Fortwo vs Brabus?

6506 Views 25 Replies 11 Participants Last post by smark, Dec 20, 2019

Zeon

Discussion Starter · Dec 16, 2019

For 2008, what is the difference between a regular Fortwo and a Brabus?

1 - 20 of 26 Posts

MB DNA

· #2 · Dec 16, 2019

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!!!

Reactions: 4

1983JZR3W

· #3 · Dec 17, 2019

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.

Reactions: 2

Bob Denman

· #4 · Dec 17, 2019

Look at it thius way: you can build your own... and nobody will be the wiser!

Bob Denman

· #5 · Dec 17, 2019

MB DNA said:
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?

smark

· #6 · Dec 17, 2019

Bob Denman said:
Since I've got a 2016: How tough is it to find all of the right pieces?

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.

Reactions: 1

Bob Ricewasser

· #7 · Dec 17, 2019

You would need a VIN for an actual Brabus. Most of your parts would have to be sourced in Europe & China.

Bob Denman said:
Since I've got a 2016: How tough is it to find all of the right pieces?

Bob Denman

· #8 · Dec 17, 2019

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.

Bob Ricewasser

· #9 · Dec 17, 2019

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.

Mailman

· #10 · Dec 18, 2019

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.

Reactions: 1

smark

· #11 · Dec 18, 2019

Bob Denman said:
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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smark

· #12 · Dec 18, 2019

On

Mailman said:
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.

Reactions: 1

1983JZR3W

· #13 · Dec 19, 2019

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.

Bob Denman

· #14 · Dec 19, 2019

1983JZR3W said:
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...

Besides: what if you were the one being judged on taste?

strelnik

· #15 · Dec 19, 2019

Bob Denman said:
Look at it thius way: you can build your own... and nobody will be the wiser!

That's true-- plus, if you want to convert to a non-Brabus for appearances sake or reduced insurance costs, you can do it!

smark

· #16 · Dec 19, 2019

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.

Bob Denman

· #17 · Dec 19, 2019

Tha'ts good to know; Thanks!

SwatchCar

· #18 · Dec 20, 2019

3

This is my 2009 451 Brabus for reference.

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Reactions: 1

1983JZR3W

· #19 · Dec 20, 2019

strelnik said:
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.

1983JZR3W

· #20 · Dec 20, 2019

Bob Denman said:
Give them all a break: it's supposed to be about the fun...
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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