Smart roadster and smart roadster coupe. Manual - part 1

Operating instructions
smart roadster and smart roadster
coupé

>>Good news.

Congratulations on choosing the smart roadster or smart roadster
coupé! We're sure you can hardly wait to start driving your car. We'll 
show you what it's all about, give you a few important pieces of advice and some tips.
Please study these operating instructions thoroughly to ensure that you have more enjoyment with your smart and can recognise and 
avoid any potential dangers to yourself or others.
The Operating Instructions, Quick Guide, Service Booklet and list of smart centers constitute part of the car itself. You should always 
keep these documents in the car and make sure that you pass them on to the next owner if and when you come to sell your smart.

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Contents

All texts marked with an "*" refer either to special equipment ex works or original smart accessories.

>>Good news.

>>Getting acquainted.

Unlocking and locking. . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
2

Adjusting the seats. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
8

Adjusting the mirrors. . . . . . . . . . . .  1
13

Power windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
15

Seat belts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
16

Belt tensioners and 

belt force limiters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
20

Cockpit, left
hand drive model  . . . .  1
22

Cockpit, right
hand drive model . . .  1
23

Control lever, left . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
24

Control lever, right  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
24

On
board instruments . . . . . . . . . . .  1
25

Upper centre console. . . . . . . . . . . .  1
42

Lower centre console . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
43

>>Illuminating.

Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
2

Interior light. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
4

Fog lamps  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
5

Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  2
7

Warning sounds and indicator lights .  2
8

>>Adjustments.

Sun visors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2

Heater/ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3

Air conditioning plus system* . . . . . . .3
8

Windscreen wipers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
11

Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
13

Outside mirror heaters*  . . . . . . . . . . 3
14

Seat heaters* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
15

Car cover* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
16

>>Audio.

General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2

smart radio one*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3

smart radio five* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4

smart radio navigator*  . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5

smart CD changer* and CD box*  . . . . .4
9

On
board computer* . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
10

Telephone console* and universal 

hands
free system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
12

smart webmove package*. . . . . . . . . . 4
13

ipod*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
15

>>Variability.

From soft top to open roadster  . . . . . 5
2

From open roadster to soft top. . . . . . 5
6

From hardtop* to open roadster  . . . . 5
9

From open roadster to hardtop*. . . . 5
14

Notes on the soft top system. . . . . . . 5
15

 >>Child friendly.

Child restraint systems* . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2

Using child restraint systems* . . . . . . 6
5

Recommended 

child restraint systems   . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6

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Contents

All texts marked with an "*" refer either to special equipment ex works or original smart accessories.

>>On the move.

Before driving off. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
2

Driving  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
4

Driving in the winter  . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
13

Driving with the catalytic converter   7
14

Driving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
15

Cruise control* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
17

Speed limiter*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
20

Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
23

Electronic Stability Program (esp). .  7
27

Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
29

Parking assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  7
36

>>Loading up.

Storage compartments and trays . . . .  8
2

Luggage compartment 

at front and rear  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
8

Rear bag* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
11

Multifunction box* 

(only roadster coupé). . . . . . . . . . . .  8
13

Luggage compartment cover for 

roadster
coupé*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
14

Rear luggage rack*  . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
16

Loading guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
17

>>Routines.

Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2

Engine oil level  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
4

Checking operating fluids . . . . . . . . . . 9
8

Tyre inflation pressure . . . . . . . . . . . 9
12

Wiper blades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
15

Adjusting the wiper nozzles. . . . . . . . 9
16

Care instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
17

>>Helpful hints.

On
board diagnosis socket (OBD) . . .10
2

Fuses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
3

Bulbs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
8

Breakdown set*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
10

Hub cap*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
16

Wheel theft protection* . . . . . . . . . .10
17

Wheels and tyres  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
18

Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
26

Rolling start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
33

Towing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
34

Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
37

>>Data transfer.

Information signs

(example: left
hand drive model)  . . . 11
2

Model plate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3

Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4

Homologation numbers  . . . . . . . . . . 11
14

Official homologation. . . . . . . . . . . . 11
15

>>Key word index.

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Introduction

Introduction

The concept of these operating 
instructions
Driving a vehicle is just one of its 
facets; discovering a vehicle in detail 
is all about gaining an insight into its 
incredibly broad scope.
At the start of every chapter we tell you 
precisely what awaits you, and perhaps a 
little more too. 
To help you find your way around with 

even greater ease, each chapter is 

colour
coded.

Here is a brief overview:

>>Getting acquainted.

> For an initial impression.

>>Illuminating.

> All about the lights.

>>Audio.

> Radios, telephones and all other 

entertainment features.

 >>Adjustments.

> Preparing you for all types of 

weather.

 >>Variability.

> Roof features and more.

 >>Child friendly.

> Carrying children safely and 

correctly. 

>>On the move.

> Driving and everything that it 

involves.

