smartTOP Roof Top Control for Z4 (e89)

[Otago]

Anybody install this module on their cars? Just want to know how difficult to get it done.

[lrc454]

Thinking about installing this on our '09 Z4.

Install looks easy:

http://www.wit-usa.com/sms/db/smartt...ll_7_Z4/en.php

[Otago]

Originally Posted by lrc454

Thinking about installing this on our '09 Z4.

Install looks easy:

http://www.wit-usa.com/sms/db/smartt...ll_7_Z4/en.php

Thanks mate.

[mrboon]

Too pricey though

[msimon18]

How does this module work if you have Comfort Access ???

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by godius

Too pricey though

I've thought about the price for some time now. I think for the convenience of one-touch operation and operation of the roof top while moving, its justified. Others may like the ability to fold their mirrors.

Again, just my perspective. I plan on purchasing it.

[lrc454]

When you consider the R&D that had to go into this and the Customer support in addition to the ability for the Customer to perform firmware updates via laptop to a USB hook up in the trunk, then yes it's worth it.

I'm already tired of holding the button down for 20 seconds. Comfort Access already allows you to lower and raise the top from outside but not on the move. From what I read this works with Comfort Access which I have.

I'll be installing it in March, in time for some top down driving.

[Marc45]

Yeah, my finger hurts from holding the button down for a whole 20 seconds

Seriously though, it looks like a nice option. I'm seriously considering it myself. I'll be curious to hear how yours works out.

Thanks

[ramiles]

I got one - even though I have the comfort access - seemed to be a worthwile convenience. Haven't installed it yet - install instructions appeared well illustrated and straightforward but wasn't excited about pulling and replacing pins in the connectors.

I did see on the other Bimmer Z$ Forum, someone had some initial problems with the install but got help quickly from the vendor/rep who was also on the forum and finished the install.

[clydebmwz4]

I'm very interested too although I have comfort access. Looking forward to hear somebody's experience with this module and also the difficulty installing it ... don't want to mess my bimmer up

[parnassus]

I can answer your queries guys. I bought the roofTop module for my car in early January and installed it myself. It was a little expensive but I hated people honking their horns at me when using the roof at the lights.

The unit complements Comfort Access fine, retaining the existing features and adding the ability to open/close your side mirrors by double tapping the close button on the remote.

At first I was worried about ripping apart my car, but in the end it was so easy - all the BMW parts were held by clips, so taking apart the car was akin to playing with lego. I had to flash the new firmware onto the unit before it would work, but this was also not difficult. The whole process took me an hour.

I'm very happy with the results, as the module comes in handy all the time. It started raining the other day and I was able to put the roof up whilst still travelling down the road at almost 40km/h.

[lrc454]

Great feedback. Thanks for the post.

Mine will get installed in March. Looking forward to it's features.

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by parnassus

It started raining the other day and I was able to put the roof up whilst still traveling down the road at almost 40km/h.

So the trunk didn't fly off at that speed like a parachute? Good to know.

[GunSpeed]

I have ordered the Cabrio-module manufactured in Germany and which is pretty similar to this one... 299,00€
It was delivered yesterday but I will install it in the next few weeks.

Website : http://www.reinhold-engineering.de/frames_e.htm

Install : http://www.reinhold-engineering.de/pdf/BMW_Z4_E89_e.pdf

How it works :

Grtz
Ramius

[ramiles]

I installed my SmartTop and had same issues with unit label not referring to Z4 that parnassus reported in the other thread. My install is not successful - got the steady light (install connection problem) - double and tripple checked all connections and even ran the software update to the unit and saw it was current with version 1.4. Bad news is if the install goes bad you're stuck with your hardtop in the middle. Weekend was not a good time to install because got the recorder when calling for technical help. So the Z4 is stuck in the garage till I can determine if this unit will ever work.

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by parnassus

I had to flash the new firmware onto the unit before it would work, but this was also not difficult.

Could you explain "Flash the new firmware" Is that just downloading new software to the unit. I'm concerned about the last post's problems with their install.

[clydebmwz4]

great Ramius. please update us if the install is easy or not and if everything works fine because I might buy the German module after all. cheers

[ramiles]

Went out today and checked all connections looking for errors on my SmartTop install - they all looked good and didn't change anything from yesterday. At first the install still showed a fault (steady light). But, when I was buttoning it up to leave it appeared that I somehow re-seated the wiring harness in a way that made whatever connection was missing connect up right. Anyway works fine now as advertised, and enjoy not having to press and hold and operate while driving. Default speed limit (adjustable) is 40 Km/hr - that could be a bit high on a windy day. Here's a couple of pics.





To the question on the firmware update - the unit comes with a cable you can load the needed drivers and run a program from a link from the vendor to check for firmware update and also to set the program defaults. Wasn't too hard but was't exactly clear either on steps and what exactly to do - had to figure it out a bit, and my firmware was current.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ramiles

To the question on the firmware update - the unit comes with a cable you can load the needed drivers and run a program from a link from the vendor to check for firmware update and also to set the program defaults. Wasn't too hard but was't exactly clear either on steps and what exactly to do - had to figure it out a bit, and my firmware was current.

Steady light is no activity in the stream, the loose connector would explain that.

I usually program the modules when they are restocked and check just before shipping that the latest firmware is installed, but it's always a good idea to verify if things are not working 100%.

Glad you are up and running, let me know if you should have any other questions during use.

[ramiles]

Tom,

Thanks for your follow up and thanks for bringing the SmartTop to us - nice to have some options like this unit provides. PM sent.

Ross

[SquireG]

This looks interesting. Does installation of the module void the warranty?

Thanks

[Oh Captain My Captain]

I just purchased the Smart Top module today. I'll install it into my Z4 once the car arrives in February. So far I've ordered a Stubby antenna and this module. The excitement and anticipation is building.