Smart Top Module into R171

[Craighew]

Bought a Smart Top roof module via PPC GB today (£232) and intend to fit it myself to our R171.

I've read just about everything I can on here and further afield and hope the instructions are as good as they are claimed to be.

The guy at PPC GB said the unit fits under the panel behind the drivers seat. This is different to most instructions I've seen (yes i've downloaded the latest guidelines from Mods4cars.com) which talk about accessing the inner sill and the panel down by the accelerator pedal.

So we shall see.

I'll post an update hopefully thursday afternoon (unless the summer ends prior to that)

Any hints or tips (without re-posting what's been said elsewhere) from anyone who's fitted this module into their R171 greatly appreciated.

 

[AndyPCD]

The 171 roof module is really straight forward to fit.

The ones i have fitted have all been in the inner sill area.

 

[Craighew]

Thanks Andy, that's why the "behind the drivers seat" comment threw me a little. I can't understand a change in location, es[ecially within the same model so perhaps I misunderstood????

 

[Craighew]

OK the module got fitted yesterday. I must admit I bottled the install and took the SLK to Deutsche Tech (Milton Keynes) where Lennie did a great install job. After watching him fit it into the driver side sill area and seeing the panels he took out along with the accelerator mechanism, it was well worth the 200 mile round trip.

Deutsche Tech are install partners for Mods4cars who produce the Smart Top modules but I guess any competent indy garage could fit it.

Anyway the results are simply fantastic. Without doubt this is the best money I've spent on a car modification. Why on earth MB don't offer these as a factory fitted option I can't imagine. They're really missing a trick.

The module now has a USB lead connected and hidden behind the RHS dash panel to accommodate any future firmware upgrades from Mods4cars. I can't imagine what other features they might add, but hey you never know.

I'd already configured all the functions available on the module via USB to my PC using the software programme available from their website.

Apart from the obvious joy of remote opening and closing of the roof there are 9 functions that are customisable, the latest one being control of the small rear windows when the roof is up or down.

The only feature I couldn't get to work was to have the alarm chirp on setting, but I'm guessing this is down to the type of alarm and no "panic button" on my keyfob (which the manual warns of).

The other huge benefit that I can see is that the internal roof switch now just needs one tug, rather than sitting holding it in position for 22 seconds to operate the roof. And when you use the remote key fob starting or stopping the engine/ignition has no effect nor interruption to the roof operation. Two tugs and ALL the windows go down or up....!

I seriously urge anyone with a vario roof to consider the Smart Top module.

 

[DavidWills]

Craig, I've just updated the firmware on my SmartTop and the 'chirp' can be set in terms of duration via FCTN 9 and event via FCTN 8. Plug your USB cable into a WiFi enabled device and check for updates. Great mod though in'it!

 

[Deane x]

Best mod ever ,me and Ian (the guy I bought it from ) fitted one to my R170 in a car park at lakeside ..and mine was the harder one to fit :bannana:

 

[jkeny]

Yep, great add-on for the SLK. I installed mine in a R170 during the summer (just in time to enjoy some good weather) & loving it.
The only thing missing from the R170 smartop is the small rear window control.

I have investigated how to achieve this on the R170, separately to the smartop itself & started a thread on it here

But I haven't experienced the rear windows being up while driving with the roof down for any length of time so can those who have experience tell me if it's worthwhile to have this - does it make much difference to wind deflection?