Need advice -- SmartTop really useful ? - New 2009 2010 BMW Z4

GentleWen · 11-26-2012, 01:46 AM

I'm thinking about installing the smartTop module on my new z4(2013 35i)
so that I dont have to stop to convert it, and of course the remote controller becomes more powerful.

question is, after reading some posts here, some say that new z4 can open/close top while driving as long as the speed is below 20miles(?)

someone please confirm this?

and for those who already have the smartTop on board, could you elaborate the advantage?

A million thanks!

R4R · 11-26-2012, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleWen

I'm thinking about installing the smartTop module on my new z4(2013 35i)
so that I dont have to stop to convert it, and of course the remote controller becomes more powerful.

question is, after reading some posts here, some say that new z4 can open/close top while driving as long as the speed is below 20miles(?)

someone please confirm this?

and for those who already have the smartTop on board, could you elaborate the advantage?

A million thanks!

Hi gentlewen, i cant comment about the 2013 car being able to operate its top at 20mph without the module, but what i can say is that i would not be without my SmartTop module fitted. Ive had mine installed for a few months and i find the great bit the ability to raise and lower the roof via remote control.

The opening and closing on the move is something i have used, but not so often. the other features it brings are also welcome.

I had the old Z4 for 8 years with the simple auto top mod, but that would only operate from the button in the cabin as a one touch process.

smartTop kicks its ass.

Dario

ManiacGT · 11-26-2012, 06:34 AM

From what I've read, Mid 2012 cars and on have the ability to open the roof up to 25mph. They upgraded the roof components apparently. Prior cars could operate the roof up to only 5mph.

morfinx · 11-26-2012, 12:43 PM

You may be able to get all of that functionality without spending $400 by coding. See these threads:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=631158
http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=680546#4

I had mirrors and windows and sunroof coded in my E92 but our initial attempt at doing the same didn't work on my E89. Going to get together with my friend who has the cable and software for coding later this week to attempt what's in those 2 threads.

robertrichhart · 11-26-2012, 09:16 PM

SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

BuckarooVT90 · 11-26-2012, 10:13 PM

ditto on the smart top being great, even for just the ONE touch functionality! Hit the button once and continue to drive/park/start/lock. Instead of sitting there holding the button and waiting for the green light to go out, before trying to do anything else... at least on my wife's G37 the car would beep letting you know that the top was completely opened or closed so you wouldn't have to watch the entire top action to completion.

BMWZ44me · 11-26-2012, 11:12 PM

The Smart TOP is a great addition to the Z4. It is nice to be able to program just what you want the car to do when you lock it up and what position the windows and mirrors will be in and the walk away top closing are all good features. The ability to choose what speed YOU are comfortable with the car in motion and raise or lower the top. It is the best mod for the Z that I have found so far.

Atebit · 11-27-2012, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertrichhart

SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

+1

Only downside for me is I wish the non-CA remote had a little more range. Raising the top while walking away is no problem, but I wish I could start lowering it from farther away.

Agreed that the one-touch features alone are worth the price of admission, though.

GentleWen · 11-27-2012, 11:07 AM

thanks guys!
I've made up my mind now!!

persian54 · 12-04-2012, 10:37 PM

I love the SmartTop!

laz4 · 12-05-2012, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atebit

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertrichhart

SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

+1

Only downside for me is I wish the non-CA remote had a little more range. Raising the top while walking away is no problem, but I wish I could start lowering it from farther away.

Agreed that the one-touch features alone are worth the price of admission, though.

It's not just the non CAremote that has this problem. Even with CA you have to be within 6ft of the car. The e85 was not like this. Very annoying.

Baremeg55 · 12-05-2012, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laz4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atebit

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertrichhart

SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

+1

Only downside for me is I wish the non-CA remote had a little more range. Raising the top while walking away is no problem, but I wish I could start lowering it from farther away.

Agreed that the one-touch features alone are worth the price of admission, though.

It's not just the non CAremote that has this problem. Even with CA you have to be within 6ft of the car. The e85 was not like this. Very annoying.

