smartTOP Roof Top Control for Z4 (e89)

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by SquireG

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

Thanks

These will not void your warranty, the modules can be placed on Diagnostic mode to prevent being detected from any diagnostic readers - preventing proper updates to your BMW.

[clydebmwz4]

how much would the price be including shipping to Belgium for the eas smarttop module ? thanks

[david @ eas]

Originally Posted by clydebmwz4

how much would the price be including shipping to Belgium for the eas smarttop module ? thanks

Send me a PM with your address so I can get a shipping quote.

[Maaij]

I got the Cabrio-module from Germany. You can normally find it on Ebay for 150-180 euro

The installation was easy. The manual is clear with some nice pictures. Works fine as advertised

[clydebmwz4]

does the german module include opening/closing mirrors ?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Maaij

I got the Cabrio-module from Germany. You can normally find it on Ebay for 150-180 euro

The installation was easy. The manual is clear with some nice pictures. Works fine as advertised

Originally Posted by clydebmwz4

does the german module include opening/closing mirrors ?

If you're referring to the Reinhold modules, they are not upgradable like the smartTOP.

[clwwong]

Originally Posted by Maaij

I got the Cabrio-module from Germany. You can normally find it on Ebay for 150-180 euro

The installation was easy. The manual is clear with some nice pictures. Works fine as advertised

Good deal! Could you post the link? Tks.

[Marc45]

I received my SmartTop controller today and just finished installing it. It works as advertised and I'm completely happy with it.

A couple of points I should make:

1. I had no trouble with the install but for some reason I had to jiggle the large black connector a few times. The install light wasn't blinking like it should but now it's fine.

2. I bought it from EAS (european auto source) and the manual it shipped with was out of date and the programming didn't work right. I downloaded the current manual, changed the settings for my Z4 and presto, it worked!

It's not cheap but it works great!

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Success!
It took me about 1.5 hours, mostly because of wire 13 not wanting to be removed willingly. There were moments where thoughts crossed my mind that I had made a huge mistake. After I completed all the connections, I got a steady 'green' LED and was disheartened, thinking I've just ruined my brand new Z4. After re-inserting the convertible's top controller, I got the coveted blinking, green light and everything worked.

One odd thing, the passenger window would go up and then drop back down, as if the "pinch" function had been activated. After opening and closing it a few times, it seemed to work with no issues. Now if I can only get all this damn snow to disappear I fear my battery is going to die as I have not been able to drive the car but have been sitting in it setting things up and using valuable juice.

Mods so far: Stubby antenna / Smart Top controller
Miles driven: 120 (over 7 days)
Considering: Adding a rear view camera like the one listed on EAS.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Oh Captain My Captain

Success!
It took me about 1.5 hours, mostly because of wire 13 not wanting to be removed willingly. There were moments where thoughts crossed my mind that I had made a huge mistake. After I completed all the connections, I got a steady 'green' LED and was disheartened, thinking I've just ruined my brand new Z4. After re-inserting the convertible's top controller, I got the coveted blinking, green light and everything worked.

One odd thing, the passenger window would go up and then drop back down, as if the "pinch" function had been activated. After opening and closing it a few times, it seemed to work with no issues. Now if I can only get all this damn snow to disappear I fear my battery is going to die as I have not been able to drive the car but have been sitting in it setting things up and using valuable juice.

Mods so far: Stubby antenna / Smart Top controller
Miles driven: 120 (over 7 days)
Considering: Adding a rear view camera like the one listed on EAS.

Congrats on the successful install, I'll email you more info on the reverse camera option soon.

[Vintage]

I will try to install this on my wife's car this weekend - I will let you know how it goes.

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

I will try to install this on my wife's car this weekend - I will let you know how it goes.

My only advice is to take your time. Especially with the steps involving wires 40-41 and 13-14. The worst feeling is when you think you may have doen something wrong and your car is not drivable because of the roof and trunk positioning. Good luck; I'm sure things will go smoothl for you.

