Best Smart Car Body Kits: Transform Your Fortwo into a Mini Supercar
The Smart Fortwo already turns heads because of its size. Add a proper body kit, and it starts turning heads for an entirely different reason.
There’s a specific kind of satisfaction in pulling up to a cars-and-coffee event in a car that’s shorter than most motorcycles, only to watch people circle it like it’s a miniature exotic. The Fortwo’s proportions—wide, short, and almost cartoonishly compact—make it the perfect canvas for visual transformation. A well-chosen body kit doesn’t just make it look different. It makes it look like it belongs in a completely different category.
This guide breaks down the real options, the real costs, and the real compromises. No fantasy builds. Just what you can actually buy, install, and live with.
TL;DR
The Smart Fortwo body kit market splits into three clear lanes. OEM Brabus parts offer perfect fitment and a factory-approved look, with front spoilers and side skirts available through Mercedes-Benz parts channels . Aftermarket widebody kits like the Duraflex GT300 deliver dramatic visual width for around $1,900–$2,100 before paint and installation . And budget accent kits from brands like Remin add carbon-fiber-style trim for under $100 . Your choice depends on whether you want subtle enhancement, aggressive transformation, or just a quick visual upgrade.
Key Takeaways
- Brabus OEM parts are the safest bet for fitment and resale value, available directly through Mercedes-Benz Classic parts channels .
- Duraflex GT300 widebody is the most dramatic off-the-shelf option for 2008–2016 Fortwos, priced around $2,076 unpainted .
- Real-world budgets for a full widebody transformation with paint and wheels typically land between $5,000 and $10,000 once labor is included .
- Mansory offers a premium widebody program starting around €18,000 for the exterior alone—serious money for serious commitment .
- Budget accent kits from Remin ($85–$110) add carbon fiber or chrome touches in 10–15 minutes with no professional install .
The Three Tiers of Fortwo Body Modification
Not all body kits are created equal. The Fortwo community has settled into a fairly predictable hierarchy, and understanding it saves you from expensive mistakes.
Tier 1: OEM Brabus Parts (The Smart Money)
Brabus and Smart have been partners for decades. The relationship isn’t just marketing—Brabus actually engineers parts that fit the Fortwo’s body panels with factory precision. Mercedes-Benz’s official parts store lists Brabus front spoilers, side skirts, rear aprons, and roof spoilers specifically for the 2016 Fortwo .
The front spoiler comes primed for painting and requires no entry in vehicle documents, according to Mercedes-Benz’s own product notes . That last detail matters more than you might think. It means the part is designed to be a direct replacement or addition without triggering regulatory headaches in most jurisdictions.
A Bring a Trailer listing for a 2009 Fortwo showed a car modified with Brabus bodywork including a revised front fascia, side skirts, rear apron, and rear wing . The fact that a low-mileage example with these parts surfaced on a collector site suggests the Brabus aesthetic holds value.
Best for: Owners who want a factory-quality look without fitment headaches, and anyone planning to sell the car eventually.
Tier 2: Aftermarket Widebody (The Drama)
The Duraflex GT300 kit is the most widely available widebody option for the 2008–2016 Fortwo generation. It’s a 6-component or 11-piece system depending on the listing, including front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, and flared front and rear fenders .
The material is Duraflex’s proprietary composite—a fiberglass-polymer blend that’s more flexible than pure fiberglass and less prone to cracking . It ships in matte black gel coat, unpainted. You will need to paint it.
Pricing sits around $1,901 on eBay and $2,076 through CARiD, with list prices sometimes showing over $3,000 . That’s just the kit. Professional installation is strongly recommended because the parts require sanding, trimming, and filling before paint .
Here’s where the budget reality hits. A Chinese modification guide breaks down the true cost of a widebody Fortwo build: the kit itself, plus paint, plus wider wheels to fill the new arches, plus potential fender cutting. Total realistic spend lands between 20,000 and 50,000 RMB (roughly $2,800–$7,000 USD) for a complete visual transformation .
“The widebody kit is resin material. Pay attention to clip alignment during installation, otherwise high-speed driving can produce rattles. Professional sheet metal labor costs can exceed the kit price itself.”
That warning comes from a Chinese modification guide, and it’s worth taking seriously . The Fortwo’s unibody isn’t designed for dramatic width increases. Cutting fenders is sometimes necessary, and that’s a one-way door.
Best for: Owners who want maximum visual impact and accept that the car becomes a project, not just transportation.
Tier 3: Accent Kits (The Quick Win)
Not everyone wants to cut their fenders. Remin makes a 7-piece exterior kit for the 2008–2015 Fortwo that covers door pillars, door handles, and the fuel door in carbon fiber, chrome, or aluminum finishes .
The installation takes 10–15 minutes using 3M automotive adhesive. No drilling, no cutting, no paint . Prices range from about $85 to $110 depending on the finish and retailer .
It won’t make your Fortwo look like a supercar. But it will make it look like you cared about the details. For someone testing the waters of modification before committing to a bigger build, this is the lowest-risk entry point.
