smartTOP Roof Top Control for Z4 (e89)

[Oh Captain My Captain]

Originally Posted by VintageBMW

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)

There was no firmware update for my unit which I had purchased a couple of months ago. One advantage though is that you can program the module through your computer and that way you won't have to deal with programming through the "blinker."

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Oh Captain My Captain

There was no firmware update for my unit which I had purchased a couple of months ago. One advantage though is that you can program the module through your computer and that way you won't have to deal with programming through the "blinker."

We also update the modules in house before shipping to verify the latest firmware is installed when received.

[H-Doc]

Just an FYI- and I hate to resurrect an old thread, but this is one of the sources I used to push me over the edge and purchase the smartTOP in the first place, so I want to make other potential buyers aware.

I tried to install the module on my new Z4 35is last night with horrible results.

Never got the blinking LED, just solid. Read through this and other forums, tried jiggling connectors, rechecked my wiring about a dozen times, jiggled some more- no luck. Still a solid LED with a top stuck in the half open position, i.e. convenience access mode, so to speak.

I tried uninstalling and reverting back to the factory set up (so I could drive the car today)- and the top still wouldn't work! Got the red roof symbol in the console light, with "hardtop malfunction" on the iDrive.

I hitched a ride with my wife today, but to this point have had no luck solving the problem. I spoke with Tom from EAS on the phone last night, but I didn't have a multimeter handy at the time. Now I do, but I haven't been able to raise him so far today.

Obviously, this stinks to high heaven, as I have no idea how to get the top down manually (seems like this was a glaring oversight in the manual), and EAS is only open on weekdays- so if I don't get a call back, I'm screwed. I have a feeling I might be screwed anyway.

I'll let you know if it ever starts working (at which point, I'm sure I'll be singing its praises), but be forewarned that installing this module may turn your car into a huge, expensive, paperweight.

[tot]

When I installed it I also had a problem to get it going. I think the problem is to get the big black connector to seat properly. I first tried couple of times with no luck. Only when I moved the other cables out of the way to have a clean push from above it started working.

I have no idea why that was so difficult. It always felt and looked (well, whatever you can see there) to be properly seated, but apparently not.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by H-Doc

Just an FYI- and I hate to resurrect an old thread, but this is one of the sources I used to push me over the edge and purchase the smartTOP in the first place, so I want to make other potential buyers aware.

I tried to install the module on my new Z4 35is last night with horrible results.

Never got the blinking LED, just solid. Read through this and other forums, tried jiggling connectors, rechecked my wiring about a dozen times, jiggled some more- no luck. Still a solid LED with a top stuck in the half open position, i.e. convenience access mode, so to speak.

I tried uninstalling and reverting back to the factory set up (so I could drive the car today)- and the top still wouldn't work! Got the red roof symbol in the console light, with "hardtop malfunction" on the iDrive.

I hitched a ride with my wife today, but to this point have had no luck solving the problem. I spoke with Tom from EAS on the phone last night, but I didn't have a multimeter handy at the time. Now I do, but I haven't been able to raise him so far today.

Obviously, this stinks to high heaven, as I have no idea how to get the top down manually (seems like this was a glaring oversight in the manual), and EAS is only open on weekdays- so if I don't get a call back, I'm screwed. I have a feeling I might be screwed anyway.

I'll let you know if it ever starts working (at which point, I'm sure I'll be singing its praises), but be forewarned that installing this module may turn your car into a huge, expensive, paperweight.

I spoke with you this afternoon, please email me images from your install so we can verify the module was installed correctly.

[H-Doc]

Originally Posted by tot

When I installed it I also had a problem to get it going. I think the problem is to get the big black connector to seat properly. I first tried couple of times with no luck. Only when I moved the other cables out of the way to have a clean push from above it started working.

I have no idea why that was so difficult. It always felt and looked (well, whatever you can see there) to be properly seated, but apparently not.

Well, I think that did it. I can't tell you how many times I unseated and reseated that darn connector... but following your lead I gave it one more try and... voila!

I did finally get through to Tom (both he and Stefan from mods4cars had answered my initial email inquiries- though I was getting panicky when the weekend was coming up and no one had a good solution). Tom suggested unplugging the battery to "reset" the system- which I did, left unplugged for 20-30 minutes, reseated the connector as above, then hooked up the battery and had a (thank almighty) blinking LED.

Certainly both would be worth trying if you decide to make this mod for your own car and you have similar problems.

So honestly, I don't know if it was the battery/reset or reseating the controller connector- and I don't really care. My top goes up and down, and I can drive my car again!

I'll post again once I've had a chance to use it a bit more- but I'm sure I'll be thrilled with it.

Now I'm just plain thrilled.

[SHADOW4]

I would wait some weeks for Prochips version of roofmanagement comes out.

Really easy to use as you just plug it in to the OBD-connector and just press one button and remov it again, simsalabim and you can drive up to 40km/h and open and fold the roof. No cables or hiding boxes from BMW. Simple, clean and quick. I bought the TVfree-module. Plug, press button and remove!
Why make it hard when there is a button to press? Now i have a movie in my car. Do you want to reverse? Press the other button!

Shadow4

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

I would wait some weeks for Prochips version of roofmanagement comes out.

Really easy to use as you just plug it in to the OBD-connector and just press one button and remov it again, simsalabim and you can drive up to 40km/h and open and fold the roof. No cables or hiding boxes from BMW. Simple, clean and quick. I bought the TVfree-module. Plug, press button and remove!
Why make it hard when there is a button to press? Now i have a movie in my car. Do you want to reverse? Press the other button!

