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Fortwo vs Brabus?

6506 Views 25 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  smark
For 2008, what is the difference between a regular Fortwo and a Brabus?
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Brabus was not available in 2008.

In the U.S. MY09 was the first year for the 451 Brabus in a limited run of 500ish. It reappeared in MY13, again as a limited run.

Finally a very limited run of 453 Brabus was offered in 2016 as the ICE version was phased out.

A Brabus badged 451 is mechanically the same as a passion model accept for upgrades to suspension and wheels (and maybe a transmission remap?). Add a unique front spoiler, awesome wheels with different spec tires, dual chrome tipped exhaust and some badging and chrome - BAM!, you've got a Brabus!!!
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I still wish smart had given the US spec Brabus a specific vin #. Some cars, the Corvette C5 Z06 for example, has an "S" for the eighth digit in the vin and not a number. Not easy to clone a Z06 with just badges.
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Look at it thius way: you can build your own... and nobody will be the wiser! :rolleyes:
Brabus was not available in 2008.

In the U.S. MY09 was the first year for the 451 Brabus in a limited run of 500ish. It reappeared in MY13, again as a limited run.

Finally a very limited run of 453 Brabus was offered in 2016 as the ICE version was phased out.

A Brabus badged 451 is mechanically the same as a passion model accept for upgrades to suspension and wheels (and maybe a transmission remap?). Add a unique front spoiler, awesome wheels with different spec tires, dual chrome tipped exhaust and some badging and chrome - BAM!, you've got a Brabus!!!
Since I've got a 2016: How tough is it to find all of the right pieces? :cool:
Since I've got a 2016: How tough is it to find all of the right pieces? :cool:
How deep are your money pockets. Wheels and tires, suspension bits, front and rear bumper trim, interior bit and pieces, European dual exhaust, badging etc.
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You would need a VIN for an actual Brabus. Most of your parts would have to be sourced in Europe & China.
Since I've got a 2016: How tough is it to find all of the right pieces?
I still wish smart had given the US spec Brabus a specific vin #. Some cars, the Corvette C5 Z06 for example, has an "S" for the eighth digit in the vin and not a number. Not easy to clone a Z06 with just badges.[/QUOTE]
According this: the V.I.N. isn't important.
There is a member named Oscar who has acquired Euro parts for his US spec. Brabus. He spent a lot of time researching & acquiring parts overseas. He had a custom made steering wheel sourced in China & the Euro Brabus exhaust & a high flow Cat. See if you can PM him.
Sadly, the the 'Brabus' moniker on US/Canadian models is only cosmetic differences.

Now the Fortwos that you get from Brabus Europe (for Europe) are a different story.
They are $60K+ and 125Hp.

It's easy with a couple grand to clone a US/CAN market Brabus.
Probably $15k+ to clone a EU market Brabus with the PERFORMANCE modifications.
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I still wish smart had given the US spec Brabus a specific vin #. Some cars, the Corvette C5 Z06 for example, has an "S" for the eighth digit in the vin and not a number. Not easy to clone a Z06 with just badges.
According this: the V.I.N. isn't important.
[/QUOTE]

You can badge any car you want. It is what it is!

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Sadly, the the 'Brabus' moniker on US/Canadian models is only cosmetic differences.

Now the Fortwos that you get from Brabus Europe (for Europe) are a different story.
They are $60K+ and 125Hp.

It's easy with a couple grand to clone a US/CAN market Brabus.
Probably $15k+ to clone a EU market Brabus with the PERFORMANCE modifications.
Only the Customized Brabus 125 model is that price.

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That Spark has badging from three different cars: Corvette C5, Camaro Z28, and Spark. I guess the SS could be from either a Camaro or Malibu. Some people barely have any taste except in their mouths.
That Spark has badging from three different cars: Corvette C5, Camaro Z28, and Spark. I guess the SS could be from either a Camaro or Malibu. Some people barely have any taste except in their mouths.
Give them all a break: it's supposed to be about the fun...:LOL:
Besides: what if you were the one being judged on taste?
Look at it thius way: you can build your own... and nobody will be the wiser! :rolleyes:
That's true-- plus, if you want to convert to a non-Brabus for appearances sake or reduced insurance costs, you can do it!
You can do anything you want to a smart car. Just write, and hand over a check. To Boris at smart madness. He’ll fix you up. Good folks.
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This is my 2009 451 Brabus for reference.
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That's true-- plus, if you want to convert to a non-Brabus for appearances sake or reduced insurance costs, you can do it!
I have a 2009 Brabus, but my insurance company does not recognize the model. AARP The Hartford considers it a Pure/Passion.
Give them all a break: it's supposed to be about the fun...:LOL:
Besides: what if you were the one being judged on taste?
I will happily submit any of my cars for someone's critique.
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