My Mercedes smartCar

Frankie X

Frankie X

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My wife and I were in Barcelona for 10 days last fall, and we saw Mercedes smartCars everywhere, blllassssting in and out of the narrow cobbled streets of the Gothic Quarter. I was so impressed by their agility and handling, I had to get one!

Apparently, they are available (and in high demand) in just about every country except the USofA. I placed my order and deposit back in October, and finally picked up my car last Friday (the 13th!)

The Lowdown:
-800cc, 3 cylinder, turbocharged (8psi), intercooled diesel rated at 70ft/lbs@2500RPM (in a 1400lb car!)
-6 speed transmission --I bought the optional F1 style steering wheel paddle shifters
-electronically governed at 135kph/80MPH
-fuel usage rated @ 64MPG city, 71MPG highway
-ABS/Traction Control
-Mercedes' ESA (Electronic Stability Assist)
I got, as options,
-air conditioning
-power/heated mirrors
-power locks/remote entry
-tinted glass roof

The smartCar's structure is a high tensile alloy cage with plastic external body panels. It's got 4 airbags; driver's, passenger's, and both sides.
After extensive crash testing, the Transport Dept. of Canada has given it a 4-Star crash rating.
Find out more at: www.mercedes-benz.ca/mbcustom/smart/getsmart/

Here's me getting my keys from the salesperson, and a few comparison pictures:
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

When I used to work for Clarion Car Audio in Poland, we had a demo car with 30" clarion subwoofer installed in the back of that car along with several amplifiers, navigation and dvd displays. Super cool in a big city.
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

I remember seeing those things everywhere on my trip to Monaco back in 99. One owner said that they made different color panels that can easily be changed.
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

Yes, the entire set of panels can be removed in ~1 1/2 hours.
For 550$CAD, you get a new set from the dealer in a molded storage case so the panels you remove can be kept safe for re-use.

"...hmmm, I think I'll drive a red car this week, and switch back to black for Lucky Eddie's funeral..."
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

it's got a pretty short wheelbase, so it wouldn't be too hard to roll over.

but after the early problems, they recalled them all and added a vehicle stability control system and made some tweaks to the suspension. i believe it was some wierd test they couldn't pass, like the scandinavian moose test or something.
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

There were some major changes in 2000. The rear subframe was redesigned and the engine/transmission assembly was laid forward. The driveline is mounted laterally between the rear wheels (rear wheel drive, obviously) and it is now all below the height of the rear tires. Mercedes claims the center of gravity is about the tops of the rims.

ESA doesn't hurt either.

I've mentioned in other threads about my long commute from an eastern suburb of Toronto clear across to the western side every day. It works out to ~ 150kms/90 miles a day on city bypass highways. In the MarkVIII, this has been costing me about $130 A WEEK just to get to work! (Our gas is way more expensive than yours--be happy.)

This is another reason I bought the smart: fuel economy.

And, yes, Leo, I've been on the highway every day. I'm used to driving the MarkVIII; the little smart performs and handles reasonably well on the freeway, but it's been living at the speed limiter for almost two hours a day!!!

Driller, the US EPA CLAIMS the smart diesel won't meet green state emission levels. ...or so they say...
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
Driller, the US EPA CLAIMS the smart diesel won't meet green state emission levels. ...or so they say...
[/div]

US emissions laws are geared toward gas engines and that makes it tough for diesels to pass muster in one or two categories. especially considering that we have dirtier diesel than most of the world.

It's a shame, really, because diesel is probably the best technology we have out there right now, simply because you can burn anything in it. including renewable fuels.
 
RE: My Mercedes smartCar

Thanks for bringing that up!

Another reason I bought the smart: I have every intention, after the injection system and PCM have more than 5000 miles on them (this is what all sources advise) to run my smart on biodiesel.

Here in Canada, the government has allowed and regulated the sale of B20 biodiesel at commercial filling stations which meets manufacturers' usage specifications. As the name implies, it's 80% fossil fuel and 20% plant based, primarily soy and canola oils produced domestically. In cold climates, and with the limits of today's technologies, higher concentrates of plant based diesel tend to gel in low winter temperatures.

As I visualize huge fields throughout the midwest provinces and states GROWING fuel, year after year, season after season, I'm filled with optimism for the future.
 
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