[@wheelsandwatches]

Haha. Never noticed that. Sadly that is something others will have to suffer now as well 🤪 That was the reason for doing the videos. When researching them there were very few KZbin videos about them.

[@DavidB-rx3km]

@@wheelsandwatches I bought one of these a few days ago - I was checking KZbin for videos. The seller was also 'lying' about a few things. The car cut out twice on the M6 and I had to coast onto the side of the motorway without a hard shoulder both times. It started again after about ten - fifteen seconds, with a single bar on the dashboard. I was told this was a SAM unit fault, and it throws up no errors on my Solus. Also, thermostat is borked as temp is at minimum driving, and one of the nice new tyres is leaking. Apart from that, they are such good fun and they do sound pretty amazing, I've had a few mk1 MR2's and this reminds me of those.

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@DavidB-rx3km thankfully they are relatively cheap to repair and the FB group is extremely helpfully. They are cracking little cars. It’s nice in this day and age to have fun in a car at sensible speeds.

[@t_rex8767]

kinda want one but also anxious to drive on/off ferries with kinda high entrance or what to call it when going on/off when looking at that low front

[@wheelsandwatches]

Never had to do that but with the eibach’s on it was a decent height so I would hope it would be ok.

[@SparkyRih]

Never selling mine! I own it for almost 6 years now...

[@johnwhite3294]

I have 2007.roadster, I've had it 2 years,I love it,had no problems at all,it has 17 in.5 stud alloys,discs all round,and is 112.hp.I just love it.

[@olischulu]

17 years now.

[@iarwainben-adar8978]

14yrs and 120k in mine :)

[@norwegianzound]

Couldn't wait to see the back of mine. A money pit.

[@olischulu]

@@norwegianzound It's just not a car for everyday. Mine is after 17 Years around 25.000 km ( not miles) and no big problems so far. Most km were driven before our son was born in 2010.

[@georgeiak7401]

Could you give me some information about the company that fixed your trip computer ? (mine's backlight also doesnt work)

[@wheelsandwatches]

hi, I had to send it to a chap in Germany. He has done many of them and the turn around was 7 working days. Contact Rafael at [e-mail].

[@theofrew8396]

I have a silver smart brabus roadster we got it tuned to 122hp I’ve owned it for 3 years

[@madnessairsoft1168]

Did you do total retune or did you install race ecu

[@theofrew8396]

@@madnessairsoft1168 we fully rebuilt the engine and then got the ecu tuned by a company near us

[@SirDiesAlot89]

I have till wait till they are 25 years old to bring it to usa.

[@MichaelJoseph-vb5ml]

That steering wheel is off a mk3 fiesta from about 1995

[@cytokynesys]

Hi, could I ask what unit you purchased to replace the radio console? Thanks!

[@wheelsandwatches]

Sorry I don’t recall, it was a pioneer single din unit. I wanted bluetooth integration, dab and microphone for calls.

[@liberalmatt]

Is there a local specialist you use for major issues? My local MB dealer won't even look at it.

[@wheelsandwatches]

I did use a local specialist originally to ensure items like the cable that rubs and catches fire are sorted. Also items like scuttle tray being sealed etc. After I just used my local garage.

[@SmokeyBaconDan]

What kind of mpg do these get on motorway? Looking at buying one for work commutes

[@wheelsandwatches]

I seem to recall it being in the 50’s. Most economical car I have owned. If I’m honest I wouldn’t buy one as a daily. The leaks, known issues etc make it a needy car. I had a garage and it was a second car.

[@JB-bp8uc]

How was it switching from the Evora to the Roadster?

[@wheelsandwatches]

Not something I wanted to do but I needed to release some money to buy my house. They are not comparable by any metric I don’t think. For now the smart is a blast and offers a lot of fun for the money.

[@jasonpoulton865]

This is just what I’m looking for, first refusal when your ready to sell lol

[@wheelsandwatches]

Sorry but I sold mine over a year ago now.

[@jasonpoulton865]

@@wheelsandwatches oh that’s a shame. Think I will look on FB forums

[@aggregor95]

so if i buy bilstein kit the one that can be adjusted i can raise my smart roadster coupe even more? im planning to bring it here in africa and there are few bumpers in town that i dont like (dont fell them on my fj cruiser tho 🤣)

[@wheelsandwatches]

Yes and other spring options may raise the car even more if you need it higher.

[@aggregor95]

@@wheelsandwatches oh nice thanks 😀👍🏻 i was searching for ages for suspensions kits but everytime i find something it just says that it can lower your car by 1 or 2 cm and never raise, even the bilstein was saying the same but i was wondering how can it only lower if those are regulable 🤣

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@aggregor95 my car had eibach springs with the bilstein dampers. Because the brabus is so low stock the eibach springs is what raised the height.

[@aggregor95]

@@wheelsandwatches so the brabus coupe (the one i use) is so low even if i buy the eibach springs wich says it lowers the car it will actually rise it istead? becouse all the eibach i see are all for lowering...

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@aggregor95 it certainly raised my car about 10mm all around. I believe the brabus springs have a lower ride height than eibach (35mm vs 25mm). I would recommend the smart owners club FB. Lots of knowledgable folks on there.

[@user-ow2kl9oz6e]

For some reason that likeable style don't sell well in #USA ,maybe a #Tesla #smart merger ?

[@wheelsandwatches]

It would make a cool electric car.

[@GDriss]

Im selling my ATV CForce 600 to buy one of these :D your car is WOW amazing

[@wheelsandwatches]

Cheers. I hope you manage to find a good example 👍

[@GDriss]

@@wheelsandwatches have you ever had other sports cars? what can you tell me about acceleration and handling? is it a kart?

