Just popped a SmartTOP v2 into my '07 SLK280

MojitoLoco · 04-21-2007

I was going to wait a few months to break in my car but I just couldn't deal with only being able to operate the top in park so took the plunge and ordered the SmartTOP v2. SLK Store got it out too me quick..but I decided to wait till after my first inspection visit too do it. So today I bought a Torx key and began the install..it took 3.5 hours too install most of which was just trying to figure out how to actually implement the instructions and a few breaks to stretch and have a cold drink too cool off.

The instruction steps included with the unit are complete however there are some steps that were just not soo clear fortunately I had read the majority of threads over threads before I began. I figured I'd share my trouble spots here with everyone

1. Carpeting. Lifting the carpet up and keeping it up is a real pain in the a##! The foam padding is real thick and not very flexible. Managing this throughout the install process alone probably accounted for 20 minutes and much frustration.

2. Opening the canbus box. This was painful on the fingers; I suggest using a flat head slipped into the side and push! The others I had to use my hands due to the carpet in the way. The last clip holder got damage, carpet made it difficult to manuver so I had too apply some brute force in frustration to unhinge causing it to get bent up. In the end it closed up fine, the damage clip holder is closed but a little tug would unhinge it immediately. See photo "canbus_house.jpg"

3. Canbus Tab. Its of some consolation I'm not the first and likely won't be the last to break pieces of it but boy did I feel stupid after I figured out how to actually open it. Its actually quite easy, I think the difficulty is is in figuring it out, the instructions for step 7 should really be clarified better. See my photo "canbus_tab.jpg". I managed too super glue the hook back on.

4. Wiring. The install says tap the thin red wire..umm there are three solid red wires and the real thin one (which is twisted with a solid white wire) is not the right one! See my photo for details. This info was fortunately documented in another website and I was able to tap the right wire the first time..the right wire is actually the medium thickness one. Find the ground wire..well there are tons of solid brown wires so I took a leap of faith and tapped the thickest brown wire which kinda stood out and it seems to have worked

see my photo "smarttop_wiring.jpg" and "smartop_wiring_zoomed.jpg" which details the wiring.

5. Placement. Well the unit was not fitting where it was shown in the install guide but a I found a nice spot that fit perfectly and no issues sealing the box back up. See my photo "smarttop_placement".

After completing the system testing and programming I sealed everything back up and ran it through another set of tests. Last thing left too do now is to go program the max speed for top operation but that will have to wait till tonight..too tired now

Although I really only wanted the ability to operate the top while in gear the remote roof is cool. I have noticed though closing the windows or roof is very responsive but opening the windows or the roof is less responsive and often requires more than one attempt at the key press sequence. Anybody else experiencing this. For instance when you tap the lock key three times each time it beeps; when tapping the unlock key it sometimes does not beep and the sequence fails.

**etyu** · 04-21-2007

My solution to keeping the carpet out of the way is to use a 10.5 inch long 3/8" round wooden dowel (each end is capped with soft rubber/plastic tips from spares sometimes used to cover the end of small pipes , etc). Use this to prop between the uplifted carpet and the front lower corner of door opening, just behind and below the hood/bonnet release lever.

Here's a pic with part of a flat wooden piece that I originally used -- leftover moulding but this is a tad too flimsy and breaks easily, the wooden dowel method is best.

**etyu** · 04-21-2007

My solution to looking for the correct red wire is to NOT look for it but draw power from the fuse box using ATO add-a-circuit (available from any auto supply place). This applies to left-hand-drive vehicles only.

See attached pics:

ATO Add-a-circuit

Thread the red power line downward and attach to the power line of the SmartTop module using bullet connectors. CAUTION: Do not insert fuse until everything else is connected and ready to receive power; this is to avoid shorting any circuit accidentally. Moreover, extend the ground wire and attach with a U-shaped-connecter or some call it spade connecter to the factory ground located just next to the bonnet/hood release lever as seen in photo below.

Below is a photo of an OEM fuseholder that I used, but the ATO add-a-circuit is just plugged on top of the existing fuseholder by removing the original fuse and then attaching the add-a-circuit in its place, essentially keeping the original circuit and adding another circuit for use with the SmartTop or other accesssories if needed.

Add-a-circuit in place:

**-1-** · 04-21-2007

MojitoLoco - EXCELLENT narrative and pictures. I just completed mine two weeks ago. It was a my second in a year, and yes I struggled a little. Always want to be cautious when dealing with interior wiring. I can say, I've mastered removing the CANBUS cover. I too had some problems with the instructions. Thanks for taking your time to clarify for others that will follow. Once you get used to the button sequence, you'll get it right the first time. Congratulations on your successful install.

**Ynot** · 04-21-2007

Awesome pics, it's been awhile since I forgot most of the steps, bring back memories.

**etyu** · 04-21-2007

Thanks Mojito for the post.