 >>Loading up.

> How best to load the car and stow 

items.

 >>Routines.

> Refuelling, checking and topping 

up.

>>Helpful hints.

> Performing minor repairs swiftly 

and effectively.

 >>Data transfer.

> The technical data.

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Introduction

Clarity is our aim

Fewer words can often say more. To help 
you enjoy reading these texts and 
concentrate on what really matters, we 
have incorporated a variety of design 
elements that we'd like to outline here:

Lists
Items in lists are always preceded by a 
dash:

 to keep the list clearer,

 for ease of recognition and 

understanding.

When you need to act
In this instance, first of all we inform 
you what you need to do, then provide any 
supplementary information that is 
necessary.
In other words:

쮿

Ensure that you read through these 
detailed operating instructions,
> Only then will you be able to handle 

your vehicle expertly and recognise 
and avoid hazards both to yourself 
and to others.

Notes

>Note!
Notes provide supplementary 
information on a topic.

>Important!
Anything that could result in material 
damage is classified as important.

Safety instructions

Safety instructions draw your attention 
to potential hazards that could damage 
your health or even have fatal 
consequences.

Danger of injury!
We want to protect you, other 

occupants and other road users as 
effectively as possible.
For this reason, it is essential to read 
and observe the sections marked with 
this symbol.

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Introduction

Environmental protection

The environmental policy of smart gmbh 
is based on the environmental guidelines 
of DaimlerChrysler, which are 
implemented in every phase of the 
product's life. Protecting the 
environment, saving energy and 
preserving natural resources are 
essential components of all principles. 
This starts with vehicle development, 
encompasses the production process and 
ends with the recycling of many different 
components.   

About these operating instructions

As the scope of delivery of your vehicle 
depends on the order placed, the 
equipment in it may deviate from that 
shown in some of the descriptions and 
illustrations. In order to adapt our 
vehicles to the ever
advancing 
technologies available, we must reserve 
the right to make changes to design, 
equipment and technology. 
Therefore no claims can be derived from 
any of the specifications, illustrations 
or descriptions in these operating 
instructions.

Accessories and optional extras

All texts marked with an asterisk * refer 
either to factory
fitted optional extras 
or to original smart accessories that can 
be installed in a qualified specialist 
workshop, such as a smart center. Please 
also observe country and vehicle

specific regulations for smart original 
parts.

Safety

Be sure to read the following sections in 
particular:

 "Airbags" in chapter >>On the move.

 "Belt tensioners" and "Seat belts" in 

chapter >>Getting acquainted.

Proper use
Please observe the following information 
when using the vehicle:

 The warning signs in these 

instructions

 The chapter

 >>Data transfer. 

"Technical data" in these instructions

 Road traffic regulations

 Road traffic licencing regulations

Children
Be sure that you also read the chapter 
>>Child friendly.

Resale

Should you sell your car, please be sure to 
pass on these operating instructions.

smart
a brand of DaimlerChrysler

Environment!
We want to protect our 

environment.
For this reason, it is essential to read 
the sections marked with this symbol.

>>Getting acquainted.

Get to know your vehicle: Have a good look round, and try things out for the first time.
Unlock your car, get in, adjust the seats and mirrors to your preferred settings and make yourself comfortable.
You'll be amazed at how much space there is, creating a truly comfortable travelling environment.

Contents

>Unlocking and locking

>Adjusting the seats

>Mirrors, adjustment

>Power windows

>Seat belts

>Belt tensioner and belt 

force limiter

>Cockpit, left
hand drive 

model

>Cockpit, right
hand drive 

model

>Control levers

>On
board instruments

>Upper centre console

>Lower centre console

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Unlocking and locking

Unlocking and locking

The smart roadster's keys
Depending on national market, your car 
has keys operated either by radio remote 
control or by infrared beam.

쮿

Car key (A) with button for radio remote 
control.

>Note!
Should you have problems with your radio 
remote control in certain areas, get in 
touch with a qualified specialist 
workshop such as a smart center.

쮿

Car key (B) with button for infrared 
remote control.

>Note!
Additionally, you receive a spare 
transmitter battery and a spare key.

Lost your car key?
> You can get a spare key from a 

qualified specialist workshop (such as 
a smart center) following an identity 
check.

Getting acquainted  1
3

Unlocking and locking

Unlocking and locking the car from 
the outside

Unlock and lock the car in the following 
manner:

Unlocking the car with the remote 
control

쮿

Press button (A) once.
> The turn signal lights flash once.
> The car's doors can be opened.

>Note!
The remote control has an operating 
range of up to 15 metres. This can 
fluctuate greatly as a consequence of 
local conditions (reflective or 
absorbing objects) and interference 
emitted by other radio transmission 
systems. Similarly, the operating range 
fluctuates in line with the direction 
from which the remote control is 
activated.

