dont forget the price tag of the brabus logo I am still wondering why they dont change the name of the company to X2 ... everything they do they double the price
In Germany it’s very, very popular for years now. Wow, didn’t know it was uncommon in other countries - but thinking about how you like to seem really, really big cars in the US, it’s actually logical.
The smart is made and concepted by Mercedes in some way, yes, but it is nowhere branded as a Mercedes, it is a brand by its own - simply called smart.
However, at least in Munich, those cars are mainly company cars used for sponsoring because they draw attention. A little bit too much attention, not necessarily in a good manner, so there are actually very few people who really have a smart.
Note, however, that I heard that this may be different in other cities here. Munich has always been a little bit different in this context. (Munich is full of BMW, BMW, BMW… oh, did I mention who we work for?)
However, what is respected and loved a lot is the “Mini”. You know, the small british car , sometimes referred as “Mini Cooper”, also existing in a sporty “S” version, with its classic oldtimey ancestor . Then again, the Mini is now produced by BMW. But while the smart is like a toy, the Mini is just sexy, no doubt.
[quote author=“tifosiv122”][quote author=“FrodoID”]However, what is respected and loved a lot is the “Mini”.
See, I liked the old mini, I hate the new one. The new one looks like a mini, its just too big.
Yes, agreed. I wouldn’t say thay I hate the new one, I would still drive it and have fun while doing so, but the old one (when in good condition, of course) has actually some more sex appeal than the old one.
[quote author=“DayWalker”]I doubt it will pass the regulations in the US. Too small, no room to take the heat. I can run it over with my E250 and wont even feel it…
Well the lotus elise got clearance for 1 year to be produced in the US. It is also tiny with very little support and almost no bumper. Lotus must redesign it after 1 year to meet US specs.
If they can do it, I am sure the Smart can do it with minimal effort. The one I saw in NJ (as others) are imported temporarily and do not need to pass inspection.
The EU and especially Germany is known for its very, VERY strict security measures concerning cars. You have to take every car every two years to the so called “TÃœV” where they check everything…
Oh, and “pimp” your car, or in other words just change something with the light on the car (yes, adding neon anywhere on the car counts as that) and your car is no longer allowed on our roads. And they don’t just say so. Police officers check it. Very thoroughly. It’s annoying. If they see a neon tube, a steering wheel which hasn’t been registered… hell, if they just see a little LED in a place where you didn’t register it your car is not approved anymore - end of story.
BTW, a lot of your cars aren’t allowed here anyway.
So if the smart really passes german safety regulations, which it did (and which we thought was awesome, apparently it really is safe!), then it will pass american safety regulations so fast that you can’t even blink.
[quote author=“FrodoID”]And they don’t just say so. Police officers check it. Very thoroughly. It’s annoying. If they see a neon tube, a steering wheel which hasn’t been registered… hell, if they just see a little LED in a place where you didn’t register it your car is not approved anymore - end of story.
Damn…so I guess they would have had issue with my nitrous kit in my last car, huh? Lol, my car doesn’t stay stock for longer then a day…
I’m sure part of your regulations are the Autobahn…which, I loved driving on, BTW, although, honestly, it was a bit hyped up. There was plenty of spots with speed limits.
Still cool though.
Ah 6am, my focus is fading, lol. Class in 2 hours…week before finals…eek.
[quote author=“FrodoID”]The EU and especially Germany is known for its very, VERY strict security measures concerning cars. You have to take every car every two years to the so called “TÃœV” where they check everything…
Oh, and “pimp” your car, or in other words just change something with the light on the car (yes, adding neon anywhere on the car counts as that) and your car is no longer allowed on our roads. And they don’t just say so. Police officers check it. Very thoroughly. It’s annoying. If they see a neon tube, a steering wheel which hasn’t been registered… hell, if they just see a little LED in a place where you didn’t register it your car is not approved anymore - end of story.
BTW, a lot of your cars aren’t allowed here anyway.
So if the smart really passes german safety regulations, which it did (and which we thought was awesome, apparently it really is safe!), then it will pass american safety regulations so fast that you can’t even blink.
i would say depends on who you know at TÃœV 8)
[quote author=“tifosiv122”][quote author=“FrodoID”]And they don’t just say so. Police officers check it. Very thoroughly. It’s annoying. If they see a neon tube, a steering wheel which hasn’t been registered… hell, if they just see a little LED in a place where you didn’t register it your car is not approved anymore - end of story.
Damn…so I guess they would have had issue with my nitrous kit in my last car, huh? Lol, my car doesn’t stay stock for longer then a day…
lol, yes, they would. we pimp our cars, but not our regular ones. and the irregular ones don’t get to see the public streets all too often.
getting your car pulled is just too frustrating, especially when you need it to drive to work.
I’m sure part of your regulations are the Autobahn…which, I loved driving on, BTW, although, honestly, it was a bit hyped up. There was plenty of spots with speed limits.
We have a lot of Autobahns, and most of them are very, very long There are a lot of neverending parts without any speed limit. Note that in the south of Germany, the Autobahns are generally better.
But for us it’s nothing special at all. Driving 200km/h is just nothing special. We do it when it’s possible, but seldomly because it’s fun… if you grew up with that, it’s just normal. 250km/h can still be an excitement, however. I always thought it’s funny, between 50km/h and 100km/h you don’t feel any difference, both isn’t special. Between 200km/h and 250km/h however, there’s a huge difference. 200km/h still feels normal, but at 250km/h you start to get… doubts…
Still cool though.
Ah 6am, my focus is fading, lol. Class in 2 hours…week before finals…eek.
So you didn’t sleep tonight? I know how that feels
I am still wondering why they dont change the name of the company to X2 ... everything they do they double the price 
There are a lot of neverending parts without any speed limit. Note that in the south of Germany, the Autobahns are generally better.
