M160/M160E vs M132 (3B21)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M132 (3B21) CAUTION 52/100
+12 points over M160/M160E
0 / 100
AVOID M160/M160E Smart
0 / 100
CAUTION M132 (3B21) Smart

Specifications

M160/M160E
M132 (3B21)
Brand
Smart
Smart
Verdict
AVOID
CAUTION
Reliability
40
52
Years
1998--2007
2007--2014
Displacement
599 cc
999 cc
Layout
I3
I3
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
45--61 hp
61--84 hp
Known Issues
5
4
Total Risk Cost
€2,200--€5,700
€1,500--€4,000

Character

M160/M160E

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

M132 (3B21)

"Mitsubishi 3B21 heart. Turbo version is peppy but fragile. SAM unit is the real villain. Budget carefully."

Issues Comparison

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

M132 (3B21) 4

◆ CRITICAL
SAM unit failure (electrical) €500--€1,500 50,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Clutch actuator wear (automated manual) €400--€1,000 50,000 km--100,000 km
▲ HIGH
Turbo actuator failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Oil leak (valve cover / sump) €200--€600 40,000 km--100,000 km

Models

M160/M160E 5

ForTwo W450 1998--2007 ForTwo W450 1998--2004 ForTwo W450 2003--2007 ForTwo W450 2003--2007 Roadster W452 2003--2006 Convertible

M132 (3B21) 6

ForTwo W451 2007--2014 ForTwo W451 2007--2014 ForTwo W451 2008--2014 ForTwo W451 2007--2014 ForFour W453 2015--2024 ForTwo W453 2014--2024
Full M160/M160E Report Full M132 (3B21) Report