ROADWORTHY AGAIN - My journey with the Smart Roadster Brabus Coupe

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back in October 2020 I finally took collection of a 2004 Smart Roadster Brabus Coupe.
Purchased via Collecting Cars - this one caught my eye as one of the originals into the UK with only 25k miles on the clock!
On arrival however - it became apparent there was more to the car than the lovely photos might have lead me to believe!
Here I discuss and document the work carried out along with my thoughts and reflection.
Waste of time or worth the effort - you decide!

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Possibly the coolest car in your collection...😳
Small sports cars on UK roads just go together so well.

Scala

I had a Smart Brabus Roadster-Coupé Xclusive for 11 years.

Here is my summary of the car's merits and downsides.

Positive aspects

Size:
Small cars are so much more usable on today's crowded roads.

Roof system:
Using the remote to open the roof as I approached the car always put a smile on my face.
The soft-top roof is a great solution, as it can be opened or closed at any speed. I also had the hardtop for winter use.

Negative aspects

Suspension:
The Brabus suspension is very harsh and unforgiving.

Alloys:
The original alloys are extremely soft and liable to distortion (not helped by the hard ride).

Semi-auto gearbox:
It took a long time to work out that you actually have to treat it like a manual change.
When activating the flappy paddles (which are actually very good) to change gear, it is best to lift your foot from the accelerator as with a normal clutch.
Used like this, it works well but I suspect most people give up before sussing this out.

Steering:
In comparison with many sports cars, the steering is rather devoid of feel.

I kept my Brabus Roadster for so long because I couldn't find a more modern alternative as a replacement.
But, finally, I found something that is better in almost every way.

It does not have quite the same neatness of design, though it too is unusual.
Furthermore, the soft top roof is not as special (and should not be operated at over 20 mph).
However, everything else about the new car is better (performance, quality of fittings, equipment, ride, practicality, steering, manual gear change, etc., etc.).
The successor I chose is also a car that, like the Smart roadster, never sold as the manufacturer had hoped:
Mini JCW Roadster. a fabulous little car.

kgExige

Hi, can’t find, so how do you spell the name of the garage you mention (Lenchies?) in Worcester?

rodzter

I’ve only just moved from Worcester. Crazy seeing you drive round all the places I know.

dka

Frightening amounts of corrosion underneath. Understandable considering it’s previous use! Good job getting it back together 👍🏻love the charity idea too.

simoncouldry

Cracking car, I’ve had 3 Roadie’s sadly not Brabus. I will have another one day, enjoy!

cannonfodder

Does It feels conftorble with the new suspension ??

MrVig

I wish they had offered this in the States. It looks so fun.

JBeck

according to my school path, 1.5 years to wait for my dream Brabus coupe

MrVig

The car looks good Dale, are you willing to share what it cost you to put right?

peterkirton

Righthand drive from Switzerland/France?

bernhardwidmer

Hey bro. By a funny little "accident" my uncle just sold me a Smart Roadster Coupé (not Barbus), with 60 KW in black! It's my very first car ever and I just had the chance to drive it. He adjusted it a bit, so it's even a bit lower than usual, but hell boy this thing is pure joy. I've been driving the cars of my mother from time to time, but this is my very first own car. I cannot wait for it to be registered under my name and I am able to use it to drive to college.

Any tips, hints, advices? I am so hyped!

longdashes