Copied to the 453 towing forum for more exposure. 
453 Official Flat-Tow Instructions
Good news everyone, we received official approval and instructions for 453 flat-towing. From an official bulletin today:
"We are excited to confirm the approval of MY2016 and MY2017 smart fortwo flat-towing capabilities. Model Year 2016 and 2017 smart fortwo ICE coupes and cabrios equipped with the twinamic Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission may be flat-towed behind other vehicles such as Recreational Vehicles, moving trucks, etc. This approval applies to all Model Year 2016 and 2017 smart fortwo ICE coupes and cabrios with the DCT transmission, regardless of production date. Updates to the owner’s manuals are in development.
DISCLAIMER: MY2016 and MY2017 smart fortwo models with the standard 5-speed manual transmission and smart electric coupes and cabrios are not approved for flat-towing."
"We are excited to confirm the approval of MY2016 and MY2017 smart fortwo flat-towing capabilities. Model Year 2016 and 2017 smart fortwo ICE coupes and cabrios equipped with the twinamic Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission may be flat-towed behind other vehicles such as Recreational Vehicles, moving trucks, etc. This approval applies to all Model Year 2016 and 2017 smart fortwo ICE coupes and cabrios with the DCT transmission, regardless of production date. Updates to the owner’s manuals are in development.
DISCLAIMER: MY2016 and MY2017 smart fortwo models with the standard 5-speed manual transmission and smart electric coupes and cabrios are not approved for flat-towing."
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Love this! Thank you Keith!! I should have a few happy clients now, I owed this information to a few folks. :nerd::nerd:
So, a 5-speed manual cabrio is somehow different and cannot be flat towed?
My understanding models with the 5-speed manual, plus 453 EDs, cannot be flat towed.
Yes, totally different transmissions. Only the DCT is approved for flat-tow.So, a 5-speed manual cabrio is somehow different and cannot be flat towed?
There is concern that not enough lubrication will circulate during flat tow situations.So, a 5-speed manual cabrio is somehow different and cannot be flat towed?
Hey Keith,
This is great- thank you.
The instructions say "Contact an authorized smart center for information on recommended tow
bar equipment and installing a matching on/off switch on the battery terminal".
Where can smart dealers/brand managers find this information to provide our customers?
This is great- thank you.
The instructions say "Contact an authorized smart center for information on recommended tow
bar equipment and installing a matching on/off switch on the battery terminal".
Where can smart dealers/brand managers find this information to provide our customers?
I finally got my 453 setup for towing! It all appears to work fine, but have only driven a short distance. Heading to Death Valley in a few weeks for the real test (5 hrs).
The total installed cost was a little higher than expected at $4,000!
I purchased the following parts:
- Blue Ox BX2004 Baseplate
- Blue Ox BX8848 4 Diodes Taillight Wiring Kit
- Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar
- Blue Ox BX88206 7 Way To 6 Way Electrical Coiled Cable (need 12v for the brake box)
- Blue Ox BRK2012 Patriot Brake
The parts were installed by MT RV in FV, CA. It was their first install so maybe a little expensive. They did a nice job and you really don't notice the baseplate or wiring connector (I painted the breakaway black to hide it). I went to Smart Madness for the install first, but they declined.
I think its the perfect car to tow!
The total installed cost was a little higher than expected at $4,000!
I purchased the following parts:
- Blue Ox BX2004 Baseplate
- Blue Ox BX8848 4 Diodes Taillight Wiring Kit
- Blue Ox BX7365 Alpha 6,500lb Tow Bar
- Blue Ox BX88206 7 Way To 6 Way Electrical Coiled Cable (need 12v for the brake box)
- Blue Ox BRK2012 Patriot Brake
The parts were installed by MT RV in FV, CA. It was their first install so maybe a little expensive. They did a nice job and you really don't notice the baseplate or wiring connector (I painted the breakaway black to hide it). I went to Smart Madness for the install first, but they declined.
I think its the perfect car to tow!
Thanks very much for this detailed info. I just bought a 2016 Passion and intend to have it set up to flat tow. The info in the Smart PDF will be very useful. I do have one question: In the "Preparing for flat towing" page, item 2 is "Make sure the ignition is switched on". Is this position 1 or 2?
Thanks again,
Jimboe
Thanks again,
Jimboe
Thanks so much! Just what we wanted to know. We also received the update from MB but the dealer was reluctant to confirm. Gordo and Suz
Where is MT Founatain Valley for Smart towing install?
flat tow 2016 passion
I reviewed the post and the pdf its a little confusing since one sez you can tow automatic tranny but its not covered in the pdf. I have a 2016 Passion fortwo with automatic transmission. Is there a work around so the key doesnt have to remain on. Or perhaps a battery disconnect that keeps the esp from kicking the brakes on.?? Really concerned since I didnt do due diligence in my research and am getting a tow bar installed next week. Any Ideas for the automatic. thanks Randy
I reviewed the post and the pdf its a little confusing since one sez you can tow automatic tranny but its not covered in the pdf. I have a 2016 Passion fortwo with automatic transmission. Is there a work around so the key doesnt have to remain on. Or perhaps a battery disconnect that keeps the esp from kicking the brakes on.?? Really concerned since I didnt do due diligence in my research and am getting a tow bar installed next week. Any Ideas for the automatic. thanks Randy
I wouldn't risk a work-around to those instructions. Too risky to the dual clutch transmission. I would literally follow the instructions to a 'T.'I reviewed the post and the pdf its a little confusing since one sez you can tow automatic tranny but its not covered in the pdf. I have a 2016 Passion fortwo with automatic transmission. Is there a work around so the key doesnt have to remain on. Or perhaps a battery disconnect that keeps the esp from kicking the brakes on.?? Really concerned since I didnt do due diligence in my research and am getting a tow bar installed next week. Any Ideas for the automatic. thanks Randy
Flat tow Smart Automatic?
New to this form and new to SmartCar. I want to flat tow a Automatic SmartCar, so what Model and Year MUST I search out to do this? Thanks for any and all help.
New to this form and new to SmartCar. I want to flat tow a Automatic SmartCar, so what Model and Year MUST I search out to do this? Thanks for any and all help.
Welcome to SCoA!
If by automatic you mean the dual clutch transmission, you're looking at 2016 or 2017 model years.
If by automatic you mean the dual clutch transmission, you're looking at 2016 or 2017 model years.
Just learning about these vehicles, so the double clutch is called a automatic? and to flat tow it has to be a 2016 or 17? What model would that be ?
The model is fortwo; different trim levels, but the key for flat towing is the DCT.
Not to be a Smart *** but people keep correcting me by saying "you mean DCT" when I refer to the transmission as an automatic. There is no clutch pedal and you just put it in D and go, how is that not an automatic transmission regardless of the internal technology?
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
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