The engine replacement for the Smart standard intervention?

The Smart: Some love the bonsai racer, the others ... well, not at all. He can certainly have its advantages, after all, the small rear-wheel drive takes up little space and makes the search for parking in the city centers pleasant. That at least was still up to the second model generation, with which one could also drive across in parking spaces and thus disabled anyone. The current third generation registers a length increase to its predecessors and must park in the usual way - especially as a four-door. But it is not all vain sunshine at the Knubblbenz: Especially from the first generation you often hear of engine damage that forces you to barter. Reason enough for us to take a closer look.

Conversations among die-hard Smart fans, especially the first generation, often begin as follows: “I have the third. And you? ”-“ I only have my second, but the third won't be long in coming ”. We are not talking about the vehicle itself, but about the drive. Forums are full of unfortunate people who describe their suffering about the small rear engine.

The signs of the little Motörchen are often easy to recognize - even for the layman. One of the strongest indications, even with other vehicles, is a high oil loss. When Smart should also pay attention to whether the traction decreases. After all, it is not uncommon that valves and spark plugs burn and the piston rings are destroyed, which can lead to a major engine failure. However, to avoid this, one should go to an expert immediately after noticing the increased oil consumption. In addition, it can be helpful to have the hose checked to the valve cover and to replace it in case of emergency.

Always stay supple

If the damage is still too big, only the engine overhaul or the engine replacement remain. Therefore, it is more than advisable to always keep an eye on the oil level indicator light. It's best not to let it get that far and check the oil level before and at regular intervals. For smart engines, it is very important to pay attention to the oil and to strictly adhere to the change intervals of, as a rule, 15.000 km. Experts often change their engine lubricant even after half of the prescribed interval.

Not only in politics it is important what comes out the back. So you should always pay attention to what is flowing out of his final pots in his bonsai Benz. If the smoke is gray-blue, it can mean turbocharger damage. Another alternative - and as common - is a cylinder head gasket failure. So if you find discolored exhaust fumes, it's best not to start your Smart anymore because you can only do more damage.

The essence of life: water!

It is also important to pay attention to the water balance of the city runabout. Among us: who does that regularly? However, if the consumption of the cooling water is high, there is a problem. If you can also hear strong noises when the engine is running, this indicates a faulty water pump. If the remedy for this damage remains, the end of the three-cylinder inevitably follows.

If this is indeed the case, apart from the detour via the recycler, there is no way around an exchange engine. The problem with the exchange or the general overhaul, however, is that the vehicle itself is downright tiny. As a result, the space for the engine is also very tight, so that you as a layman can get close to the corresponding screws and points. As a rule, some parts of the body must be removed for inspection or replacement. Even the oil change wants to be skilful, as an oil drain plug is simply not available for many smart engines. Accordingly, the oil must be extracted, which in turn calls a specialist workshop on the plan. If you like to put your hand to hand and change the lubricant all 7.000 to 8.000 km, it is recommended to change the oil pan to a counterpart with drain plug. Especially since the oil change is much more thorough than the suction can ever be.

Better safe than sorry

So what can you do to prevent capital damage? As already described, one should always control the cooling water. When did you last do this? It's just a little finger exercise, but it can save a bunch of cash. In addition, there should always be enough antifreeze in the cooling water. It not only prevents the engine from freezing but also protects it from corrosion. I do not want to ride around again on observing the oil change intervals and the correct level - the topic should be clarified in all its breadth?

Motor change: make old from new

Should it eventually be so far that the little racer does not like much further, you usually can not ignore a motor change. The pool with providers is not small and raises a variety of prices. It starts at around 889 Euro. But then you have to lend a hand and put the small three-cylinder engine even in the rear of the two-seater. A complete installation costs about 1.300 Euro. In view of prices for the engine overhaul or for replacement engines in other (and also larger) vehicles, the costs are relatively manageable. Especially as a guarantee is often included.

A serious provider (for example the company CDM GmbH (www.smart-motor.net) from Niestetal) installed refurbished machines in the rear. And this gives a guarantee of 48 months or 50.000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

With the corresponding professional for smart aggregates, all common drives are also available. So almost all engines are repaired: From 600 to 700 to 1.000 cm³ everything is possible. Even the little sold diesel is affected by the problem and can be found on the lists of replacement engines. Thus, the engine replacement comes with smart drivers financially equal to what some spend for a set of brake discs. This must be said to cheer up on this more or less sad topic once.