Affected owners of older electric Smart models from the 451 series are currently facing a bitter problem: Mercedes-Benz no longer seems to have any replacement batteries available. Instead, repair solutions are being offered by external partners – a solution that often proves to be expensive and difficult to plan.
The most important facts in brief
- Owners report that there are no replacement batteries for older Smart models.
- New batteries cost between 15,000 and 30,000 euros – often a total economic loss for older vehicles.
- Mercedes refers to Bosch workshops for battery repairs, but there is no confirmation from Bosch.
- The 451 series is considered susceptible to sudden loss of capacity, for example due to defective 12 V batteries – the so-called “junkyard mode”.
Why are there no more replacement batteries?
Mercedes-Benz has apparently misjudged the demand for replacement batteries. As reported by Der Spiegel, among others, there are no more replacement batteries in stock – a circumstance that particularly affects drivers of the electric Smart models in the 451 series. Instead, the manufacturer is referring to repair solutions from external partners – specifically Bosch workshops. However, Bosch has not yet commented on or confirmed such plans.
The dreaded “junkyard mode”
Particularly explosive: Smart 451 electric vehicles are known for their sensitivity to battery problems. Defective 12-volt batteries are a frequent trigger, which can lead to deep discharges in the main battery. The dramatic term “junkyard mode” is circulating in the community – an indication of how quickly such incidents can develop into existential mobility problems.
Cost explosion without a replacement battery
If you need a new battery, you will have to dig deep into your pockets for a replacement part: The costs range from 15,000 to 30,000 euros. For older E-Smart models without a warranty claim, such repairs often exceed the value of the vehicle – a questionable economic decision. In many cases, a new car is therefore cheaper than a repair.
Conclusion
Affected Smart 451 owners are currently experiencing a harsh reality: replacement batteries are not available, repair solutions remain unconfirmed and the high costs threaten to make the vehicle an economic total loss. The combination of bottlenecks, technical vulnerability and escalating costs means that many are faced with difficult decisions – buy a new one or repair it? Unfortunately, there is still no really attractive option.
