kind of oil

[roscoe]

After picking up my Smartie on 6/13 (good omen I hope); I've read the owners manual which is, like all things in america nowadays, obviously written by their liability attorneys rather than a mechanic or engineer. When I finally got to the section on engine oil, it directs me to contact the smart ctr to find out which kind of oil to use! What a waste of paper. Can any of you guys link me to some information on appropriate oil weight & type?

[WhiteNBlack08]

smart center Indy told me Mobil 1 0w 40.

[Dunerunner]

The manufacturer recommends Mobil 1. The viscosity index will be determined by the temperature zone you live in. WhiteNBlack08 indicated the Indy dealer recommended 0W40 and you are in a similar climate area, for me on the Oregon Coast, it is 5W40, Mobil 1.

[eqwalker]

Here in Arkansas used Mobil 1 0W40 (Tulsa center).

[Smart Car Geek]

Just make sure that you save all of your oil receipts, because if you don't use the correct viscosity (and they will need to verify this) then it will void your warranty. All car manufactures are doing this now ;)

[Old smart]

The chart at this link comes from the Euro 451 Operating Instructions:
Evilution - Smart Car Encyclopaedia

The text accompanying the chart in the OI is not easily reproducible, but here is a transcription:

“Engine oil

“Choosing the right type of oil
Always use engine oils that have been approved by smart or equivalent oils. Information on this is available from any qualified specialist workshop, e.g. a smart center or smart service.

“! Do not use special additives. They may lead to increase wear or engine damage. A qualified specialist workshop such as a smart center or smart service will be able to provide further details.

“Capacities

“Engine oil-----Petrol engine------Diesel engine
Refill level-----approx. 3.3 l-------approx. 2.71 l

“Viscosity is understood to mean the property of a liquid to resist its deformation. Viscosity also characterizes the flow behavior of a liquid. In an engine oil, high viscosity means that it is thick-flowing, while low viscosity means that it is thin-flowing. The viscosity of the engine oil must be such that it is possible to start the engine and supply oil to the lubricating points at low temperatures and that a coherent film of lubricant is guaranteed at high operating temperatures. Choose the SAE class (viscosity) of the engine oil according to the time of year. The following table shows the viscosity classes to be used as a function of the average air temperature. The temperature limits are guideline values and may be exceeded or not reached for short periods.

“>>Technical data. (pg.) 271”

The red highlighting is an indication that owners in the rest of the world have some flexibility and responsibility beyond just following a smart center by rote. I would be highly suspect of any smart center in the Southern US states blindly recommending 0W-; they are reciting script not dispensing sound knowledge.

[Smart Car Geek]

Originally Posted by Old smart

The chart at this link comes from the Euro 451

Boy that chart sure gets around Those that live in Europe should follow it. Those that live in America should contact their dealer for the correct viscosity to use.

Per the U.S. owners manual:

Using engine oils and oil filters of specification other than those expressly required for the Maintenance System, or changing of oil and oil filter at change intervals longer than those called for by the Maintenance System will result in engine or emission control system damage not covered by the smart Limited Warranty.

You'll notice they specifically say "will" and not "may". Always consider the source when dealing with products that are under warranty. I once saw a sign at a dealership that bears repeating: "Good intentions do not equal warranty service when you need it." Just something to consider

[Smart Car Geek]

Just a quick update. My boss has just informed me that he was contacted again by the company that makes the filters for Mobil 1 and K&N. He sent them many pictures at varying angles. They said, and I quote "Thank you for the pictures you supplied, they were quite helpful. After our engineers looked over them we have been informed that the Mobil 1 M1-108 and the K-N #HP1008 are both qualified filters for the 2008 Smart Car with a 1.0Lt Mitsubishi Engine. Again thank you for your help." Both K&N and Mobil 1 should be updating their websites to reflect this information shortly ;)

Hope that helps