Mercedes-Benz during my grandparents time would never have to experience a recall. It is alarming that one was even issued. That is how Benz could survive this long because of the brand equity it has earned through the decades.
I'd buy a Smart. I've test driven one around Manila and it is a pretty chicky car. People might think I'm crazy and a lot of people I've talked too said I'd be better off with an AUV but I dont want one. I like the Smart because it's a coupe, really easy to park, easily customizeable, has great and very unique auto design and not a lot of people know about it. It's a pint sized head turner. Has very great fuel economy. In essense a great city car.
Those who question its safety should check out the NCAP rating it got and the crash test done by Fifth Gear. MB made it safe by way of very clever design. Remember that MB created a lot of safety technologies found in most of your cars today. They even featured a BMW in their ad to highlight the fact that even their direct rivals use their know-how to improve their cars. I felt odd that the nose of the car was so short and I could actually have a close look at the rear bumper of the car ahead of me but you get used to it.
I'd guess it is easy to carnap too as half a dozen men could lift it up and place it on a truck.