Big453

Originally the part number for rear spring shims was A4513240184 but this OEM part number was replaced by A4513240284 Both of these OEM part numbers are shown on the link below to a "Smart ForTwo online parts catalogue". http://mbepc.net/en/fm/fg/fortwo/60j/451301/0/32/105#gsc.tab=0

Stainless steel nuts and bolts have a lower tensile strength than HSS nuts and bolts so don't use them in strength critical areas.

The glow plug light on my 2002 MK6 CDI kept staying on for about 3 months, then it started working correctly again. That was a few years ago. Never had any problem with it since. It's an age related thing. The system is probably just picking up slightly different electrical resistances and thinking it's a fault. If the car starts ok, I wouldn't worry about it.

Lesjofors don't make standard 451 front springs. The Lesjofors 4086006 front spring is actually a MK7 450 front spring that matches OEM part number 11569V001. Eibach R10200 matches OEM part number 4513210204 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/eibach/12831977 Eibach R10145 matches OEM part number 4513210104 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/eibach/11962856 Lesjofors 4086006 matches OEM part number 11569V001 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/lesjofors/2259608 Suplex 19362 matches OEM part number 4513210104 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/suplex/8312108

The MK5 to MK6 450 front coil springs that gknautomotive market to replace OEM part numbers 0009249V002 and 0009249V003 have 6.25 coil turns, but the original MK5 to MK6 450 front springs only had 5.75 coil turns. Aftermarket front coil springs for the MK5 to MK6 450 are being sold with either 5.75 or 6.25 coil turns. Maybe gknautomotive gave their MK5 to MK6 450 aftermarket front springs an extra half coil turn to reduce front coil spring failure rates. One of my original MK6 450 front coil springs broke after just 5,000 miles. These front spring breakages were very common. It was a case of when not if the breakage occurred. In some countries Smart would pay for replacement front springs under warranty. The replacement MK7 450 front coil springs that I fitted broke after 25.000 miles. If my current MK7 450 front coil springs break again I will replace them with aftermarket springs that match OEM part number 4513210104. These are 451 front springs. Up until now I have always used genuine OEM front springs, but I doubt that OEM springs last any longer than a good aftermarket make such as Sachs.

Details about the two part clamp and a link to where it can be purchased in the US (New Jersey) are on Evilution's website: https://www.evilution.co.uk/index.php?menu=chassis&mod=528

gknautomotive.com market their aftermarket springs as Spidan. Suplex may be the same as Spidan as they always seem to have an exact copy with the same specifications. gknautomotive's online catalogue shows two standard front springs for the 450 and one standard front spring for the 451. There are also sports springs. MK5 to MK6 450 (2001-2002) This was the first front coil spring as earlier MK1 to MK4 450 cars had leaf front springs. This spring is 279mm long and 8mm thick with 6.25 coil turns. It is sold to replace OE numbers 0009249V002 and 0009249V003 https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56802/detail?query=56802&numberType=0#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%2056802;mandator:gkn;query:56802;page:0/detail:56802;brandId:1;articleNo:56802;mandator:gkn;query:56802;numberType:0 MK7 450 (2003-2007) This front coil spring is 310mm long and 8mm thick with 6.75 coil turns. This gives a noticeably softer ride than the previous MK5 to MK6 450 front spring. It is sold to replace OE number 0011569V001 https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56803/detail?query=56803&numberType=0#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%2056803;mandator:gkn;query:56803;page:0/detail:56803;brandId:1;articleNo:56803;mandator:gkn;query:56803;numberType:0 451 (2007-2014) This front coil spring is 315mm long and 8mm thick with 6.75 coil turns. It is sold to replace OE number 4513210104 https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/85533/detail?query=85533&numberType=0&groups=188#@brc/search:Search%20by%20any%20number%2085533;mandator:gkn;query:85533;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:85533;brandId:1;articleNo:85533;mandator:gkn;query:85533;numberType:0;groups:188 MK7 450 and 451 front coil springs are very similar and interchangeable. Both of these front coil springs weigh about 750 grams each, not 700 grams and 800 grams as shown in gknautomotive's online catalogue. There does appear to be one significant difference between 450 and 451 front coil springs, and that is the shape of the bottom pigtail finish. The bottom pigtail finish on the 451 front coil spring is flatter than the bottom pigtail finish on the 450 front coil spring. You can see the difference if you compare the photos of the MK7 450 and 451 front coil springs on the links above to gknautomotive's online catalogue. The result of this change may be to reduce the stress on the front coil spring in operation and thereby give a longer life between front coil spring breakages. For this reason, it may be a good idea to only use front coil springs that are based on the design of the 451 front coil springs whether you have a 450 or a 451. 451 front coil springs OE number 4513210104 Optimal AF-2932 Sachs 998 838 Spidan 85533 Suplex 19362 Bilstein 37-233877, Kilen 23706, and Lesjofors 4086006 front coil springs are the same as MK7 450 front coil springs, even though they are also marketed to replace 451 front coil springs. Because these front coil springs are the same as 450 MK7 front coil springs, they don't have the flatter bottom pigtail finish of 451 front coil springs. For this reason I would avoid these front coil springs as they may break sooner than 451 front coil springs. MK7 450 rear coil springs OE number 0012187V001 Optimal AF-2855 Sachs 996 927 Spidan 56806 Suplex 19272 451 rear coil springs OE number 4513240304 Optimal AF-2934 Sachs 994 197 Spidan 85535 Suplex 19364