Best for: First-time modifiers, lease vehicles, or anyone who wants a visual upgrade without permanent changes.
Comparison Table: Smart Fortwo Body Kit Options
| Product | Best For | Installation Difficulty | Key Material | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brabus Front Spoiler (OEM) | Factory look, resale value | Moderate (paint + install) | Primed plastic | ~$300–$500 (est.) |
| Brabus Side Skirts (OEM) | Subtle sportiness | Moderate | Primed plastic | ~$400–$600 (est.) |
| Duraflex GT300 Widebody Kit | Maximum visual impact | High (trim, sand, paint) | Fiberglass-polymer composite | $1,901–$2,076 |
| Mansory Wide Body | Ultimate premium build | High (professional recommended) | Carbon fiber | ~€18,000+ |
| Remin Exterior Accent Kit | Budget visual upgrade | Very Low (adhesive) | Polyurethane with carbon/chrome finish | $85–$110 |
Note: OEM Brabus pricing varies by dealer and availability. Contact Mercedes-Benz parts for current quotes.
The Mansory Question: When Money Isn’t the Object
Mansory is famous for applying hypercar-grade carbon fiber to vehicles that most tuners ignore. The company’s Smart Fortwo program includes a Soft Kit with front lip, side skirts, diffuser, and roof spoiler in carbon fiber, plus a Wide Body option that adds roughly 30mm per side and accommodates 18-inch forged wheels .
The interior can be retrimmed in leather and Alcantara. The exterior can be had in visible carbon weave. The starting price for the Wide Body exterior alone is approximately €18,000, with wheels and interior additional .
Is it worth it? That’s a personal question. A Mansory Fortwo is a conversation piece in a way that a Duraflex build simply isn’t. It signals that you didn’t just want a widebody—you wanted the best widebody, and you were willing to pay for the badge and the craftsmanship. For a certain kind of owner, that’s the entire point.
Best for: Collectors, show-car builders, and anyone who believes that a tiny car deserves the same treatment as a Rolls-Royce.
Real-World Considerations Before You Buy
Fitment Is Everything
The Fortwo changed significantly between generations. A body kit listed for 2008–2016 will not fit the newer electric Fortwo or the current #1, #3, or #5. The Duraflex GT300 explicitly covers the 2008–2016 model years . Verify your exact year and trim before ordering anything.
Paint Costs Money
Every aftermarket kit ships unpainted. A proper paint job on a multi-piece body kit can easily run $1,000–$2,500 depending on your local market and the quality of the shop. Budget for this from the start. A $2,000 kit with a $500 budget paint job will look like a $2,000 kit with a $500 paint job.
The Wheel Problem
Widebody kits create wide arches. Your stock wheels will look lost inside them. You’ll need wider wheels with appropriate offset to fill the space. That’s another $1,000–$3,000 depending on what you choose. Chinese modification guides consistently warn that changing wheel width without adjusting suspension geometry can cause rubbing and handling problems .
Safety reminder: Any modification that changes track width or ride height affects how the car behaves in an emergency. Get a professional alignment after installing suspension or wheel changes.
Legal Reality
Chinese modification sources note that widebody fenders exceeding 20mm of added width are technically not street-legal in many jurisdictions without recertification . Brabus OEM parts are designed to avoid this issue in most markets. Aftermarket widebody kits are not.
If you live somewhere with strict inspection rules, the Brabus route is the safer bet. If you’re comfortable swapping parts before inspections, the widebody route opens up.
FAQ
Will a body kit void my Smart’s warranty?
In most cases, yes, if the kit requires drilling or cutting. Bolt-on OEM Brabus parts installed by an authorized dealer are less likely to cause warranty issues. Check with your local dealer before committing.
How much does it cost to paint a body kit?
Expect $1,000–$2,500 for a quality multi-stage paint job on a full kit. Single-piece spoilers cost less. Cheap paint will crack and fade within a few years.
Can I install a body kit myself?
Accent kits and OEM spoilers are DIY-friendly with basic tools. Widebody kits require professional installation for proper fitment, especially if fender modification is needed.
Do I need wider wheels after a widebody kit?
Yes. Stock wheels will look undersized in widened arches. Budget for new wheels and tires as part of the project.
What’s the most popular Fortwo body kit?
The Duraflex GT300 is the most widely available aftermarket widebody option for the 2008–2016 generation. Brabus OEM parts are the most popular for owners who prioritize fitment and resale value.
Are body kits legal for street driving?
It depends on your location. OEM Brabus parts are generally compliant. Aftermarket widebody kits may require inspection or recertification. Check local regulations before buying.
References
Smart Fortwo Body Kit Sources and Fitment Guides:
- CARiD — Duraflex GT300 Wide Body Kit Specifications
- Mercedes-Benz Classic Parts — Brabus Exterior Accessories for Fortwo
- CARiD — Remin Exterior Accent Kit
- Hodoor — Mansory Smart Fortwo Program
Have you modified your Fortwo’s exterior? Share your build details and photos in the comments below.