SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: SmartTop

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Old Jun 19, 2019 | 08:06 AM
  #1  
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SmartTop

Had one in my SLK
Liked it.
Ordered one for SL
Will install tomorrow.


Last edited by rorywquin; Jun 19, 2019 at 08:10 AM.
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Old Jun 20, 2019 | 07:53 PM
  #2  
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Let us know how it goes. I just put a deposit down on a 13 and I'm planning on ordering one myself.
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Old Jun 21, 2019 | 02:33 AM
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Originally Posted by TxBoss23
Let us know how it goes. I just put a deposit down on a 13 and I'm planning on ordering one myself.
I wouldn't wait. On a '13 it is even more useful than on my model (open/close roof while moving). If you have an iota of skill with your hands it is very easy to install. ~45 minutes - basically plug n play.
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Old Jun 24, 2019 | 03:45 AM
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Installed & working - took me about 90 minutes....others have reported doing it in 45min.......However it is an easy job - Struggled a bit with the carpet...it is more like board than carpet and I was worried about damaging it however - I eventually folded it back and it does not seem any worse for wear. Biggest problem was bending over all the time and my stiff back as most of the work is done with the boot lid tilted backward.
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Old Jun 25, 2019 | 08:09 AM
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What is a good source for the Smartop module? Does it come with good install instructions? Thanks.
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Old Jun 25, 2019 | 08:48 AM
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
What is a good source for the Smartop module? Does it come with good install instructions? Thanks.
Mods4Cars are based in the USA (used to be in Germany) and are the manufacturers. Fully detailed installation instructions are available on their web site.
http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/shop/index.php?p=b3JnYT1zbWFydHRvcCZncm91cD0yJmxhbmc9Mi ZjdXJyPTI=&action=categories&menu=1

Last edited by rorywquin; Jun 30, 2019 at 01:43 AM.
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Old Jun 25, 2019 | 09:02 AM
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Thanks
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Old Jun 29, 2019 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
Mods4Cars are based in the USA (used to be in Germany) and are the manufacturers. Fully detailed installation instructions are available on their web site.

http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/db/smarttop/?r=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvLnVrLw==&

Rory, this link keeps dumping me over to Google’s main page...
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Old Jun 30, 2019 | 01:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Dr. Manhattan
Rory, this link keeps dumping me over to Google’s main page...
Strange - as you can see it is the correct URL however, simply Google Mods4Cars
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Old Jul 2, 2019 | 02:19 PM
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Here is a link to the r231 installation instructions: http://www.mods4cars.com/sms/db/smar...install/en.php
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Old Jul 25, 2019 | 06:13 PM
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I'm placing an order for a Smartop for my 2013 SL550, as my first mod. The installation looks pretty simple. One question, where did you route the USB cable?

Last edited by WN1X; Jul 26, 2019 at 07:50 AM.
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Old Jul 25, 2019 | 08:24 PM
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Haven’t done mine yet but was going to try coming out from the carpet at bottom right hand (as you face the control module) corner where another cable travels. This would bring it out below the removable floor panel so it doesn’t show and you would’t need to make any cuts to bring it through.
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Old Jul 25, 2019 | 09:28 PM
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I like that idea...need to get my order placed...
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Old Jul 26, 2019 | 12:57 AM
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Originally Posted by WN1X
I'm placing an order for a Smartop for my 2013 SL550, as my first mod. The installation looks pretty simply. One question, where did you route the USB cable?
I ran mine upwards - past the boot light and out over the carpet at the top. The cable is quite long so I tidied it with small velcro tie and tucked it behind the top bracket (the one where you have to remove two screws (in step 7).
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Old Aug 5, 2019 | 07:42 PM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
Installed & working - took me about 90 minutes....others have reported doing it in 45min.......However it is an easy job - Struggled a bit with the carpet...it is more like board than carpet and I was worried about damaging it however - I eventually folded it back and it does not seem any worse for wear. Biggest problem was bending over all the time and my stiff back as most of the work is done with the boot lid tilted backward.
I installed my SmartTop this evening and agree completely with your comments regarding the carpet. I had a tough time pulling it away enough to get to the plugs. Actual installation is simple. Reassembly was an equal pain in the ***. The carpet did not want to return to it's original location, but I managed to finally get it back and everything buttoned up. It was definitely worth the trouble!
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 02:09 AM
  #16  
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Yep a few months into mine and I'm certainly happy I spent the money and got one.
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:25 AM
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Last edited by bob55; Aug 7, 2019 at 06:59 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by bob55
Kind of hard to believe that 'actual usage' of the Smart Top device would ever be enough to justify it's cost and the difficulty of installation, but clearly some people feel otherwise....

When I consider just how often I might actually 'use it', the 'expected usage' does not even come close to justifying the Smart Top device for me, but YMMV applies!...

1) Cost - peanuts
2) Easy, for anyone with thumbs, to install
3) Mine gets used every time I drive the car - there are many more features other than simply opening & closing the roof.

My mileage is great.....
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
Strange - as you can see it is the correct URL......
Actually, no you can't. Hover your cursor over the link and you'll see:

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sour...10.2RcJ2DDkMNw
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:41 AM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
1) Cost - peanuts
2) Easy, for anyone with thumbs, to install
3) Mine gets used every time I drive the car - there are many more features than simply opening & closing the roof.

My mileage is great.....
Yes, the cost is minor vs. the functionality...not having to remember to disable ECO mode every time I start the SL is awesome. The one touch seat adjustment is nice, too.
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:43 AM
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by rorywquin
1) Cost - peanuts
How much?
Originally Posted by rorywquin
2) Easy, for anyone with thumbs, to install
although one might have "Struggled a bit with the carpet" or have a problem "bending over all the time" with one's "stiff back as most of the work is done with the boot lid tilted backward."
Originally Posted by rorywquin
3) Mine gets used every time I drive the car - there are many more features other than simply opening & closing the roof.
like what, pray tell?
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 11:15 AM
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Eddie - its all there on the mods4cars website. Why don’t you just have a look for yourself?
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by bob55
Care to elaborate on 'whatever else' you use it for "every time you drive the car"....

Certainly remote opening and closing of the top is not something I would expect someone to use 'every time they drive the car'...I just don't see that ever happening!... .

Be prepared to apologise .....

1) As this is not a daily driver - I usually only go out in nice weather .....roof opens every time I go
2) In the case of 1 above all 4 windows are lowered (my preference)
3) Eco mode disabled. - every time I drive buddy
4) Extra wipe of wipers when washing windscreen - insects etc in summer - most times
5) Auto positioning of seats (2 positions - one when turning engine off and one when starting) easy in/out - every time I drive buddy
6) Knowing that there are miserable people out there that envy stuff they don't have and try to find fault - every time I drive buddy

I don't know you but I'm sure that green is not a good colour on you!

Last edited by rorywquin; Aug 6, 2019 at 01:44 PM.
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Old Aug 6, 2019 | 01:43 PM
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