IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2005 Smart Forfour (454)

Arrival of the flagship Brabus Forfour with a 177bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, upgraded sports suspension, and aggressive styling, alongside minor equipment and trim revisions across the standard range.

What changed for 2005

  • •Launch of the Brabus performance flagship featuring a 177bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and twin rear exhausts
  • •Brabus-specific 30mm lowered sports suspension, uprated front brake discs, and 17-inch Monoblock VI alloy wheels
  • •Revised cabin materials, optional leather upholstery enhancements, and reshuffled optional equipment packs

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Excessive play in front lower wishbone bushes and leaking dampers, particularly on stiffly sprung Brabus models
  • !High exhaust emissions on 1.1L and 1.5T petrol models caused by failing ignition coils or worn lambda sensors
  • !Severely worn inner tyre shoulders on lowered Brabus variants due to front-end geometry knocking out of alignment
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Clutch Actuator Failure

SeriousGearbox & Transmission

The automated manual gearbox uses an electric actuator that can fail, leaving the car unable to select gears.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£800
Warning Signs:

Stalling when stopping, Refusal to engage gear, Warning light on dash

What to Inspect:
  • Ensure the actuator has been lubricated and adjusted according to service intervals
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Wheel Bearing Failure

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Rear bearings are a known weak point and can start to drone or hum.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£300
Warning Signs:

Droning noise from the rear that increases with speed

What to Inspect:
  • Jack up the rear and spin the wheels; listen for roughness
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Front Suspension Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

Wishbone bushes and anti-roll bar links wear out, leading to knocks and poor handling.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking over bumps, Car pulling to one side

What to Inspect:
  • Listen for clonks during the test drive
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2005 Smart Forfour (454)

  • On Brabus models, inspect the turbocharger boost delivery for hesitations and check service receipts for high-grade synthetic oil changes
  • Examine all four 17-inch Brabus Monoblock alloy wheels for cracks, severe kerb gouging, or buckled inner rims
  • Verify that the air-conditioning blows freezing cold, as condenser radiator fins rot easily behind the front grille
20042006
Check a 2005 Smart Forfour (454) by Registration