M135 1.3/1.5 vs M160/M160E

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M135 1.3/1.5 ACCEPTABLE 72/100
+32 points over M160/M160E
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE M135 1.3/1.5 Smart
0 / 100
AVOID M160/M160E Smart

Specifications

M135 1.3/1.5
M160/M160E
Brand
Smart
Smart
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
AVOID
Reliability
72
40
Years
2014--2019
1998--2007
Displacement
1332 cc
599 cc
Layout
I4
I3
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
71--109 hp
45--61 hp
Known Issues
2
5
Total Risk Cost
€300--€1,200
€2,200--€5,700

Character

M135 1.3/1.5

"ForTwo/ForFour 453. Mitsubishi 3A9 engine (Mirage/Space Star). NA 1.0 (71hp) and 1.3 (109hp). Brabus 1.5 turbo (177hp) rare. Simple, reliable for what it is. Timing chain. CVT on ForTwo can be jerky. Better than old M132."

M160/M160E

"Original Smart engine. Tiny, turbocharged, temperamental. Clutch actuator = wallet killer. Fun when it works."

Issues Comparison

M135 1.3/1.5 2

● MODERATE
CVT jerkiness (ForTwo) €0--€500 40,000 km--100,000 km
● MODERATE
Timing chain tensioner wear €300--€700 100,000 km--180,000 km

M160/M160E 5

◆ CRITICAL
Clutch actuator failure €500--€1,200 30,000 km--80,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Head gasket failure €500--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Overheating (rear-mount cooling) €300--€1,000 40,000 km--90,000 km
▲ HIGH
Turbo failure €600--€1,500 50,000 km--100,000 km
● MODERATE
ECU / immobilizer fault €300--€800 60,000 km--130,000 km

Models

M135 1.3/1.5 2

ForFour W454 2004--2006 ForFour W454 2005--2006

M160/M160E 5

ForTwo W450 1998--2007 ForTwo W450 1998--2004 ForTwo W450 2003--2007 ForTwo W450 2003--2007 Roadster W452 2003--2006 Convertible
Full M135 1.3/1.5 Report Full M160/M160E Report