The 451 is about 50kg (110lbs) heavier than the 450. So the ride on a 450 will be even harder than a 451 if you could get someone to work some magic and get the 451 rear springs to fit the 450. Most aftermarket standard rear springs sold for the 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) are actually 450 MK6 (11/1999-01/2003) rear springs. These include Lesjofors and Kilen (same company just sold under different brand names). So if you want the 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) rear springs make sure you get rear springs that actually have 6 coil turns, not just 5.75 coil turns. Brand names that sell rear springs that match 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) rear springs include Optimal, Sachs, Spidan, and Suplex. Here are some part numbers for aftermarket rear springs that match the 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) rear springs (OEM part number 0012187V001): Optimal AF-2855 Sachs 996 927 Spidan 56806 Suplex 19272 The 450 MK3-MK6 (11/1999-01/2003) rear springs with 5.75 coil turns tend to weigh about 850 grams each, whereas the 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) rear springs with 6 coil turns tend to weigh about 900 grams each.

451 rear springs won't fit the 450 as they are a different shape. The 451 rear springs use a pigtail finish at both ends. The 450 rear springs only use a pigtail finish at the bottom. You can see a photo of both springs on gknautomotive.com 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) Rear Springs https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56806/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=18145&typeNumber=18145&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20FORTWO%20Coupe%20(450)%200.8%20CDI%20(450.300%2C%20450.301%2C%20450.302%2C%20450.303%2C%20450.306);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:56806;brandId:1;articleNo:56806;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145;groups:188 451 Rear Springs https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/85535/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=22476&typeNumber=22476&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20FORTWO%20Coupe%20(451)%200.8%20CDi%20(451.300);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:22476;typeNumber:22476/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:22476;typeNumber:22476;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:85535;brandId:1;articleNo:85535;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:22476;typeNumber:22476;groups:188 Even if they did fit (which they don't), they wouldn't raise the ride height as they are both the same length, ie. 245mm. Note that gknautomotive.com have made a mistake in the length they quote for 450 MK7 rear springs. They are 245mm long, not 343mm as shown in their listing. Also note, that the 450 had four different standard rear springs. 450 MK1 (to 04/1999), 450 MK2 (04/1999-11/1999), 450 MK3-MK6 (11/1999-01/2003), 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) Both the 450 MK3-MK6 and 450 MK7 rear springs were 245mm long, the earlier cars used much shorter and harder rear springs. There is a small difference between 450 MK3-MK6 rear springs and 450 MK7 rear springs. The 450 MK7 rear springs have 6 coil turns, whereas the earlier 450 MK3-MK6 rear springs only have 5.75 coil turns. Strangely, Mercedes claim that both have the same compression rate, ie. 25N/mm. However, I suspect that the 450 MK7 rear springs with the extra 0.25 coil turn would be slightly softer, as more coil turns equals a softer spring when all the other variables are equal. You can find all four rear springs and their OEM part numbers on the gknautomotive.com website. Also, even if you could fit 451 rear springs to a 450 (which you can't) they wouldn't make the ride softer. Although 451 rear springs have over 7 coil turns compared to the 450 MK7's 6 coil turns, the coil spring thickness is 10.5mm on the 451 compared to 9.5mm on the 450 MK7. Owners often complain that the ride on the 451 is even worse than the 450. 