**Cold Shot** · 04-21-2007

This pretty much echoes my exact experience, except I did more damage to the wiring harness cover and none to the canbus tap cover. I too used the ATO add-a-circuit and definately think that is the way to go. Tapping wires and leaving permanent damage to those wires wasn't for me. One other thing I did was completely diconnect the battery negative post (per the advise of those on this forum) so I never worried about shock or powering the SmartTop unit while possibly connected to the wrong connector.

Great pics and narrative!

**alroumi** · 04-22-2007

Congrats on the Module and the car and thank you for the detailed instructions.

mtiede · 04-22-2007

You said you slightly bent the black box lid. I had so much trouble figuring out how to get that open and got so POed I finally just yanked on the SOB and broke a couple of pieces off the lid entirely

Good thing the carpet keeps it closed afterward. And you know that carpet isn't going to move

Someone had suggested using the box the module came in to prop open the rug. Mine didn't come in a box, but I had a box that was just the right size. What you have to be careful about when propping the carpet open with anything is to not poke a hole in the speaker that is right there on the side wall. (a word to the wise for future installers).

I'm glad someone else had about the same experience I had which was more of an unpleasant experience than I expected. Glad it is DONE!

Of course, now I'm getting jealous of version 2 that uses the MFD display.

MojitoLoco · 04-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtiede

You said you slightly bent the black box lid. I had so much trouble figuring out how to get that open and got so POed I finally just yanked on the SOB and broke a couple of pieces off the lid entirely

I feel ya! This was definately an excercise in patience

for a first time modder with no previous experience like myself. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the post. I believe I've captured the key essentials from all the other threads and my own experience so hopefully it will make it easier for other newbies too.

jamesbond007 · 04-22-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtiede

Of course, now I'm getting jealous of version 2 that uses the MFD display.

I KNOW!!!!

MojitoLoco · 04-22-2007

Well if its of any consolation to the v1 owners.. looks like the v2 has a draw back.. if the display is left in Audio mode when the car is shut off (i guess this would be most of us) the v2 module will display Mods4Cars in the upper left corner and SmartTOP in the main area of the display when the car is turned back on. If you change the channel, cd, or track it will replace the SmartTOP logo with the normal display however Mods4Cars will stay in place until you cycle to another display option and back.

**Driller** · 04-23-2007

[quote=etyu;29619]My solution to looking for the correct red wire is to NOT look for it but draw power from the fuse box using ATO add-a-circuit (available from any auto supply place). This applies to left-hand-drive vehicles only.

I'm about to embark on the same journey. I've not done a lot of electrical work on cars, especially anything like my SLK55. Is that the main fuse box in the engine compartment and which fuse did you piggyback? How do you fish the power cable from the fuse box to the foot well. It seems like the best solution but the additional circuit would also be visible during servicing. Have most of you just used the supplied clips to access the power?

**etyu** · 04-24-2007

The fuse box that I drew power from is located on the left hand side of the cockpit, at the side of the dashboard, after opening the car door.

Location of fuse box:

Opening fuse box cover with large flat head screwdriver, there's a slot right at the bend or elbow, once loose the cover can be pulled open, it's held by 2 metal prongs:

Fuses exposed after the cover is removed:

It's easy to thread the power line downward to the kick panel area. To make the install stealthy, the trick is to ask MB for the OEM fuseholder part no. 003 545 15 01 (not readily available, perhaps DansSLK can help, I'd like to purchase maybe 6 if available) and slide this unto an empty spot in the fuse array (usually the right hand column of fuses at the bottom, slot no. 42 if I remember correctly, is usually empty on the SLK55, even with full load of accessories). The OEM fuseholder is orange in the photo below:

If you're using the add-a-circuit, I usually tap into the fuse that powers the passenger seat as it is not often used.

**etyu** · 04-24-2007

Photo of OEM fuseholder at top portion of the photo below:

I crimp a female connector to the red wire, as this will still be insulated even if the fuse is inserted and the red wire is now live. HOWEVER, as a precaution I don't insert the fuse until all other connections are in place.

**DansSlk** · 04-24-2007

Very good work there Eddy mate.

Clear you take real good care of the car using insulated connectors and the tubing thats more than MB do when repairing harnesses, real pleased to see somebody being so pro about it.

I can get as many of the fuse holders as you need mate.

**Driller** · 04-24-2007

Thanks for the detail etyu it is much appreciated. The part # for the OEM PArt NO. 003 545 15 01 was not in the (Canadian) parts system when I called my dealer. Did I use the correct #?

04-21-2007	#2 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,922 Country: Thanks: 323 Thanked 212 Times in 112 Posts	My solution to keeping the carpet out of the way is to use a 10.5 inch long 3/8" round wooden dowel (each end is capped with soft rubber/plastic tips from spares sometimes used to cover the end of small pipes , etc). Use this to prop between the uplifted carpet and the front lower corner of door opening, just behind and below the hood/bonnet release lever. Here's a pic with part of a flat wooden piece that I originally used -- leftover moulding but this is a tad too flimsy and breaks easily, the wooden dowel method is best. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled. Last edited by etyu; 04-21-2007 at 10:07 PM.

