The reason the Brabus Smart has 15" fronts - per Smart - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

tbone28 · 12-23-2008, 04:10 PM

I stopped by the dealership where my Brabus will be delivered. It's a new dealership, which just opened, and there happened to be a regional Smart representative there (forget his name... but Dave comes to mind). I asked him why 16's in Europe and 15's here.

His response was the bigger profile tires on 15" gave better crash test results on the front end. Something about the tire absorbing more impact.

Not sure if I believe it or not, but that's what he said. Let the discussion begin...

BTW, the brabus rims look better in person than in the pics.

**JPaul** · 12-23-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbone28

... BTW, the brabus rims look better in person than in the pics.

Those?

tbone28 · 12-23-2008, 04:32 PM

yes, those rims

Mike T · 12-25-2008, 12:28 AM

My guess about the 15s is that no-one makes a 175/50-16 all season tire.

BORICUA60610 · 12-25-2008, 06:51 AM

Either way it looks like a set of rim locks are needed before leaving the dealer. Otherwise none of us will have tires to talk about........

2005smartcdi · 12-25-2008, 07:03 AM

Has anyone priced out a 15" BRABUS wheel from a smart dealer parts counter yet? I'm curious as to the price for a set of 4. McGard wheel locks are a wise choice.

2005smartcdi ...

BORICUA60610 · 12-25-2008, 07:18 AM

Thanks 2005smartcdi for the lock advice.

forestacademy · 12-25-2008, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BORICUA60610

Either way it looks like a set of rim locks are needed before leaving the dealer. Otherwise none of us will have tires to talk about........

How much of a Black market value is there on rims that only fit the Smart. Three hub and only 20,000 cars in the states along with an alarm that should sense if someone picks up the car. Not worth the trip in the police car.

**JPaul** · 12-25-2008, 07:58 AM

But, playing Devil's advocate, how many uninformed thief would know that those wheels have such a limited potential market beforehand? They take, cannot sell, so they ditch...

2005smartcdi · 12-25-2008, 08:01 AM

Unfortunately the criminal mind doesn't think that way forestacademy. It be wired differently and only sees it as a valuable shiny thing that might be worth some money at the local pawn shop. Once you see the price of any BRABUS wheel you will understand why; which is the reason there is a market for replica BRABUS wheels. The wheel in this photo appears to be a six lug wheel that conveniently accomodates the smart 3 lug setup. The BRABUS wheel in Europe only has 3 lugs if my memory serves me correctly. Check it out at the wellsmart.co.uk website.

2005smartcdi ...