SL/R230: SmartTop - configuring without Command and sounds?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
SmartTop - configuring without Command and sounds?
Hi, I'm considering the SmartTop module which allows for top operation using the ignition key/fob. It is supposed to be configurable using the Command. I plan to throw out the ancient Command module and replace it with a modern double DIN Android unit.
1) Can I install/configure SmartTop without the Command?
2) For the beep sound (e.g. when locking the doors), is the SmartTop using the alarm siren or horn (or something else?)
Thanks!!!
1) Can I install/configure SmartTop without the Command?
2) For the beep sound (e.g. when locking the doors), is the SmartTop using the alarm siren or horn (or something else?)
Thanks!!!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Reading through the SmartTop manual - audio sound can be programmed either to be using the horn or the alarm siren, which is great news! (In this case the alarm siren can be disconnected and discarded so it does not cause any problems like trunk battery drain or false alarms etc).
The question remains if SmartTop is programmable when the Command unit is removed from the car?
The question remains if SmartTop is programmable when the Command unit is removed from the car?
Hi, I'm considering the SmartTop module which allows for top operation using the ignition key/fob. It is supposed to be configurable using the Command. I plan to throw out the ancient Command module and replace it with a modern double DIN Android unit.
1) Can I install/configure SmartTop without the Command?
2) For the beep sound (e.g. when locking the doors), is the SmartTop using the alarm siren or horn (or something else?)
Thanks!!!
1) Can I install/configure SmartTop without the Command?
2) For the beep sound (e.g. when locking the doors), is the SmartTop using the alarm siren or horn (or something else?)
Thanks!!!
Banned
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 33
SL500, Miata
If COMAND can do any of the programming, that would be quite a surprise to me.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
@pmercury - I have not bought the module yet, so don't know details yet, it's one of the STLBMZ1. @Rod_84 - thanks, makes sense! So it seems that the unit is fully USB programmable regardless of any buttons etc in the car. They have created a method to program using the MB steering wheel buttons/instrument cluster - looks like it may or should work with the Command unit removed. But even if there is some Command interdependence (which is what I have read somewhere), in the worst case it can simply be programmed through the USB! So it's a GO :-)
Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 233
Likes: 101
From: San Francisco
Current: '07 SL550 & '14 GLK350. Previously owned: '06 ML350, '05 SL500, '99 ML320 & '98 SLK230 (RI
I know I can put the top down (or up), by simply pointing the key FOB to the IR window on the door handle and holding it for a few seconds. What does this aftermarket module do more than what already works.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
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From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
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Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 44
From: Pacific Northwest
2011 SL550
I installed smart top on a 2011 SL550 in 2018, updated it and chose functions on my laptop. Took about ten minutes to instal and that included seeing how far I could be from the car and operate the top. The window operations and being able to open or close it at a distance (especially with a black interior) is my favorite feature, the wife like the ability of raising all windows when top down cruising (her hair 😉
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 43
Likes: 5
2006 SL55 2007 ML320
I have one on my 2006 SL55. When I start closing the top with the engine running and turn off car, the top stops moving. I was under the impression that it should keep closing. Is there a setting in missing for that?
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
I also have SmartTop and love it. I wasn't aware there were any programming options using COMAND. As others have said, I programmed mine with a PC.
It has several things you can configure, but to me the biggest advantages are:
1. you can click the "lock" button on the fob 3 times and the top closes, unlock 3x will open the top. (you don't have to keep pointing the IR part of the fob at the door and holding the button as @Dudeman asked earlier). Its nice to be able to open or close the top easily from 20+ feet away (that way the top is down by the time I get in the car, or I can get out of the car and walk away while the top is closing). Depending on how you program it, you can also click the lock/unlock button on the fob 2x to open and close all the windows (again, from 20+ feet away).
2. you can tap the open close switch in the car and the top will open or close (you don't have to hold the switch). This might be seen as a safety hazard, but you can flip the switch the other way and the top will stop.
3. with SmarTop in my car, if the top is in process of opening or closing, and I shut the engine off (using keyless go button on shifter) and even open the door, the top WILL keep moving. I can't remember if this is a setting in the SmartTop or not, but that's how mine works (I can try to check if someone is really interested). Also, I don't know how it works using the actual key in the switch (rather than keyless go) as I have never tried it, but I assume it is the same.