My remote works a lot further than 6 feet away. Personally, I would purchase the module again. It's simple to install, simple to program with a laptop (no, I don't care to sit in the vehicle and try to cycle thru the modes using the turn signals, etc....). Folding the mirrors, etc... are bonus features....

laz4 · 12-06-2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baremeg55

Quote:

Originally Posted by laz4

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atebit

Quote:

Originally Posted by robertrichhart

SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

+1

Only downside for me is I wish the non-CA remote had a little more range. Raising the top while walking away is no problem, but I wish I could start lowering it from farther away.

Agreed that the one-touch features alone are worth the price of admission, though.

It's not just the non CAremote that has this problem. Even with CA you have to be within 6ft of the car. The e85 was not like this. Very annoying.

My remote works a lot further than 6 feet away. Personally, I would purchase the module again. It's simple to install, simple to program with a laptop (no, I don't care to sit in the vehicle and try to cycle thru the modes using the turn signals, etc....). Folding the mirrors, etc... are bonus features....

The doors will unlock from more than 6ft away but opening the top by remote with CA but no smart top only works within 6ft of the car.

Atebit · 12-07-2012, 06:01 AM

I wonder why BMW chose to restrict the range of one and not the other?

Hoa · 12-07-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laz4

The doors will unlock from more than 6ft away but opening the top by remote with CA but no smart top only works within 6ft of the car.

not true. i just walked outside and tested it. the moment the car can unlock from the furthest range, it can also fold down the top. i was standing about 50 feet away

laz4 · 12-07-2012, 10:19 AM

Wow, what model year is yours? I have an April 2012 and it definitely is not able to do that. I'm jealous.

ManiacGT · 12-07-2012, 10:24 AM

I find, as Jeremy Clarkson once pointed out, that all you need to do is put the key fob/transmitter under your chin and press. Your body extends the range amazingly well! Whether or not you get brain damage or can have kids afterwards is a different story lol...

Hoa · 12-07-2012, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laz4

Wow, what model year is yours? I have an April 2012 and it definitely is not able to do that. I'm jealous.

i have a 2012 as well

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManiacGT

I find, as Jeremy Clarkson once pointed out, that all you need to do is put the key fob/transmitter under your chin and press. Your body extends the range amazingly well! Whether or not you get brain damage or can have kids afterwards is a different story lol...

lol i tried that a while back. i think it has something to do with elevation. it works even better if you raise your arm up in the air

BuckarooVT90 · 12-07-2012, 07:51 PM

on my 2013 window sticker under Standard Features it says:

-Retractable hardtop with opening/closing function at up to 35mph.

and a mis-spelling..

-Wind delfector

lol...

morfinx · 12-07-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90

on my 2013 window sticker under Standard Features it says:

-Retractable hardtop with opening/closing function at up to 35mph.

and a mis-spelling..

-Wind delfector

lol...

I thought the wind deflector is an accessory, not a standard feature?

BuckarooVT90 · 12-07-2012, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morfinx

I thought the wind deflector is an accessory, not a standard feature?

standard for 2013

fre2bpowerless · 12-11-2012, 01:45 AM

It's awesome, I ordered the SmartTop before my car was delivered. The one touch roof operation alone is worth the price..

11-26-2012, 01:46 AM	#1
GentleWen Private Drives: 2013 Z4 35i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: United States Posts: 74 iTrader: (0)	Need advice -- SmartTop really useful ? I'm thinking about installing the smartTop module on my new z4(2013 35i) so that I dont have to stop to convert it, and of course the remote controller becomes more powerful. question is, after reading some posts here, some say that new z4 can open/close top while driving as long as the speed is below 20miles(?) someone please confirm this? and for those who already have the smartTop on board, could you elaborate the advantage? A million thanks!
	Tweet

11-26-2012, 06:34 AM	#3
ManiacGT Captain Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 836 iTrader: (0)	From what I've read, Mid 2012 cars and on have the ability to open the roof up to 25mph. They upgraded the roof components apparently. Prior cars could operate the roof up to only 5mph. __________________ BMW Z4 E89 sDrive35i Mods: Stubby! LED Halos! DVDInMotion! GolfT! SmartTop! BMW Performance 313 Alloys! http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=265084

