RE: Smart Roadster: Tell Me I'm Wrong
Discussion
I'm afraid I'm another person who just couldn't come to terms with the gearbox.
This was mine, a Brabus Roadster Coupe:
So frustrating, because if only they'd managed to give it a decent gearbox it would have been an exceptional little car and a genuine successor to things like the Fiat X1/9 and MG Midget. Packaging was excellent (albeit not quite up to the X1/9's level) and the handling was better than an Elise in some ways - in as much as it was benign enough to be able to slide it around roundabouts with a better than 50:50 chance of coming out pointing the right way.
If they could resurrect it with a modern DCT, and sort out some of the other bugs (leaks, engine life, unreliable roof mechanism) it would be brilliant.
This was mine, a Brabus Roadster Coupe:
So frustrating, because if only they'd managed to give it a decent gearbox it would have been an exceptional little car and a genuine successor to things like the Fiat X1/9 and MG Midget. Packaging was excellent (albeit not quite up to the X1/9's level) and the handling was better than an Elise in some ways - in as much as it was benign enough to be able to slide it around roundabouts with a better than 50:50 chance of coming out pointing the right way.
If they could resurrect it with a modern DCT, and sort out some of the other bugs (leaks, engine life, unreliable roof mechanism) it would be brilliant.
Cupramatt said:
I’m not even entering the gearbox discussion.
Obviously it's a personal thing: either you can live with it, or you can't. I couldn't.Even among the people who can live with it, though, I can't imagine that there's anyone out there who actually thinks it's good.
It they do, then they need to experience a modern DCT (or even a modern slushbox like the ZF8).
Edited by Equus on Sunday 6th March 13:04
Equus said:
I'm afraid I'm another person who just couldn't come to terms with the gearbox.
This was mine, a Brabus Roadster Coupe:
So frustrating, because if only they'd managed to give it a decent gearbox it would have been an exceptional little car and a genuine successor to things like the Fiat X1/9 and MG Midget. Packaging was excellent (albeit not quite up to the X1/9's level) and the handling was better than an Elise in some ways - in as much as it was benign enough to be able to slide it around roundabouts with a better than 50:50 chance of coming out pointing the right way.
If they could resurrect it with a modern DCT, and sort out some of the other bugs (leaks, engine life, unreliable roof mechanism) it would be brilliant.
You had problems with engine life on a Brabus? That is unusual, the Brabus engines were much harder than the 'cooking' 600 and 700cc lumps, better internals as I recall? This was mine, a Brabus Roadster Coupe:
So frustrating, because if only they'd managed to give it a decent gearbox it would have been an exceptional little car and a genuine successor to things like the Fiat X1/9 and MG Midget. Packaging was excellent (albeit not quite up to the X1/9's level) and the handling was better than an Elise in some ways - in as much as it was benign enough to be able to slide it around roundabouts with a better than 50:50 chance of coming out pointing the right way.
If they could resurrect it with a modern DCT, and sort out some of the other bugs (leaks, engine life, unreliable roof mechanism) it would be brilliant.
biggbn said:
You had problems with engine life on a Brabus? That is unusual, the Brabus engines were much harder than the 'cooking' 600 and 700cc lumps, better internals as I recall?
No, mine was fine - as you say, the Brabus engines have a reputation for being a lot tougher than the standard ones. Mine didn't leak either, and the roof was OK so long as you made sure it folded itself correctly as it retracted. But there's plenty of evidence that they're all among among the weak points on the Roadster. Truth be told, though, I reckon the model could have survived chocolate engines and leaky scuttles if it wasn't for that gearbox.
Cupramatt said:
Just bought my third one.
10 years after the topic started all points are still relevant.
I’ve missed it and it’s already making me smile.
That’s awesome! I was looking around one at a meet today and it brought back many happy memories.10 years after the topic started all points are still relevant.
I’ve missed it and it’s already making me smile.
How is the scene these days? Is there still plenty of support, parts etc?
Have had my 2003 LHD 61 from new. Never does less than 53 mpg & has achieved 67 mpg on long runs. The 61hp motor is more frugal than the 80, but I've never unearthed what the internal differences are; it maybe just a chip.
The MX5 may be a better allrounder, but they are hopeless for taller folk; at 6'+ I have headroom to spare in my roadster. In 2003 looking for a modern day Midget (I used to race them) with auto gearbox ( I have back problems) - there was little choice. Mine has no power steering, steel wheels, no air con - all the simplicity I was looking for, at under 10K on the road.
Agreed the gearbox can be frustrating if your in a hurry, but its fine for sensible day to day use.
I'll never sell it; averages 1000 miles per year & its still a pleasure to drive; much nicer than the Z3M it replaced; though the salesman thought I was mad!
Its not all about speed & power!
Trevor Pointon.
The MX5 may be a better allrounder, but they are hopeless for taller folk; at 6'+ I have headroom to spare in my roadster. In 2003 looking for a modern day Midget (I used to race them) with auto gearbox ( I have back problems) - there was little choice. Mine has no power steering, steel wheels, no air con - all the simplicity I was looking for, at under 10K on the road.
Agreed the gearbox can be frustrating if your in a hurry, but its fine for sensible day to day use.
I'll never sell it; averages 1000 miles per year & its still a pleasure to drive; much nicer than the Z3M it replaced; though the salesman thought I was mad!
Its not all about speed & power!
Trevor Pointon.
300bhp/ton said:
ddom said:
Can’t see the appeal for these at all. Not very quick, s
tty gearbox, variable build quality.
You still posting this same old drivel?tty gearbox, variable build quality. TBH if you don't like the car, why even bother posting at all on a thread talking about them... an old thread too.
I spent a couple of weeks in one of these a few years ago and was surprised.
I thought the automated manual in the Citroen C2 was the worst gearbox I'd ever use til I used this.
Like the idea of a converted one of these though. Bike engined, or maybe a Honda B16, although if I was gonna do that, I'd probably start with a Beat.
I thought the automated manual in the Citroen C2 was the worst gearbox I'd ever use til I used this.
Like the idea of a converted one of these though. Bike engined, or maybe a Honda B16, although if I was gonna do that, I'd probably start with a Beat.
300bhp/ton said:
You still posting this same old drivel?
TBH if you don't like the car, why even bother posting at all on a thread talking about them... an old thread too.
Hang on. Since when did that stop you from spamming the hell out of every thread relating to the New Defender, just to tell us (repeatedly) that you didn't like it and that it wasn't a Defender?TBH if you don't like the car, why even bother posting at all on a thread talking about them... an old thread too.
Begone with you, wally.
Baldchap said:
300bhp/ton said:
ddom said:
Can’t see the appeal for these at all. Not very quick, stty gearbox, variable build quality.
You still posting this same old drivel?tty gearbox, variable build quality. TBH if you don't like the car, why even bother posting at all on a thread talking about them... an old thread too.
It’s strange, I’ve had many cars which my friends said were hateful, didn’t stop me from finding some perverse charm in them. What I wouldn’t do is claim any of them were class leading…I just liked them and am not insecure about my choices
It was a crazy decision to put that gearbox in, the same way BMW ruined the CSL for me with the SMG. In fact loads of 90’s cars all had these first generation flappy paddle boxes which let’s be honest, are all s
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