On another note, will just starting the car and letting it idle help to charge the battery?? I can't really drive the Z b/c of all the snow.

[clydebmwz4]

I would suggest you buy the battery tender. I bought one for around 70 euros and I think it was a really PERFECT buy. It is exactly the same as the original BMW battery tender and you can put your mind at rest that your battery is well looked after.

[Vintage]

I also bought a high quality battery tender - but if you turn off all accessories (stereo, seat heaters, A/C, etc.) and let it idle for about 20-30 minutes that will help a little.

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

I also bought a high quality battery tender - but if you turn off all accessories (stereo, seat heaters, A/C, etc.) and let it idle for about 20-30 minutes that will help a little.

Did you get a 12V battery tender?

http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender...7307649&sr=8-2

[Vintage]

yes - and that looks like it will do the job well for a fair price

[clydebmwz4]

hi VintageBMW,

any luck installing the smarttop ?

[KINetics]

Installed it on mine 2 weekends ago. The instructions they have on the website were really clear. However, just like everyone else, I got the steady green light on the module after connecting all the wires.

It is a must that the green LED flash for the module to work properly!

After triple checking the connections and wires I did what the above posters recommended, removing the main bmw connector and plugging it it in and wiggling it. After re-seating the cable connection a few times, the green LED light went from steady green to blinking green and the module worked flawlessly.

Notes:

1. Prior to installation, I checked the firmware version and it was the latest version right from EAS. To save yourself the trouble, I recommend checking the firmware before installing.

2. After checking the firmware, use the smartTOP software to go ahead and make your customization settings within the software and save it. That way you are fussing with the signal stalk to make your setting selections afterward. I found that method cumbersome and that the car would time-out after 20-30 seconds, thus cutting power to the smartTop module. If you didn't save your settings before the time-out, the settings weren't saved.

3. I installed this on a leased car. I'll probably lease another z4 at the end of this lease. However based on the black connections you plug wires 43, 44, 12, and 13 in, I don't know how easy it will be to remove the module and to salvage those connections that were provided as part of the kit. There is no easy way to depress the connections to remove them like you could with the BMW connector.

4. I love this module.

[clydebmwz4]

how long did it take you to install ? can't wait to buy this great product

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by KINetics

Installed it on mine 2 weekends ago. The instructions they have on the website were really clear. However, just like everyone else, I got the steady green light on the module after connecting all the wires.

It is a must that the green LED flash for the module to work properly!

After triple checking the connections and wires I did what the above posters recommended, removing the main bmw connector and plugging it it in and wiggling it. After re-seating the cable connection a few times, the green LED light went from steady green to blinking green and the module worked flawlessly.

Notes:

1. Prior to installation, I checked the firmware version and it was the latest version right from EAS. To save yourself the trouble, I recommend checking the firmware before installing.

2. After checking the firmware, use the smartTOP software to go ahead and make your customization settings within the software and save it. That way you are fussing with the signal stalk to make your setting selections afterward. I found that method cumbersome and that the car would time-out after 20-30 seconds, thus cutting power to the smartTop module. If you didn't save your settings before the time-out, the settings weren't saved.

3. I installed this on a leased car. I'll probably lease another z4 at the end of this lease. However based on the black connections you plug wires 43, 44, 12, and 13 in, I don't know how easy it will be to remove the module and to salvage those connections that were provided as part of the kit. There is no easy way to depress the connections to remove them like you could with the BMW connector.

4. I love this module.

The flashing green LED signifies CAN traffic (like a LAN card in your computer) and that the module is working correctly.

[KINetics]

Originally Posted by clydebmwz4

how long did it take you to install ? can't wait to buy this great product

30 minutes. Knowing the steps now, I could probably do it in less than 10 minutes.

[Vintage]

went to download update - I have a Macbook Pro!!!! oh well, I guess I will dust off the old Windows Desktop for the update (ridiculous but I am not very tech savvy)