451 smart fortwo

About 20 years ago or so, I read an SAE paper indicating engine life was substantially extended when the initial oil fill was changed, along with the filter, sometime around the first 2000 miles. I have done this on several new cars since and have seen each acheive very high engine mileages before overhaul - some to nearly 300,000! Even my crappy Suzuki Sidekick went to nearly 190,000! This experience has also lead me to change out all the fluids I can at this initial point and just go ahead and let the service indicator schedule another oil change when it says to.
Anyway, my problem has to do with the transmission oil on the 451. What the hell is BOT328 anyway? Something tells me Mercedes has specified one of their magical synthetic mixes like they did on the C-Class manual tranny. At nearly $50 per liter (it takes two!) it must be blended Bald Eagle heads or something!

Anybody inside the SMART parts department out there that can give me a clue to the mysterious BOT328?

Thanks

Red and Black Passion

Tags: fluids, maintenance, oil, service, transmission

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Thanks for bringing this topic up. I've gotten the email that I'll be notified about getting my smart within 30 days (which is now down to about 20 days) and I've been wondering about fluids, when to change, etc. Since I've only had 3 brand new cars in my life (and I'm 59) I haven't much experience about first oil changes. I do have a '91 Geo Tracker (aka Suzuki Sidekick) with about 140,000 miles on it, and it still runs like new, although it does leak some oil. I've always changed oil about 3,000 miles. Anyhow, with smart dealers kind of spread out (mine will be 75 miles away) I plan to do the oil changes at least myself. So, any info out there about what kinds of oil, when to change the first time, etc. would be appreciated. Capt. Jack, Vero Beach, FL (yellow/black/black passion)

Reply to This

I'll add in another strange fluid requirement/recommendation by smart for the new 451, they want you to gas up at 95 octane, so maybe good on gas but going to cost you more too fill.

Add to that many cities including my entire province doesn't sell 95 octane gas. While they will let you go down as low as 91 octane they say if you use regular 87 octane gas that you shouldn't go over 3000 rpms.

As for "BOT328" I have no idea what that is, but I can ask and get back to you on that.

Reply to This

what speed does 3000 rpms translate to?

Reply to This

In a small engine, 3000 revs doesn't sound like much. And I don't really know what that would have to do with octane. I'm just going to use premium and not worry about it.

Reply to This

3000 rpm in 5th gear is 60mph.

Reply to This

I visited my dealer recently and inquired about the BOT328 fluid. They acknowledged they had not heard of it either but their computer system indicated the fluid was API rated in a funny way. The dealer is supposed to contact me whenever they get 3 liters of it in for me. The container may lead us to the spec. I'll post as soon as I get my hand on it.

Reply to This

I deal with MB and smart all the time in Canada and can pass on the head tech (we have four years of experience) that you should NOT change the oil out early on the smart. The break in oil and additives are different that what you will put in the car once broken in and its important to let everything seat. The first change should not be completed prior to 8000 km.

Reply to This

Does anyone know what the recommended oil and grade is for the smart? I've heard Mobil 1, but what grade? 5w-30, 0w-30, 10w-40????

Reply to This

I can talk to my service Tech from MB and let you know

Reply to This

Thanks. And what is different about the oil that's in from the factory that shouldn't be changed? hmmm

Reply to This

apparently the oil from the factory is full of additives for various seatings of parts. This is information direct from MB/smart tech so ... I dont have the details but will advise as to your question when i chat with Joey at MB.

Reply to This

Hello all,

Here is the list direct from smart as to approved oils.

"Transmission oil used in the 2008 smart fortwo is 75w90 API GL4. The smart part number is A0019895103."

The engine oil one will not allow me to copy and paste so will try and add it as an attachment. If it does not show up feel free to email me at [email protected] and I will forward it to you. BTW it is Mobile One 0-40w from the factory from my understanding. That is what i will be using here in my shop as well.

PS: might take me a bit I am running a one man show here and I have trucks showing up with cars for PDI's so am pretty busy in the shop.



Thanks,
Bj

Reply to This

RSS

Members

  • Ken Janulewicz
  • jackb
  • Bill Hilchey
  • Marlene
  • Surfnut73

Latest Activity on 451s

jackb added a discussion
yesterday
I also have a 2006 diesel cabrio. (Brabus body and interior package added by former Montreal owner, 68,000 Kilometres total) The road feel and handling, as well as interior room on the 451 is inferior to the older model. The up-side of that is there…
on Friday
How close is the 451's rear frame and bumper assembly to the 450, best guess? I have a 450, wonder if it would fit?
on Friday
Just recieved E-mail form SMART dealler. Electric SMART on its way to California. Deposit-$2500 .Lease only. $599/mo for 48 month. Plus tax and Lic. So..after $30K+ I'll have to return the car. Anybody intrested? I'm not.
on Thursday
looks fantastic !!!!
on Tuesday
SmartCar Performance added a video
Smart Car parts and accessories. Visit us at www.smartcar-performance.com
on Tuesday
Fantastic, will have to make a list then :0)
on Tuesday
The problem is that gas prices right now are low - if they were 4.50 a gallon people would be looking it them more. It is still a hoot to drive and kids smile when they see it.
November 14

smartCar on Facebook/Twitter

facebook.com/smartCartwitter.com/smartCarRSS

smart Photos  |  smart Videos  |  smart Forum  |  smart Blogs  |  smart Events  |  smart Car Clubs

Badges  |  Bug Report  |  Terms of Service

Sign in to chat!
Disclaimer: This is a user generated "Web 2.0" community, smart GmbH, smart USA and smart Canada are not responsible for the maintenance or creation of this page.
All brand names and/or trademarks used are for reference only and are the property of their respective holders.