Shadow4

DEtails of where we can source this one please Shadow4!

I like the sound of a simple reprogram that can be reverse far more than playing around with the wiring loom.
Have to say the 20 sec standstill to open/close is an annoying prospect.
The SLK will open on the run, and here in Queensland you can have the top down all year - but you need to throw it up in a hurry if a storm breaks in summer.

[tot]

Originally Posted by Dr Stig 2

The SLK will open on the run, and here in Queensland you can have the top down all year - but you need to throw it up in a hurry if a storm breaks in summer.

Or just go fast enough to not get wet. Mythbusters did an episode to test that with 911, and it works

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by tot

Or just go fast enough to not get wet. Mythbusters did an episode to test that with 911, and it works

Saw that episode - lol when the stunt driver lost it in the wet while driving a "fan's" porsche.

Damn that traffic we get over here, or else we would have found a cunningplan!

[Rafale]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

I would wait some weeks for Prochips version of roofmanagement comes out.

Really easy to use as you just plug it in to the OBD-connector and just press one button and remov it again, simsalabim and you can drive up to 40km/h and open and fold the roof. No cables or hiding boxes from BMW. Simple, clean and quick. I bought the TVfree-module. Plug, press button and remove!
Why make it hard when there is a button to press? Now i have a movie in my car. Do you want to reverse? Press the other button!

Shadow4

I would be very interested too. I am also looking at this module but if it could be just programmed in I would prefer it that way.

[Darbs330]

Originally Posted by Rafale

I would be very interested too. I am also looking at this module but if it could be just programmed in I would prefer it that way.

+1

Shadow, do you know that the folks over at Prochip are working on an OBD Module? In checking out their TVfree website, I don't see any mention made about other products.

Of course... 4 years of high school German didn't get me far afield from the "english" website. (that was ohhh sooo long ago)

[SHADOW4]

Originally Posted by Darbs330

+1

Shadow, do you know that the folks over at Prochip are working on an OBD Module? In checking out their TVfree website, I don't see any mention made about other products.

Of course... 4 years of high school German didn't get me far afield from the "english" website. (that was ohhh sooo long ago)

Yes I know for sure! I know they work on it this very minute!

[H-Doc]

Well, if you can get the same functionality (or at least, most of it) without having to do the wiring, that would be fantastic. However, other than the recent 24 hours of stress (which will hopefully be avoided for most- as more of us run into install issues and post our solutions, then it should be easier for other folks in the future)- this unit has great functionality, and isn't that hard to hook up.

The key is getting a good reseat on the connector (that plugs into the BMW hardtop controller), and the battery reset.


Now I just have to decide if it's worth $500 to get the wind deflector...

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by H-Doc

Well, if you can get the same functionality (or at least, most of it) without having to do the wiring, that would be fantastic. However, other than the recent 24 hours of stress (which will hopefully be avoided for most- as more of us run into install issues and post our solutions, then it should be easier for other folks in the future)- this unit has great functionality, and isn't that hard to hook up.

The key is getting a good reseat on the connector (that plugs into the BMW hardtop controller), and the battery reset.


Now I just have to decide if it's worth $500 to get the wind deflector...

Was your signature pic taken up on the Tail of the Dragon? Looks great.
I've been up there twice with the Z4 so far. 14 runs!

[H-Doc]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Was your signature pic taken up on the Tail of the Dragon? !

That it was!

We picked up the car at the performance center, then spent a few days at a nice B&B in Bryson City (Charleston Inn, we actually stayed in their cabin they have on the property). Spent a few days taking in the twisties, including the Tail. It was a great way to spend a long weekend with our new ride! Already talking about making a return trip...

I actually had 1000 miles on it by the end of our first week, hoping to get the rest of the way through the break-in period by next week...

[Rafale]

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

Yes I know for sure! I know they work on it this very minute!

Then I'll sit back and wait for now.

[Chuck76]

Just to note that I installed the smarttop module yesterday that I got from EAS. I had only a few problems, but was no worries.

- I noticed that taking the initial couple panels off can be done w/o having the convertible top half-way open. Just need to open the trunk.

- The smarttop device was off from the factory, so I had to turn it on through the programming.

I had no problems taking out the wires. Maybe the manual would help some if the pic's were in colors, but the descriptions were good enough.

If you need any help I'm in CA, in the Bay Area.

[BMWZ4]

FYI I was speaking with Andreas on Friday and I know this feature / ODBII device will be ready very soon.

I plan on picking it up as well, since my TV ODBII device went so well. Better than hooking up a bunch of wires, IMHO.

Regards
Dave

[BMWZ4]

Just upgraded the "open roof while driving" feature. Will work up to 40km/hr; normally it's 8km/hr. Works like a charm and I highly recommend picking up this software change!

Andreas is a super helpful individual.

Any questions, let me know!
Regards
Dave

[Rafale]

Where and how did you get it?

[BMWZ4]

Got it from Prochip.de, but the device is not yet on the web site. If you email Andreas, I'm sure he'll respond quickly with the part number you would need to order.

I think (but not sure) he's also working on closing the roof if you have comfort access (right now you can only open the roof if you have CA) and I think he's also working on folding / unfolding the mirrors (again, if you already have folding mirrors), with the remote key fob.

Not sure about the last 2 items though; so don't quote me please.

Regards
Dave