Smart cars use robotic mechanical gearboxes that operate with automatic clutch and gear control. These gearboxes are simple but susceptible to wear and electronic problems.
What gearboxes are used in Smart cars?
- Softouch / Softip – robotic manual gearbox with 5 gears (Smart Fortwo until 2014).
- Twinamic (6-speed DCT) – dual-clutch transmission in newer models (Smart Fortwo, Forfour after 2015).
- Manual Robotic (RMT) – Smart Roadster, older models.
How is the repair going?
- Diagnostics – checks the operation of the actuator, clutch, and gear electronics.
- Disassembly and troubleshooting – clutch, actuators, sensors, electronic units.
- Clutch replacement (Softouch) – a common problem in city driving.
- Twinamic repair (DCT) – mechatronics and clutch inspection/repair.
- Oil change – critical for Twinamic DCT transmissions.
- Adjustment and final testing – required after each adjustment or repair.
The most common problems:
- Hesitation, rapid jerking when switching (Softouch).
- Clutch wear, especially at low loads.
- Electronics errors or “limp mode”.
- Twinamic: mechatronics malfunctions, overheating, clutch problems.
Technical disadvantages:
- Softouch: low ride comfort, frequent actuator problems.
- Twinamic: sensitivity to oil condition, complex repair.
- Expensive components, despite the car's small size.
Approximate Smart gearbox repair costs:
- Clutch/actuator replacement (Softouch): €600–1000
- Twinamic DCT clutch repair: €1000–1800
- Oil change (Twinamic): €250–400
- Full repair (Softouch/Twinamic): €1500-2500