[@wheelsandwatches]

Sport car wise my only other car was my lotus Evora. I have had hot hatches and a lexus isf though. The handling of the roadster is superb. Very flat, loads of grip. The car only weighs 800kg ish BUT power is low. Mine is approximately 120bhp with an itg air filter and map. When it’s up and going it’s not too bad at all but off the line it’s slow. If you keep it on boost on twisty roads it’s a hoot.

[@GDriss]

@@wheelsandwatches thanks a lot for this! I had a Peugeot 205 GTI 130bhp and a Fiat Coupe turbo 16 (T16) and im afraid of the power on the smart roadster. but the weight is interesting and the concept of the car too, i like the karting style hehe thanks again

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@GDriss the power is fine when up and going and the power to weight helps. It’s just not a 0-60 car. For windy road fun driving it’s a blast.

[@michaelyounes29]

£3,000 in a year! Looks so good though.

[@wheelsandwatches]

Yup. Was not my best car purchase.

[@michaelyounes29]

@wheelsandwatches I'm guessing you sold it since. Well done for spending the cash to keep he going. I'm looking at them myself as a toy. The model 3 is just a bit meh.

[@wheelsandwatches]

@michaelyounes29 I have. It was always a temporary car. I really enjoyed my time with it and as you say it’s a looker. I wouldn’t own one without a garage. To be fair I didn’t have to spend what I did, I wanted to.

[@michaelyounes29]

@@wheelsandwatches Thanks for the reply! Have a good weekend.

[@Mullinscarpfishing]

Hi I’ve found one exactly the same as your but with 7000 miles on the clock what would it be worth

[@wheelsandwatches]

Hard to say. A lot will say more than mine which I would market at £37k if I sold it today. Mine has 38k miles on it. Sadly some will see the lack of use as a potential for mechanical issues with possibly dried seals etc. assuming you have serviced it every year regardless and condition is that basically a new car maybe £40k?

[@philgarrod9665]

did you upgrade the front lights

[@wheelsandwatches]

My front lights are already ok. Not sure if the are stock or not.

[@howardwilliams1218]

Its actually 0.7secs on hill hold - it may feel like 2 seconds

[@wheelsandwatches]

Ah ok. Thanks for the clarification.

[@Grahame59]

@@wheelsandwatches I think it's called 'Hill start assist'. Fairly logical when you think about it! I agree it's a very useful feature.

[@GDriss]

@@Grahame59 impressive for a 15 years old car

[@blackpool321]

Does it leak rain in ?

[@wheelsandwatches]

Not since I have done all the work to it. I have not left it out in the rain but it has not leaked when driven in the rain.

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

Does a bear shit in the woods

[@TDDPhoto]

I bought mine a year ago and in the beginning it was leaking a bit. However in the Netherlands there is a shop specialized in Roadsters and they fixed it in minutes for free. Now it's even sealed enough to withstand a carwash with the high pressure washer streams!

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

@@TDDPhoto They achieved what Mercedes couldn't then as they must have revised the seals 6-8 times before the car was discontinued.

[@TDDPhoto]

@@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784 Yeah the leakage problem was a disaster during the production but it seems that the Roadster community is really fixing all the problems the car shipped with initially. I even discovered there's an electric engine available for the roadster! The shop I'm going to has great expertise with Roadsters and from what I've heard they have clients all over europe, it's worth checking them out if you have any problems with a Roadster (Smart Specialist Lunteren)

[@epiceric3]

Are you selling this car?

[@wheelsandwatches]

Sadly I sold the car 10 months ago 😞

[@constantin240]

@@wheelsandwatches that’s sad. How much did you pay for it when you bought it if you don’t mind?

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@constantin240 without the leaks I’d say go for it but the all leak. That’s no joke… all of them leak. I paid £7k for mine.

[@constantin240]

@@wheelsandwatches thank you! I love this car

[@wheelsandwatches]

@@constantin240 it was a very fun car to own. You can buy custom roof covers to limit/prevent leaking. Just can’t drive with them on, even if they say you can. So you do have that option. Just do the research so you know what to expect.

[@ceetressj.3007]

This car needs a revival with an electric engine!

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

I in principle agree, but... where to put the batteries. And what about the weight.

[@ceetressj.3007]

@@asphalthedgehog6580 you can put the batterie in where the engine is right now. The electric motor is way smaller. So one in the back, one in the front, and the batterie with a range of 150mile behind the seats. Actually, I‘m working on something, to build me one.😄

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

@@ceetressj.3007 A supplier of us converts Matra Murena's and Elise's to electric. Problem here is: car needs a new type approval. Very expensive.

[@kiemtienmmo8562]

không sử dụng nữa thì cho mình nha bạn

[@wheelsandwatches]

Ha! Sadly I sold it some time ago.

[@norwegianzound]

Mine was an unreliable moneypit. Nice to drive and look at. Otherwise...meh.

[@wheelsandwatches]

Sadly I think many are.

[@doggydoggworld3724]

HILL START ASSIST. BY THE WAY GET LAMBORGHINI DOORS. YOU WONT REGRET IT

[@zsoltpapp3363]

Why would anyone buy this cheap looking, unreliable, slow piece of plastic crap instead of lets say, a Miata? I dont get it.

[@wheelsandwatches]

I don’t fit in a mx5. I wanted an automatic roof, the roadster has a better spec and to my eye is a far better looking car. We can’t all like the same things.

[@SecretOfMonkeyIsland784]

Quite frankly mate its a magnet ... when i owned one it got some much attention at petrol garages and my girlfriend and other girls loved it. Also not everyone is obsessed by speed, also remember its power to weight ratio ... not all about engine size.