Covers Smart petrol, diesel, and electric powertrains used across UK and European models - from early M160 engines to modern EQ electric motors. Each powertrain code includes specifications, compatible vehicles, and emissions data, sourced from official Mercedes-Benz Group and EU records.
Data sourced from Mercedes-Benz Group Technical Documentation, EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, and Smart Technical Service Information (TIS) documents.
Find Smart engine codes by family, model, or generation
| Engine Code | Fuel Type | Series | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | EDC-Series | View Specs | |
| Electric | EDC-Series | View Specs | |
| Electric | EQ-Series | View Specs | |
| Electric | EQ-Series | View Specs | |
| Electric | SGE-Series | View Specs | |
| Electric | SGE-Series | View Specs |
Explore Smart powertrains developed with Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Explore Smart's transition to all-electric mobility.
Engine specifications and technical data sourced from Mercedes-Benz Group Technical Documentation and EU Vehicle Type Approval Database. All specifications are verified against official Smart service documentation.
The engine code is essential for ordering parts, diagnosing issues, and verifying compatibility. It is not the same as the VIN or chassis number. This guide shows exactly where to find it - by model and powertrain type - using official Smart and DVLA sources
A unique identifier stamped on the engine block or motor housing used for parts and service.
The vehicle identification number that holds encoded vehicle and powertrain information.
The chassis or frame number used for registration and legal identification.
Locate the engine code on the rear engine cover, near the oil filler cap. It is stamped into a metal plate or on a white label. Look for "M160E07" or "M160E08".
The engine code is located on a white label attached to the front engine compartment, near the coolant reservoir. It reads "M132DE08" for the 0.9L turbo petrol.
Open the front hood and look near the power electronics module. The motor code is on a label reading "EQ01" or similar. Confirm on the V5C under "Engine Number".
The engine code is cast into the front of the engine block, near the timing cover. Look for "M132DE08" stamped on the aluminium housing.
Engine code locations per Smart TIS Document – Vehicle Identification. V5C field definitions from DVLA Guide to Vehicle Registration. VIN structure compliant with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, Article 7.
A technical breakdown of Smart's core powertrain systems including Mercedes-Benz sourced engines, turbocharging, electric motor technology and modular design with documented reliability impacts. All data sourced from Mercedes-Benz Group documentation, Smart TIS and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Smart has historically used compact Mercedes-Benz sourced engines, optimised for urban mobility. The M160 (1998-2007) and M132 (2014-2020) families prioritise packaging efficiency and low-end torque for city driving.
Both engines use turbocharging and direct injection for efficiency. The M160 features a rear-mounted layout unique to the fortwo 450/451. The M132 uses a conventional front layout with improved thermal management and Euro 6 compliance.
0.6L turbo petrol
Rear-mounted, 45 kW
0.7L turbo petrol
Revised turbo, 50 kW
0.9L turbo petrol
Front-mounted, Euro 6, 66 kW
M160 turbo failure
Small turbo prone to heat stress and oil coking
M160 timing chain tensioner
Rear-mounted chain difficult to access; tensioner wear common
M132 oil cooler seals
Seals may leak after 80,000 miles; monitor oil level
Smart has historically used compact Mercedes-Benz sourced engines, optimised for urban mobility. The M160 (1998-2007) and M132 (2014-2020) families prioritise packaging efficiency and low-end torque for city driving.
Both engines use turbocharging and direct injection for efficiency. The M160 features a rear-mounted layout unique to the fortwo 450/451. The M132 uses a conventional front layout with improved thermal management and Euro 6 compliance.
0.6L turbo petrol
Rear-mounted, 45 kW
0.7L turbo petrol
Revised turbo, 50 kW
0.9L turbo petrol
Front-mounted, Euro 6, 66 kW
M160 turbo failure
Small turbo prone to heat stress and oil coking
M160 timing chain tensioner
Rear-mounted chain difficult to access; tensioner wear common
M132 oil cooler seals
Seals may leak after 80,000 miles; monitor oil level
All technical descriptions and failure data sourced from Mercedes-Benz Group Product Technical Reports, Smart TIS Service Information, and EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 on vehicle type-approval.
Track BMW engineering across decades
Launch of the original fortwo with innovative rear-engine packaging.
0.6L inline-3 turbo petrol. Rear-mounted layout unique to Smart. Compact design enabled fortwo's minimal footprint. Prone to turbo and timing chain issues if not maintained.
Engine production years verified via Mercedes-Benz Group Product Reports and EU type-approval records
Authoritative data on Smart's global powertrain production, plant operations, and strategic partnerships. All figures sourced from Mercedes-Benz Group Annual Reports, Sustainability Reports, and EU industrial compliance records.
Smart powertrains are produced at specialised facilities, with increasing focus on electric motor assembly.
Smart transitioned to 100% electric production in 2024. Note the rapid decline in petrol/diesel as EQ models scale up via the Geely partnership.