Locking the car with the remote control

Accident risk!
When opening the doors, take care 

not to endanger other road users or 
necessitate other vehicles to swerve 
and potentially cause an accident.
Make sure that nobody is endangered 
when opening the doors.

Danger of injury!
Never leave children 

unsupervised in the car, even if they 
are secured by a child restraint system. 
They could, for example, open a locked 
door from the inside and endanger 
themselves and others as a result.
Children could sustain serious or even 
fatal injuries if left inside a hot car 
for longer.

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Unlocking and locking

쮿

Press button (A) once.
> The turn signal lights flash three 

times.

> The door lock display (B) flashes red.

>Important!
Please make sure that you do not 
inadvertently activate the remote 
control.

When the car will not lock using the 
remote control

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Open the driver door.

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Switch on the ignition.

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Press the central locking switch (A) 
once.
> The door lock display (B) will flash 

red for 5 seconds at double its 
normal frequency.

> The car is locked if you switch the 

ignition off within this period of 5 
seconds.

쮿

Remove the key and exit the vehicle 
with the key in your hand.

쮿

Close the driver door.
> The car is now locked.

Getting acquainted  1
5

Unlocking and locking

Automatic locking functions

auto
relock function
If you do not open either the driver or 
passenger door after unlocking the car 
with the remote control, the doors will be 
locked again automatically after one 
minute.

>Note!
Never leave your keys lying in the car.
You could lock yourself out!

drive lock function
The vehicle doors are centrally locked 
from a speed of approximately 14 km/h. 
The drive lock function is switched off at 
delivery.

Switching on the drive lock function

쮿

Switch off the ignition.

쮿

Press the central locking switch and 
the locking button on the remote 
control device at the same time.
> You will hear an acoustic signal. The 

drive lock function is switched on.

Switching off the drive lock function

쮿

Switch off the ignition.

쮿

Press the central locking switch and 
the unlocking button on the remote 
control at the same time.
> You will hear an acoustic signal. The 

drive lock function is switched off.

Locking and unlocking the car from 
the inside

How to lock the car from the inside

쮿

Press the central locking switch (A) for 
2 seconds.
> The central locking mechanism is 

distinctly heard.

> The car is locked from the outside 

and will protect you against any 
unwanted persons entering the car 
when waiting, such as at traffic 
lights.

> The door lock display (B) will flash 

red (if ignition is OFF).

> The door lock display (B) will light 

up red (if ignition ON).

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Unlocking and locking

How to unlock the car from the inside

쮿

You can unlock the doors by pulling the 
door handle (C).

If the driver's door is open a warning 
signal will be sounded:

 if a gear is engaged while the engine 

is running and there is no pressure 
being applied to either the footbrake 
or the accelerator pedal.

 if the lights are switched on and the 

ignition is switched off.

Emergency unlocking

Emergency unlocking of the driver's door
If it is no longer possible to unlock the 
car with the remote control, the door can 
be opened using the key.
First remove the cover cap.

How to recognise when the transmitter 
battery in the key will soon be spent:
The turn signal lights flash 9 times in 
quick succession when you lock the car.
Cause:

> The remote control transmitter 

battery is almost spent.

> You will be able to use the remote 

control approx. 100 more times.

Remedy:

> Replace the transmitter battery or
> Have the transmitter battery 

replaced by a qualified specialist 
workshop, such as a smart center.

Accident risk!
Do not leave children 

unsupervised in the car. Children can 
open one of the front doors
 even if it 
is locked 
 and thereby endanger 
themselves or other persons.

Getting acquainted  1
7

Unlocking and locking

>Note!
If you fail to replace the transmitter 
battery, after approximately 100 presses 
of the remote control:

 you will not be able to lock or unlock 

the car with the remote control.

 deactivate the electronic 

immobiliser.

 start the car.

>Note!
You will, however, be able to unlock the 
car via the emergency unlocking 
function.

Replacing the transmitter battery

쮿

Use a coin to prise open the top half of 
the key casing (A).

>Note!
Replace the remote control's transmitter 
battery every two years at the latest.
Otherwise there is a danger of leakage! 
The remote control could be destroyed.

>Note!
Check the polarity when inserting the 
new transmitter battery.
Otherwise damage may occur to parts in 
the electrical system.

Danger of poisoning!
Transmitter batteries contain 

toxic and corrosive substances. Keep 
transmitter batteries out of the reach 
of children. Go to a doctor immediately 
if a transmitter battery has been 
swallowed. Swallowing a transmitter 
battery can cause serious health 
problems.

Environment!
Dispose of spent transmitter 

batteries in an environmentally 
compatible manner.

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Unlocking and locking

쮿

Take the transmitter battery (B) out of 
the board.

쮿

Insert the new transmitter battery, 
checking that the polarity is correct. 
> Type of battery: lithium cell CR 1225

쮿

Press both sides of the key casing back 
together again.