Smart Fortwo 451 Boot Tailgate Catch Lock Latch Rear A4517600040

Smart Fortwo 451 Boot Tailgate Catch Lock Latch is an original component from the Locks and Latches group, designed for the rear part of the vehicle body. It ensures secure closing of the tailgate, stabilizes its position while driving, and protects against accidental opening. Using an OEM component is a sensible choice for repairs when you value factory-fit and predictable mechanism performance.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: A4517600040
• Mark: Smart
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: A4517600040
• Substitutable numbers: A4517600040, A 451 760 00 40
• Location on the vehicle: Rear
• Part type: Boot Lock
• Category: Exterior Locks & Lock Hardware

Purpose and function of the tailgate lock

The presented lock is dedicated to installation in the rear part of the vehicle, within the tailgate area. It is responsible for:

• mechanical locking of the tailgate in the closed position,
• cooperation with the external opening mechanism,
• maintaining the tightness and stability of the rear body section while driving. Thanks to its factory design, the lock works with original catches and guides, which reduces the risk of play, rattling, or closing issues. This is particularly important in a city car like the Smart Fortwo 451, where the tailgate is frequently used over short distances and in an intensive opening cycle.

Why choose an original Smart lock

The original tailgate lock for the Smart Fortwo 451 ensures:

• factory fit to the structure of the rear body section,
• proper cooperation with the factory locking mechanism and cables,
• stable holding of the tailgate without the need for additional modifications. Choosing a used OEM component is beneficial when you want to maintain the original closing geometry and avoid problems typical of replacements with poorer manufacturing tolerances. Such a lock allows you to restore the correct operation of the tailgate after a collision, operational wear, or previous unsuccessful repairs.

Installation and technical aspects

The lock is designed for installation in the rear zone of the body, at the factory mounting point. Thanks to the OEM design:

• it fits the original mounting points in the tailgate,
• it allows for maintaining the correct closing line,
• it facilitates the adjustment of the tailgate pressure against the body. Before installation, it is worth checking the condition of the hinges, seals, and the catch in the body to fully utilize the potential of the newly installed lock. A correctly set mechanism reduces tailgate stress, decreases noise while driving, and improves the comfort of using the boot.

Who will benefit most from this component

This tailgate lock will be suitable for Smart Fortwo 451 users who:

• are struggling with the problem of the tailgate not closing or opening by itself,
• want to restore the factory operation of the mechanism after bodywork repairs,
• are looking for an original, used component instead of unreliable replacements. It is a practical solution both for workshops specializing in the Smart brand and for conscious users who independently take care of the technical condition of their car. If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the rear body zone in your Smart and need other elements from the same group, such as locking mechanisms, catches, or closing actuators, check the available parts in the Smart Locks and Latches category. For a broader perspective on the subject of selecting original components for drivetrain and suspension repairs, it is worth reading the article on the importance of used factory parts when repairing the quattro drive and suspension in Audi models, which clearly shows why OEM elements are often the best choice for other brands as well.