thnx Project, i don't think u need to fake out the parking brake, but rather the turning of the key accessory power. do u happen to be near socal?

 

this would be interesting to know.....

 

At least in the 2003, the parking brake has to be activated (bypassing the switch would suffice) to raise or lower the top. Once the parking brake switch is bypassed, you will send +12V to the motor up (or down) line. I haven't taken the roof switch out to see how it's wired, but that should be it. However, the switch most likely just controls the high current relays in for the roof motor. So, you will have to locate those relays to feed them. Don't forget to diode isolate!

If I get a chance, I'll draw up a schematic for it. Does anyone have the service manual in PDF format? How large is that file?

Also, as a ammendment to my post above, you would need an additional alarm channel output plus another relay to raise the top.

- Project

 

Back from the dead!
did i search and found this, in all this years have anybody done this? i just got my alarm installed and well have quite a few spare channels that would like to use now and would like to do this, is this too complicated?
thanks IA for any info.

 

I can't see the point of it with manual latches.

 

A while back we talked about this and I did up some "designs" of how a replacement power latch for our cars might work. Never did anything with it though, as I still haven't installed an alarm with spare channels

Again, the purpose of it is mostly to close the roof without being in the car. Nice thing would be to walk away and arm your remote, windows roll up and roof closes (but doesn't latch). Then when you return to the car, you hit a button and the windows roll down and roof goes up.

Seems pretty sensible to me!

 

BMW Z4 has this feature stock...

 

pretty cool idea imo.

 

^i think so too, specially for the putting it up part at least saves you some time if it starts storming/raining and your outside the car, all you go to do press a button put it up and run latch it up and your done.. plus the idea should be very cool, so nobody has ever done this? i know its not impossible but how hard?

 

If you don't count the latches, it could easily be done. However, how can you not count the latches?