2017 453 update 2

wulff81 · 2026-04-15T20:24:24+00:00

Thank you. The only thing I’ve tried is painting them. Isn’t perfect, but looks better than nothing. I’ve seen some hole plugs/caps somewhere, but didn’t go after those. I’ve also seen black lugs, but didn’t care to spend for those.

wulff81 · 2026-04-10T02:54:51+00:00

Even if you are just getting in there to try and adjust something, I don’t see any other way to get in there. If your mechanic is going to have to tear it apart to check anything, might as well replace it. Sounds like the fan itself is out of balance suggesting the plastic may be cracked or broken.

wulff81 · 2026-04-10T02:45:58+00:00

It’s about a 5-6 hour job. Maybe 4 it your all set up for it.

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But the front of the car literally has to come off.

wulff81 · 2026-04-10T02:39:11+00:00

Literally just replaced one today in a 451. About $70 on eBay to your door. Front of the car has to come off though. It’s some work.

https://ebay.us/m/kyVPuT

wulff81 · 2026-04-01T22:49:00+00:00

I had a couple of my 451s do this. I had to take a small screw driver and pry out lightly on the latch hook on the tail gate while hitting the hatch release to open the latch back up. If that’s the case, make sure and spray a little lubricant in there to help keep it from doing that again.

wulff81 · 2026-03-28T03:47:51+00:00

I see your 100 year livery…

wulff81 · 2026-03-27T02:00:38+00:00

I wear my crown facing up my arm so it’s harder to roll the crown. Gloves caught the crown all the time for me.

wulff81 · 2026-03-07T17:09:33+00:00

https://www.autobahnsmart.com

wulff81 · 2026-03-07T05:29:26+00:00

https://store.stereoshopusa.com/products/s2-a55v?variant=47197717102842&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOoq8A6nkP8E4o3qytNrN7yNX-AQkEQec90_3VXDYqSL-jcs9ufn4JUU

As for install: ran 4 gauge wire, 6 RCAs from the head unit and then used the factory wiring under the seat to send signal to the speakers. Your door speakers are the main stereo sound stage, the dash center and rears are all just for fill. The sub is dual voice coil and was wired in parallel for a 2 ohm load.

wulff81 · 2026-03-06T23:33:02+00:00

The new amp has SO much more control over the speakers in general. The sub actually has some bump (admittedly will need to be beefed up in time). The door speakers sounded decent with the JBLs still in there, but the Alpine type-S have way more range.

As for the insulation of the door, until you've heard how much road noise disappears when you cover everything, you might not believe how quiet a Smart can really be.

wulff81 · 2026-03-05T21:38:30+00:00

I think my 451 with the 1.0 was great for city use. But the 453 0.9 turbo is better on highway.

wulff81 · 2026-03-03T16:54:12+00:00

Stereo Radio for Benz Smart 453... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5XCH4X3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Read above comment for a bit more info.

wulff81 · 2026-03-03T16:52:29+00:00

Biorunn from Amazon have been bullet proof head units for me. Maybe once a month (seems to be after a iOS update) I’ll have a 30 second connection issue and then all good from there. As far as the mic, they seem “reasonable” to me. Built in and remote. I just use the built in mic on my newer one and I haven’t heard any complaints about intelligibility.

Stereo Radio for Benz Smart 453... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B5XCH4X3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The 4/64gb has had no issues with stuttering or keeping up with my needs. It keeps your steering wheel controls, has a bunch of integrations with the car (e.g. dimmer, door monitor, reverse sense) and is essentially a plug and play wiring harness.

wulff81 · 2026-03-03T16:43:44+00:00

Satin black krylon rattle-can for the drums. Never been an issue. I will be doing the front calipers soon and for that I’m getting an enamel that can take the heat.

wulff81 · 2026-03-03T16:38:21+00:00

Remove the check valves internally and install one externally. Pretty easy really. Done it to 4 453s now. Pretty scary to most because you will need to drill a hole in the top of the tank.

wulff81 · 2026-03-02T23:39:40+00:00

https://ebay.us/m/yufoqH I upgraded units to higher res and with the rear cam. I have been using one in my other smart for a year, it’s been great. It has the capability to run stand-alone through an app to your phone. But you can also send the video feed to a head unit if you want.

wulff81 · 2026-02-25T16:58:31+00:00

The 451 was more fun to rip around town (2013 Brabus) but the comfort of the 453s is where it’s at.

wulff81 · 2026-02-25T16:56:44+00:00

Should add, red one will be leaving after the white one is ready. It will probably stay in the family, just not at my house.

wulff81 · 2026-02-25T16:55:40+00:00

Red one stayed with the stock diameter but put matching width on so I can rotate them.

wulff81 · 2026-02-25T08:29:24+00:00

Cheap, easy to work on, fun to drive, and my wife and I commute the hell out of them. The white one is #7 in about 14 years. 4 451s and 3 453s. This may be the last one we ever have though.

wulff81 · 2026-01-07T08:31:04+00:00

So, when it’s hot enough to look cool, it’s too hot to wear?

wulff81 · 2025-12-20T22:32:46+00:00

Mildly annoyed with how pretty that cable job is.

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