Hi Everyone in the Smart world.

SmartguysTampa · 10-09-2008, 04:09 PM

Well just bought a fortwo cabriolet last week, im LOVING it.
I have question that maybe someone can help me out with,
I talked to a Smart center and they told me that for the first year of the car, after 5000 miles you are supposed to change the oil. I talked to the Smart center that I purchased the vehicle from and they said that it didn't really matter. I want to keep it running well, I have 2 other mercedes that I change the oil in every 10,000 miles.
I bought the car with 4,600 miles on it, and just hit 5,000 miles. I just want to make sure before I shell out 50.00 to change the oil that some service advisor is not just trying to blow smoke up my a**.

If anyone has any info on this it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

**jwight** · 10-09-2008, 04:12 PM

Assuming you have a 451 model, the recommended oil change interval is 10K miles.

Trena · 10-09-2008, 04:15 PM

you will get varying answers on this. some folks prefer to do their first change at 1000 miles, i think concerned about by-products of the break-in process. this may be why someone told you to do your first change early. i was told 10,000 miles and that's what's in the service booklet you're given with the car isn't it? i am considering changing at 3-5k at a local tire shop that i trust incessantly (i will provide my own oil, filter and gasket to make sure they have what the car needs). the smart 10k service is costing people between $140-200 from what i've read on here, so i'll save letting them check the car for the 10k one, so they can check and lube everything they need to, fix any problems, etc.

smartHHO · 10-09-2008, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trena

you will get varying answers on this. some folks prefer to do their first change at 1000 miles, i think concerned about by-products of the break-in process. this may be why someone told you to do your first change early. i was told 10,000 miles and that's what's in the service booklet you're given with the car isn't it? i am considering changing at 3-5k at a local tire shop that i trust incessantly (i will provide my own oil, filter and gasket to make sure they have what the car needs). the smart 10k service is costing people between $140-200 from what i've read on here, so i'll save letting them check the car for the 10k one, so they can check and lube everything they need to, fix any problems, etc.

I agree with you on the oil. From what I know, and due to gravity, the metal pieces that do come off do to break in will not keep going thru the filter and what not. If Mercedes says 10k, you can't go wrong with their reccomendation. In the US it always was 3 - 5k due to selling a product. Oil and filter. At best that I could see happening, which I have never heard of, is the metal pieces cloggin the filter so bad, your oil pressure gets way high and kllls your Oil pump. But, I would wait the 10k and then change it. Good luck and gratz on the car. Enjoy it.

SmartguysTampa · 10-09-2008, 04:52 PM

Thanks Everyone for your replies, I appreciate it, I'll stick with Benz on the recommendation for the 10k miles. Car is running fine! I am having so much fun.. Its a trip when you fly by guys in Corvettes.... To see the look on their faces is priceless!

Orphan-Beggar · 10-09-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartguysTampa

Well just bought a fortwo cabriolet last week, im LOVING it.
I have question that maybe someone can help me out with,
I talked to a Smart center and they told me that for the first year of the car, after 5000 miles you are supposed to change the oil. I talked to the Smart center that I purchased the vehicle from and they said that it didn't really matter. I want to keep it running well, I have 2 other mercedes that I change the oil in every 10,000 miles.
I bought the car with 4,600 miles on it, and just hit 5,000 miles. I just want to make sure before I shell out 50.00 to change the oil that some service advisor is not just trying to blow smoke up my a**.

If anyone has any info on this it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Inquiring minds want to know the DETAILS of your purchase of a used 451 from a smartcenter. Care to share?

Also curious about the previous owner-
-a little old lady who drove to church in style and parked in a garage?

SmartguysTampa · 10-09-2008, 05:41 PM

Well Smart center of Tampa I guess bought quite a few used 451's... I have bought a few Benzs from them (Mercedes of Tampa), got a pretty good deal.... Obviously since their is a HUGE markup on preowned right now just due to the wait list for new, I paid a little over MSRP, but not much for what I got..... I didn't want to wait!
Good Luck in your Quest for one!

SmartguysTampa · 10-09-2008, 05:44 PM

I don't know about the little old lady, I wondered about the previous owner as well, I don't know why they would have given up the car.... Only thing I can think of is that they made a profit since the cars are selling used right now for more than they sticker for brand new.

Orphan-Beggar · 10-09-2008, 06:01 PM

Thanks-excellent information.
Dealers selling used smarts above MSRP.
One wonders how LOW the mileage on these "Pre-owned" vehicles have been

**Suze** · 10-09-2008, 06:46 PM

I got an email from my smart center a week or so ago recommending a 5000 mile oil change. What it looks like to me is that smartcenter is recommending 5,000 mile oil change, even though smart recommends 10,000 miles. Here it is: (the bold is their emphasis, not mine)

We miss you and want to see you again…
The love affair between you and your smart car is very important to us! We want to help you maintain a great relationship, and invite you to be a loyal guest in our service department at smart center Portland. We appreciate your business and always want to do our best to make sure we take care of you and all your smart maintenance needs.
Many of you have asked about smart maintenance and the requirements for your smartie; please read below for some tips:

We recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles.

At this time we will also:

Check and replenish any fluid levels
Inspect your computer for malfunction codes
Check and adjust your tire pressure

Please call or email us to make an appointment today! We will do our best to get you in and out as soon as possible so your car won’t miss you too much…