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      11-26-2012, 12:46 AM   #1
GentleWen
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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!
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      11-26-2012, 02:43 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GentleWen View Post
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.

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      11-26-2012, 05:34 AM   #3
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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.
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      11-26-2012, 11:43 AM   #4
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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.
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      11-26-2012, 08:16 PM   #5
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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...

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      11-26-2012, 09:13 PM   #6
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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.
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      11-26-2012, 10:12 PM   #7
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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.
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      11-26-2012, 11:00 PM   #8
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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.
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      11-27-2012, 10:07 AM   #9
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thanks guys!
I've made up my mind now!!
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      12-04-2012, 09:37 PM   #10
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I love the SmartTop!
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      12-05-2012, 06:13 AM   #11
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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.
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      12-05-2012, 10:50 PM   #12
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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....
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      12-06-2012, 03:24 PM   #13
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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.
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      12-07-2012, 05:01 AM   #14
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I wonder why BMW chose to restrict the range of one and not the other?
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      12-07-2012, 08:27 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laz4 View Post
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
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      12-07-2012, 09:19 AM   #16
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Wow, what model year is yours? I have an April 2012 and it definitely is not able to do that. I'm jealous.
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      12-07-2012, 09:24 AM   #17
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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...
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      12-07-2012, 09:46 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by laz4 View Post
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 View Post
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
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      12-07-2012, 06:51 PM   #19
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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...
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      12-07-2012, 07:07 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuckarooVT90 View Post
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?
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      12-07-2012, 07:14 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by morfinx View Post
I thought the wind deflector is an accessory, not a standard feature?
standard for 2013
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      12-11-2012, 12:45 AM   #22
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It's awesome, I ordered the SmartTop before my car was delivered. The one touch roof operation alone is worth the price..
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