So in my search for new (to me) Smart I came across this. It's not being advertised as a turbo car (at a dealer) and the engine bay is pretty dirty usually a bad sign, as is buying mystery modded cars. I know the photos aren't great, but does anyone recognize the kit or was this a member heres car?
I assumed it was a bit further down (following the intake tube) the car has a defi boost gauge mounted near the cup holder. I have never seen the smart engine bay in person, so I'm not familiar with the layout.
It's hard to see - tried to find it on jsenka's car last weekend and you really have to look under the rear valence to see the turbo. That said, it has to be an aftermarket turbo and the dealer likely knows nothing about the installation.
That or they are hiding it. I've had a few turbo cars in the past (and currently a Supercharged Exige) and these can tend to be a nightmare (unknown kits I mean). but its really really tempting!
Thats true too, but most fakers don't spend $250+ on a Defi gauge when they could spend $30 on an ebay special. As I said, I'm not familiar with this car yet, it could have had one at one time and was removed but left the gauge behind. After all it has Braubus gauges as well, but it's no Braubus. That car is a little over 100miles away from me, so I can't just drive by and check it out.
Thanks for the info everyone, thought I had a "barn find". Also, can anyone tell me what that vertical control panel is under the under the dash? Is it a common mod or a custom fabbed up thing?
No... that's a custom add on too. My bet is it had a turbo system in it and it was removed before sale. Someone put a good bit of $$$ into this... those tweeters above the doors are all custom as well.
So I contacted the dealer and they said the previous owner did the upgrades (including the "turbo" but it was traded in for another Merc. I just asked for a photo of the turbo itself so standing by. If anyone wants to check it out in person, it is located at Tom Masano Mercedes in Reading, PA.
Can't wait to see this photo. Mainly because it's not there. I'm sure that's a Boesch Built intake with a Smart Madness silicone adapter to go from the side inlet. No turbo anywhere...
...by the pictures it could have a turbo...we just can't see it...
..by the same picture the air is coming to the engine the old fashioned way...
...if they say it has a turbo ask them if the car is EPA certified...
Jetfuel...I've seen a turbo in a smart...and that's not it...
It is a Brabus steering wheel with the additional Brabus logo in the center. You can tell by the different shape than the US spec wheel. They sell for about $900.00. Nice mod.
Is that what your cornfield kit looked like barney o? That is the cleanest turbo set up I have seen on a smart. I have not see any of your installed kits but have seen all three cars in action. Very impressed and still a little jealous...
No way is this car turbo (sorry, old thread) Unless someone is an idiot and running your crankcase breather on a charge air side
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