
You can buy a car body kit from several primary sources: official Mercedes-Benz/Smart dealers, specialized aftermarket retailers online, and direct from manufacturers. For the widest selection and competitive pricing, online aftermarket specialists are often your best bet. These retailers cater specifically to car enthusiasts and offer kits from various brands, allowing for easy comparison.
When shopping, you'll encounter different types of kits. A full widebody kit dramatically changes the car's appearance with wider fenders, while a lip kit adds more subtle front, side, and rear skirts. Materials matter too; fiberglass is common and affordable but can crack on impact, whereas polyurethane is more flexible and durable, better for daily driving. Carbon fiber is the premium option for a lightweight, high-end look.
Before purchasing, confirm the kit is designed for your specific Smart model and generation (e.g., Fortwo 451 vs. 453). A mislabeled eBay listing can lead to a costly mistake. Also, factor in the cost of professional painting and installation, which can often equal or exceed the price of the kit itself. For a truly unique look, some companies offer custom fabrication services.
Here’s a quick comparison of popular online sources:
| Retailer/Source | Typical Price Range | Key Brands/Examples | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Dealer | $2,500 - $5,000+ | Brabus tuning packages | Guaranteed fitment, OEM quality | Very expensive, limited styles |
| Online Specialists (e.g., CARiD, Extreme Dimensions) | $800 - $2,500 | KBD, Kerscher, Prior Design | Huge selection, customer reviews | Shipping costs, potential for fitment issues |
| Direct from Manufacturer (e.g., Lorinser) | $3,000 - $6,000+ | Manufacturer's own designs | Highest quality, brand prestige | Long lead times, very high cost |
| eBay/Amazon | $500 - $1,500 | Various generic brands | Lowest cost | Highest risk of poor fitment and quality |

I got mine from a site called CARiD. Just type in your car's year and model, and it shows you all the compatible stuff. The pictures and reviews from other buyers really help. It showed up at my door in a big box a couple weeks later. Just make sure you double-check the model number they list—don't just trust the photo. The price was way better than the dealer, but I still had to budget for a local shop to paint and install it properly.

Look beyond the big generic websites. Seek out forums dedicated to cars, like SmartCarOfAmerica. That's where you find the real gems. Enthusiasts there talk about smaller, specialized shops that hand-make kits you won't find anywhere else. You might pay a bit more, but the quality and unique look are worth it. It’s about finding something that isn’t on every other Smart car in the city. The community feedback on fitment is invaluable.

Don't forget about the installation. A cheap kit can become very expensive if it doesn't fit right. I always recommend finding the installer first. Talk to a reputable body shop in your area that has experience with aftermarket parts. They can often recommend trusted suppliers or even point you away from brands known for fitment problems. They see this stuff every day and know which companies get it right. It’s better to spend a little more on a kit they trust.

For a project like this, consider the total cost, not just the kit price. The kit itself might be $1,200, but professional painting could add another $800, and installation might be $1,000 or more. If you're not doing the work yourself, get quotes from local shops before you buy anything. Also, call your agent. A significant modification can affect your policy. You want to make sure you're covered for the new value of the custom parts in case of an accident.