Note: Petrol/diesel production ended in 2024 per Smart's all-electric strategy. Figures reflect transition period and new Geely joint venture ramp-up.
Strategic joint venture established in 2019. Smart-Geely Automotive Technology Co. Ltd. develops and produces new electric models (#1, #3) on the SEA platform, combining Mercedes-Benz design with Geely manufacturing scale.
SEA platform, EQ02 motor architecture, infotainment
Xi'an plant assembly; global distribution via Mercedes-Benz network
Smart-Geely Joint Venture Announcement, 2019
Transition reflects Smart's all-electric strategy and EU emissions policy.
This aligns with EU 2035 ICE phase-out roadmap and Smart's brand repositioning as a pure EV manufacturer.
Powertrain production years verified via Mercedes-Benz Group Product Reports and EU type-approval records
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
A Smart engine code (e.g., M160E07, M132DE08, EQ01) identifies the powertrain family, fuel type, displacement, and generation. Prefix: M = Mercedes-Benz sourced petrol/diesel, EQ = electric. Numbers: Displacement or motor series. Suffix: Variant details. Source: Smart TIS Doc. Vehicle Identification
No. Smart transitioned to an all-electric brand in 2020. The last petrol-powered fortwo and forfour with M132 engines ended production in 2020. All new Smart models use electric motors exclusively. Source: Mercedes-Benz Group Press Release, 2020
The M132DE08 (0.9L turbo petrol) in the fortwo 453 (2014-2020) is Smart's most reliable combustion engine. EQ electric motors have fewer moving parts and lower failure rates. Avoid early M160 engines due to turbo and timing chain issues.
Most Smart petrol engines (M160, M132) use timing chains. The M160 has a rear-mounted chain prone to tensioner failure. M132 engines have improved designs. Electric Smart models have no timing components.
Technically complex and not recommended. Requires ECU remapping, wiring changes, mount modifications, and emissions recertification. The M132 is physically larger and may not fit earlier chassis. Ensure DVLA and MoT compliance.
On the M132 engine, the code is on a white label near the coolant reservoir in the front engine compartment. Also check the V5C logbook under 'Engine Number'. For EQ models, the motor code is near power electronics under the front hood.
On the UK V5C registration document, look for the 'Engine Number' field (not VIN). This matches the engine code (e.g., M132DE08). If the powertrain was replaced, this may not reflect the current unit. Always verify physically.
No. The M160 petrol engine (1998–2007) is known for turbocharger failure, timing chain tensioner issues, and oil consumption. Smart issued service bulletins recommending chain inspection at 80,000 km. High-risk for UK high-mileage drivers.
M132: 0.9L turbo petrol – used in fortwo 453, forfour. EQ: Electric motor – used in EQ fortwo, #1, #3. M132 has combustion components requiring maintenance; EQ motors have fewer service items but require battery care.
Yes. The engine code (e.g., M132DE08) is required for ordering correct parts (ECU, turbo, injectors). Using VIN alone can lead to errors due to Mercedes-Benz platform sharing. Always verify with the physical engine code.
Yes. High-performance variants (Brabus-tuned M132) or engines with known issues (M160) can increase premiums. EQ electric models may qualify for lower insurance groups. Insurers use powertrain type to assess risk.
Smart EQ electric motors are designed for 150,000+ miles with proper maintenance. Known for simple construction with fewer wear items. Battery degradation is the primary concern; most retain 80% capacity after 8-10 years.
N/A. Electric motors have no valves, pistons, or timing components. There is no risk of interference damage. However, power electronics and battery systems require specialist diagnosis if faults occur.
M160E07 (0.6L turbo): High failure rate due to small turbo size and heat stress. M132DE08 (0.9L turbo): Improved design but still requires regular oil changes. Smart issued TSBs for turbo inspection intervals.
Yes, but must be declared to DVLA. Changing from petrol to electric (or vice versa) affects MoT classification, insurance group, and emissions compliance. Source: DVLA Vehicle Approval Guidelines
Yes. Smart EQ powertrains are developed by Mercedes-Benz EQ division. The EQ fortwo uses a derivative of the EQC/EQA motor architecture, adapted for compact vehicle packaging.
The M132DE08 (0.9L turbo) in the forfour 453 is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Common service items: turbo actuator, oil cooler seals, Dualogic transmission fluid. Service interval: 12,500 miles or annual in UK conditions.
Positions 4–7 of the VIN indicate model series. Example: WME453... → "453" = fortwo series; engine code derived from positions 8-10. Source: Smart TIS Doc. VIN Structure
Some are. Early M160 engines are simpler but less reliable. M132 (2014-2020) offers better efficiency and Euro 6 compliance. EQ electric models (2020+) have minimal mechanical wear but require battery health monitoring.
Use Mercedes-Benz Group Technical Documentation, Smart TIS (Technical Information System), or EU type-approval documents via the VCA database. Public data also in EUR-Lex CELEX records. Source: CELEX:32007R0715
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Information accurate as of 2025