Another newbie

[MikeB1]

Hi, I too have been lurking for a few months, posted a few times but never introduced myself properly. I bought a lightly used 2009 Passion Coupe from the original owner. It had 6,950 miles, is black on black on black, with everything in the Comfort Package except fog lights - which puzzles me. How did they get left out? Maybe I'll put some on, after reading the "how-to's" that have been posted. It has the Pioneer Bluetooth Nav headunit and back up camera. And two (?) 600watt Alpine amps, one behind each seat and a bass unit under the dash. Just the thing for when I listen to Terry Gross on Fresh Air on NPR. Ha ha. Also came with the alarm, and the aftermarket booster unit on the accelerator pedal that seems to improve shifting. I use the paddle shifters all the time, can't take the lag when it's in full auto mode.

Anyway, I bought it the day after Thanksgiving 2009, and thought I was getting a great deal. I suppose I did, with the extras the previous owner had installed - but those who waited until now are really able to do well buying new from the dealer. I would have gotten a Brabus Coupe if I had waited. Well, I still love the car, and you know what they say about hindsight. I'm heading in on Monday for my 10,000 mile service (the service wrench is flashing at startup, and reads -49 miles, so since I have only 7,995 miles on the car, I guess it's just over a year old and that's why the service wrench is wagging at me). The car fails to go into reverse about once a day - for the past week - and then behaves properly after I put it in "D", roll forward a bit, and then back to reverse. So far, the only problem that I've had - and read about here.

It's been an education, reading about the experiences that others have had with their smarts. It's a very fun car, the first I've ever owned with heated seats, which has been a very appreciated feature. Thanks for providing such a valuable forum.

[Kermit]

Welcome Mark. If you have the Comfort Package without the foglights I would almost bet you do have the hockey puck on your windshield and auto headlights. Just guessing on that.

Once again, this is your thread so if you have any questions ask away. Sounds like you've lived with your car long enough to know it but a lot of seasoned owners discover new things all the time so you never know.

[Suze]

Agree with Bum-bling. The early 09s (which yours is if it's now 1 year old) had the 08 style comfort package - auto lights and auto wipers, no fogs.

I think that's lucky! I love the autos on my 08. But have the fogs, too.




Welcome to SCOA!

[GetSmrt28277]

Welcome Enjoy the threads, Pics, and videos...Participate and contribute...let us know if the transmission becomes an issue. I hope not for your sake.

Come and join us at Nationals and the Dragon.

[MikeB1]

Hi, thanks for the welcomes! I do have the auto headlights and wipers, which I like (now that I've learned not to leave the wipers on auto) and may add led driving lights. I wonder if they're mostly for decoration, though - could they possibly be bright enough to do any good? Anyway, so far I've added a black billet gas flap and the stainless steel door handle covers. There was something about the matte black plastic that I didn't like. Seemed to contradict the "Mercedes heritage" ha ha. I'd still like to get a "quiet" center pipe exhaust header and maybe even the leather dash and door kit but have to recover from paying property tax before those improvements can happen.

Anyway, happy Sunday, everyone!

[forestacademy]

Welcome, Make sure you are very clear with your service guys about your issue shifting into R. Since you still have the Hocky puck, it's quite clear you have an early 09 built in 08.

You should be up for a new clutch.


I always said the stock basic radio in this car is great for NPR. But music in mine is a different issue. I feel like I'm listening to on old transistor radio. Enjoy what you don't know your missing.

[jimvw57]

Ok, try turning the radio OFF for a few days... You will stop complaining about any radio. I suffered for a few weeks with a real piece of crap radio sitting on the passenger seat. Believe me my radio 9 never sounded so good as the drive home after picking up MY car.

Make sure you mention the transmission issue when you are at the dealer.

[MikeB1]

Just left the car at the San Francisco Smart Center. They'll probably have the car for two days, according to the rep. Hopefully the shifting issue (new clutch?) will be taken care of the first time. Thanks for the advice.

Ever since you folks pointed out the auto headlights/wipers/hockey puck, I've been staring at other smarts to see what they have. Did this feature get deleted in 2009? I like the feature, not so crazy about the big round eye stuck on the windshield... but I'm not going to obsess about it. I hope.

By the way, the original owner gave me the factory Radio 9 when I bought the car from him. I've thought of putting it on eBay, maybe I'll offer it here in the marketplace. Think anyone would be interested? My guess is that there are lots of them floating around.

[forestacademy]

Pay that radio 9 Forward
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...rs-only-11559/

[Kermit]

...or this thread.

Radioless PURE Owners - post your wish list here!