11-26-2012, 11:12 PM	#7
BMWZ44me GySgt USMC Drives: '11 Z4 30i Silver Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: DFW Posts: 152 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 2009 Chevrolet Aval ... [0.00]	The Smart TOP is a great addition to the Z4. It is nice to be able to program just what you want the car to do when you lock it up and what position the windows and mirrors will be in and the walk away top closing are all good features. The ability to choose what speed YOU are comfortable with the car in motion and raise or lower the top. It is the best mod for the Z that I have found so far. __________________ Jehnert Speaker System, Michelin Pilot Super Sports, Cree Angel Eyes, 7' Stubby Antenna, K&N, SmartTOP '10 AW E92 M3 (Sold)

12-04-2012, 10:37 PM	#10
persian54 Lieutenant General Drives: MW E93 M3/E89 Z4 35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal Posts: 15,411 iTrader: (260)	I love the SmartTop! __________________ Next track day: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651089 Sorry I'm just someone who comes on here to fill a void..I dont have the $ to own a BMW. This is a nice E93:http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434032

12-07-2012, 06:01 AM	#14
Atebit Private Drives: Yellow 2011 Z4 sdrive30i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: NC Posts: 96 iTrader: (0)	I wonder why BMW chose to restrict the range of one and not the other? __________________

11-26-2012, 12:43 PM	#4
morfinx Shenanigans Drives: E89 Z4 sDrive35i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,125 iTrader: (0)	You may be able to get all of that functionality without spending $400 by coding. See these threads: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=631158 http://e89.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=680546#4 I had mirrors and windows and sunroof coded in my E92 but our initial attempt at doing the same didn't work on my E89. Going to get together with my friend who has the cable and software for coding later this week to attempt what's in those 2 threads. __________________ E89 Z4 sDrive35i 7DCT "Zayna", Alpine White/Coral Red E92 335i 6MT "Calixta", Space Grey/Coral Red [Retired]

11-26-2012, 09:16 PM	#5
robertrichhart Private Drives: 2009 Z4 S35i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Indiana Posts: 59 iTrader: (0)	SmartTop is the best add-on I've found for the Z4, I absolutely love it! Can't imagine going back to no remote for the top...

11-26-2012, 10:13 PM	#6
BuckarooVT90 Private First Class Drives: '13 Z4 sDrive35i DCT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 187 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 Z4 Sdrive35i [0.00] 2011 135i [0.00]	ditto on the smart top being great, even for just the ONE touch functionality! Hit the button once and continue to drive/park/start/lock. Instead of sitting there holding the button and waiting for the green light to go out, before trying to do anything else... at least on my wife's G37 the car would beep letting you know that the top was completely opened or closed so you wouldn't have to watch the entire top action to completion.

11-27-2012, 11:07 AM	#9
GentleWen Private Drives: 2013 Z4 35i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: United States Posts: 74 iTrader: (0)	thanks guys! I've made up my mind now!!

12-07-2012, 10:19 AM	#16
laz4 Private Drives: 2012 Titanium Silver Z4 35i Join Date: May 2012 Location: United States Posts: 63 iTrader: (0)	Wow, what model year is yours? I have an April 2012 and it definitely is not able to do that. I'm jealous.

12-07-2012, 10:24 AM	#17
ManiacGT Captain Drives: Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 836 iTrader: (0)	I find, as Jeremy Clarkson once pointed out, that all you need to do is put the key fob/transmitter under your chin and press. Your body extends the range amazingly well! Whether or not you get brain damage or can have kids afterwards is a different story lol... __________________ BMW Z4 E89 sDrive35i Mods: Stubby! LED Halos! DVDInMotion! GolfT! SmartTop! BMW Performance 313 Alloys! http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=265084

12-07-2012, 07:51 PM	#19
BuckarooVT90 Private First Class Drives: '13 Z4 sDrive35i DCT Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 187 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 Z4 Sdrive35i [0.00] 2011 135i [0.00]	on my 2013 window sticker under Standard Features it says: -Retractable hardtop with opening/closing function at up to 35mph. and a mis-spelling.. -Wind delfector lol...

12-11-2012, 01:45 AM	#22
fre2bpowerless Private Drives: Yes. :D Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: MH, India Posts: 87 iTrader: (0)	It's awesome, I ordered the SmartTop before my car was delivered. The one touch roof operation alone is worth the price.. __________________ '10 Z4 35i - SOLD & will be missed. Now there's a new JAAG '10 530d, '10 523i, '09 325i Bone Stock

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