Smart ForTwo 450
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
50–101 PS
0.7L Turbo Benzin
Limited disappointment
Not Really41–54 PS
0.8L CDI Diesel
4 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Smart ForTwo 450 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Smart ForTwo 450 is available with 4 engine variants — from 41 to 101 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Smart 0.8L CDI (Diesel, 41 PS) has the OM660 (0.8L CDI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
The Smart 0.6L Turbo (Benziner, 45 PS) has the M160E6 (0.6L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
The Smart 0.7L Turbo (Benziner, 50–75 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M160E7 (1998–2006, Stay Away!) und M160E7 (1999–2006, Stay Away!) und M160E7 (1999–2006, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 0.7L Turbo!
The Smart Crossblade (Benziner, 70 PS) has the M160E6 (0.6L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 4 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Softtouch Clutch Actuator Fails The electric clutch actuator gets dirty or fails mechanically. Typical pattern: violent jerk on pull-away, gear cannot be selected, display shows 'N'. Problem often from 80,000 km, sometimes temporarily clears after a short stop. Symptoms: Hard jerk on pull-away, gearbox does not engage, N shown on display, vehicle not driveable from 85,000 km | Medium | |
| Softtouch Gearbox Jerks When Shifting The semi-automatic Softtouch gearbox shifts with noticeable jerks, especially on pull-away and when changing from 3rd to 4th gear. A long shift pause is normal, but excessive jerking indicates a worn clutch or faulty adaptation. Symptoms: Strong jerk on gearchange, long shift pauses, unsmooth pull-away from 70,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Smart ForTwo 451
Nachfolger (2007–2014)
Toyota Aygo AB10
Kleinstwagen (2005–2014)
Kia Picanto SA
Kleinstwagen (2004–2011)
Hyundai Atos Prime MX
Kleinstwagen (1999–2008)
VW Lupo I
Kleinstwagen (1998–2005)
Hyundai Atos MX
Kleinstwagen (1997–2001)
Ford Ka RBT
Kleinstwagen (1996–2008)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 26 weaknesses have been documented for the Smart ForTwo 450 (1998–2007) — 12 engine-related and 14 vehicle-related. 3 problem engines: M160E6 (0.6L Turbo), M160E7 (0.7L Turbo), OM660 (0.8L CDI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body, Rust.
ForTwo (OM660, 1999–2006) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger damage from icing in the intake tract, Injectors coked up or faulty, Diesel particulate filter clogged. Power: 41 PS.
ForTwo (M160E6, 1998–2006) — Stay Away!: Wastegate malfunction from faulty charge-air hoses, Turbocharger damage from exhaust manifold cracks, Piston ring wear with oil consumption. Power: 45 PS.
ForTwo (M160E7, 1998–2006) — Stay Away!: Wastegate linkage corrodes and sticks, Turbocharger oil supply blocked, Excessive oil loss from the engine. Power: 50 PS.
ForTwo (M160E7, 1999–2006) — Stay Away!: Wastegate linkage corrodes and sticks, Turbocharger oil supply blocked, Excessive oil loss from the engine. Power: 61 PS.
ForTwo (M160E7, 1999–2006) — Stay Away!: Wastegate linkage corrodes and sticks, Turbocharger oil supply blocked, Excessive oil loss from the engine. Power: 75 PS.
ForTwo (M160E6, 2002–2003) — Stay Away!: Wastegate malfunction from faulty charge-air hoses, Turbocharger damage from exhaust manifold cracks, Piston ring wear with oil consumption. Power: 70 PS.
What to watch out for with the Smart ForTwo? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Smart ForTwo 450 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Smart ForTwo 450? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Smart ForTwo 450 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Smart ForTwo 450 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Smart ForTwo 450? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee