Is it safe to change wheels?

[xcrew229x]

Face it, anytime you modify your car, bike, or skateboard from what the factory built you are on your own. We all do it. It's called accepted risk. Myself, I'd like Minilites for my smart. Jwight can dig that, he's got a killer set on his Mini. I'd take that risk.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by graphix1998

I heard that changing the wheels would void the warranty... I called SmartUSA and was directed to my dealer (who hasn't responded yet).

If the wheels that I want to put on are DOT / TUV approved, then there should not be an issue. Besides, PMG is not the manufacturer, they are the importer. I don't think that they would be able to enforce the wheels change topic.

PAG is the voice of the manufacturer here in the US they are the ones providing the service. They are who you bought the car from.
karl

[ostfriese]

Read the smart brochure page 12 "The wheels as shock absorbers"
What will break away is not the wheel but the suspension elements located behind the wheel. Imo it is safe to change your wheels.

[ostfriese]

If there is a safety concern, how come that some of the smart dealers are offering orphans with aftermarket wheels?

[BimmerDob]

I think the safety concerns are more around untested configuration (3rd party wheels) and in the land of lawyers, liability disclaimers. Is there risk, I'd say yes. How much added risk, negligible for crash absorption. But as others have said, could be significant on handling changes which in turn could result in an increase possibility of an accident as your vary from stock configurations. And this isn't always a negative, changes from stock could actually improve handling and thus enhance accident avoidance (stopping distance, grip, etc.).

[bsnyder100]

Originally Posted by ostfriese

If there is a safety concern, how come that some of the smart dealers are offering orphans with aftermarket wheels?

The reason dealers are equipping SMARTS with aftermarkey accesories is to attract attention to the product and to their dealership. I am curious to see how they are handling the liability half of adding "un-authorized" parts. As the wheels do act as a safety feature.