Bottom line, I originally thought the benefits of the SmartTop were trivial, but after having it, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the small convenience things that make a big difference.
Hope this helps.
Lee
It has several things you can configure, but to me the biggest advantages are:
1. you can click the "lock" button on the fob 3 times and the top closes, unlock 3x will open the top. (you don't have to keep pointing the IR part of the fob at the door and holding the button as @Dudeman asked earlier). Its nice to be able to open or close the top easily from 20+ feet away (that way the top is down by the time I get in the car, or I can get out of the car and walk away while the top is closing). Depending on how you program it, you can also click the lock/unlock button on the fob 2x to open and close all the windows (again, from 20+ feet away).
2. you can tap the open close switch in the car and the top will open or close (you don't have to hold the switch). This might be seen as a safety hazard, but you can flip the switch the other way and the top will stop.
3. with SmarTop in my car, if the top is in process of opening or closing, and I shut the engine off (using keyless go button on shifter) and even open the door, the top WILL keep moving. I can't remember if this is a setting in the SmartTop or not, but that's how mine works (I can try to check if someone is really interested). Also, I don't know how it works using the actual key in the switch (rather than keyless go) as I have never tried it, but I assume it is the same.
Bottom line, I originally thought the benefits of the SmartTop were trivial, but after having it, I wouldn't have it any other way. It's the small convenience things that make a big difference.
Hope this helps.
Lee
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 44
From: Pacific Northwest
2011 SL550
- Top convenience mode: Turning the ignition on or off does not interrupt convertible top operation.
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 44
From: Pacific Northwest
2011 SL550
Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 44
From: Pacific Northwest
2011 SL550
One touch operation of the console switch. Window controls in most configurations. Ability to open/ close at the same distance you can open the doors. On the fly (35mph top speed) open close. I believe when I was researching it in 2018 to buy it all of the features (20-30) were listed on their site. Best buy for my car so far.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 34
From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
@danaw007 THANKS for clarifying those settings (I couldn't remember the details)! I agree it is one of the best upgrades/modes, it didn't seem like that big of a deal at the time, but after using the "one-touch" feature to open the top, I can't imagine opening or closing the top while having to hold the switch in the car, etc...
Regarding @Rod_84 's 12-year old module, I wonder if they would upgrade his module to the USB configurable one for a cut price??? It's none of my business, but he is 12 year customer and advocate! Just a thought.
There is good information regarding the configurable feature list and instructions on the mods4cars website on the product page for the SmartTop model for the R230 (note I have no affiliation with this website, and didn't buy mine from them - maybe they are the manufacturer?) @George993 already posted a link to the operation instructions above, but the link below is the main product info page might be of interest):
http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/shop/in...ode=view&id=50
When installing mine in my 2008 SL550, I had a terrible time removing the CAN BUS distributor (see the instructions on the web link above), and once I had it removed, I thought I would never get it put back! My hands aren't that big, but this took me forever and my hands were cut up. Once removed, I had very little slack on the wires on this... For me, removing this connector and putting it back was the most difficult part of the job and I'm sure there is a trick or method to this, or I was doing something stupid or wrong... If someone has some better advice on how to do this please post for others.
Lee
Regarding @Rod_84 's 12-year old module, I wonder if they would upgrade his module to the USB configurable one for a cut price??? It's none of my business, but he is 12 year customer and advocate! Just a thought.
There is good information regarding the configurable feature list and instructions on the mods4cars website on the product page for the SmartTop model for the R230 (note I have no affiliation with this website, and didn't buy mine from them - maybe they are the manufacturer?) @George993 already posted a link to the operation instructions above, but the link below is the main product info page might be of interest):
http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/shop/in...ode=view&id=50
When installing mine in my 2008 SL550, I had a terrible time removing the CAN BUS distributor (see the instructions on the web link above), and once I had it removed, I thought I would never get it put back! My hands aren't that big, but this took me forever and my hands were cut up. Once removed, I had very little slack on the wires on this... For me, removing this connector and putting it back was the most difficult part of the job and I'm sure there is a trick or method to this, or I was doing something stupid or wrong... If someone has some better advice on how to do this please post for others.
Lee
Last edited by Leej; Mar 30, 2020 at 12:28 PM.