450 MK1 (to 04/1999) Rear Springs (OEM part number 0004860V002) Spring Design Coil spring with inconstant wire diameter Fitting Position Rear Axle Thickness 9,75 mm Length 204 mm Outer diameter 100 mm Weight 0,80 kg https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56808/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=9339&typeNumber=9339&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20CITY-COUPE%20(450)%200.6%20(S1CLA1%2C%20450.341);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:56808;brandId:1;articleNo:56808;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188 450 MK2 (04/1999-11/1999) Rear Springs (OEM part number 0006807V001) Spring Design Coil spring with inconstant wire diameter Fitting Position Rear Axle Thickness 9,50 mm Length 219 mm Outer diameter 100 mm Weight 0,80 kg https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56809/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=9339&typeNumber=9339&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20CITY-COUPE%20(450)%200.6%20(S1CLA1%2C%20450.341);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:56809;brandId:1;articleNo:56809;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188 450 MK3-MK6 (11/1999-01/2003) Rear Springs (OEM part number 0007502V002) Spring Design Coil spring with inconstant wire diameter Fitting Position Rear Axle Thickness 9,50 mm Length 246 mm Outer diameter 99 mm Weight 0,90 kg https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56805/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=9339&typeNumber=9339&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20CITY-COUPE%20(450)%200.6%20(S1CLA1%2C%20450.341);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:56805;brandId:1;articleNo:56805;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:9339;typeNumber:9339;groups:188 450 MK7 (01/2003-01/2007) Rear Springs (OEM part number 0012187V001) Spring Design Coil spring with inconstant wire diameter Fitting Position Rear Axle Thickness 9,50 mm Length 245 mm Outer diameter 98 mm Weight 0,90 kg https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/parts/1/56806/detail?targetType=cars&targetId=18145&typeNumber=18145&groups=188#@brc/brands:Car;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn/assem:SMART%20FORTWO%20Coupe%20(450)%200.8%20CDI%20(450.300%2C%20450.301%2C%20450.302%2C%20450.303%2C%20450.306);targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145/lnkparts:Coil%20Springs;targetType:cars;mandator:gkn;assemblyGroupId:100113;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145;groups:188;brands:1;pf:2;page:0/detail:56806;brandId:1;articleNo:56806;mandator:gkn;targetType:cars;targetId:18145;typeNumber:18145;groups:188

Standard rear shock absorbers on the Smart ForTwo 450 only have about 3.5" of travel when measured off the car. When the rear shock absorbers are on the car, they have even less than 3.5" of travel due to rubber bump stops. Lets say about 3" of travel. 3" is very little travel, which is why the standard coil springs have to be quite hard to prevent the car from regularly bottoming, ie. hitting the bump stops. Eibach rear sport springs are claimed to lower the rear of the car by about 20mm which is about 0.75". In this case, the spring travel is down to about 2.25". However, the weight of the car means that you won't be driving along with 2.25" of remaining travel but with quite a bit less...let's say only about 1.5" of suspension travel left why driving along. This is why people who have fitted rear Eibach sports springs complain about destroyed rear bump stops as they take a real pounding as you drive along. I'm on standard springs.

Would 225/50R15 rear tyres and 205/55R15 front tyres fit the 453 without rubbing using 6Jx15 ET50 rear rims and 5.5Jx15 ET42 front rims?

I would go for Vredestein Quatrac 5 tires in sizes 185/55R15 82H rear and 165/60R15 77H front. Vredestein Quatrac 5 185/55R15 82H https://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/tiresearch.cgi?stock=22048&f=quatrac5_s.cst Vredestein Quatrac 5 165/60R15 77H https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&partnum=66HR5QT5&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes Tire pressures of 26psi rear and 21psi front would give the best comfort, 32psi rear and 26psi front would give the best handling, and 29psi rear and 23psi front would be the best compromise. 26psi rear and 21psi front may seem low, but it's enough pressure with these load index tires to support the weight of a fully loaded Smart 450. With 175/55R15 rear tires and 145/65R15 front tires you would need 29psi rear and 23psi front tire pressures as a minimum to support the weight of a fully loaded Smart 450.