04-21-2007	#3 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,922 Country: Thanks: 323 Thanked 212 Times in 112 Posts	My solution to looking for the correct red wire is to NOT look for it but draw power from the fuse box using ATO add-a-circuit (available from any auto supply place). This applies to left-hand-drive vehicles only. See attached pics: ATO Add-a-circuit Thread the red power line downward and attach to the power line of the SmartTop module using bullet connectors. CAUTION: Do not insert fuse until everything else is connected and ready to receive power; this is to avoid shorting any circuit accidentally. Moreover, extend the ground wire and attach with a U-shaped-connecter or some call it spade connecter to the factory ground located just next to the bonnet/hood release lever as seen in photo below. Below is a photo of an OEM fuseholder that I used, but the ATO add-a-circuit is just plugged on top of the existing fuseholder by removing the original fuse and then attaching the add-a-circuit in its place, essentially keeping the original circuit and adding another circuit for use with the SmartTop or other accesssories if needed. Add-a-circuit in place: __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled. Last edited by etyu; 04-21-2007 at 10:03 PM.

04-21-2007	#4 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,172 Country: Thanks: 50 Thanked 45 Times in 33 Posts	MojitoLoco - EXCELLENT narrative and pictures. I just completed mine two weeks ago. It was a my second in a year, and yes I struggled a little. Always want to be cautious when dealing with interior wiring. I can say, I've mastered removing the CANBUS cover. I too had some problems with the instructions. Thanks for taking your time to clarify for others that will follow. Once you get used to the button sequence, you'll get it right the first time. Congratulations on your successful install. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *-----------------1-----------------* ---------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- TOP D0WN-URGE 2 DRIVE GOES UP

04-21-2007	#5 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,709 Country: Thanks: 106 Thanked 22 Times in 17 Posts	Awesome pics, it's been awhile since I forgot most of the steps, bring back memories. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

04-21-2007	#6 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,922 Country: Thanks: 323 Thanked 212 Times in 112 Posts	Thanks Mojito for the post. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

04-21-2007	#7 (permalink)
Cold Shot Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 ML 350 Posts: 599 Country: Thanks: 89 Thanked 69 Times in 31 Posts	This pretty much echoes my exact experience, except I did more damage to the wiring harness cover and none to the canbus tap cover. I too used the ATO add-a-circuit and definately think that is the way to go. Tapping wires and leaving permanent damage to those wires wasn't for me. One other thing I did was completely diconnect the battery negative post (per the advise of those on this forum) so I never worried about shock or powering the SmartTop unit while possibly connected to the wrong connector. Great pics and narrative! __________________ "Like a Cold Shot, baby" - Stevie Ray Vaughan To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2007 Black/Black SLK55 AMG (Green Filters, SmartTop V1, Eurolight Clear Side Markers, R170 Modded Antenna) 2007 Pewter/Black ML350 19xx White/Blonde Wife (Lmtd Edition Model)

04-22-2007	#8 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,046 Country: Thanks: 232 Thanked 169 Times in 102 Posts	Congrats on the Module and the car and thank you for the detailed instructions. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

04-22-2007	#9 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,416 Thanks: 70 Thanked 40 Times in 30 Posts	You said you slightly bent the black box lid. I had so much trouble figuring out how to get that open and got so POed I finally just yanked on the SOB and broke a couple of pieces off the lid entirely Good thing the carpet keeps it closed afterward. And you know that carpet isn't going to move Someone had suggested using the box the module came in to prop open the rug. Mine didn't come in a box, but I had a box that was just the right size. What you have to be careful about when propping the carpet open with anything is to not poke a hole in the speaker that is right there on the side wall. (a word to the wise for future installers). I'm glad someone else had about the same experience I had which was more of an unpleasant experience than I expected. Glad it is DONE! Of course, now I'm getting jealous of version 2 that uses the MFD display.

04-22-2007	#12 (permalink)
MojitoLoco SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Florida Vehicle: 2007 Diamond Silver SLK 280 Posts: 21 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Well if its of any consolation to the v1 owners.. looks like the v2 has a draw back.. if the display is left in Audio mode when the car is shut off (i guess this would be most of us) the v2 module will display Mods4Cars in the upper left corner and SmartTOP in the main area of the display when the car is turned back on. If you change the channel, cd, or track it will replace the SmartTOP logo with the normal display however Mods4Cars will stay in place until you cycle to another display option and back.

04-23-2007	#13 (permalink)
Driller SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Vehicle: 2005 SLK 55 Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	[quote=etyu;29619]My solution to looking for the correct red wire is to NOT look for it but draw power from the fuse box using ATO add-a-circuit (available from any auto supply place). This applies to left-hand-drive vehicles only. I'm about to embark on the same journey. I've not done a lot of electrical work on cars, especially anything like my SLK55. Is that the main fuse box in the engine compartment and which fuse did you piggyback? How do you fish the power cable from the fuse box to the foot well. It seems like the best solution but the additional circuit would also be visible during servicing. Have most of you just used the supplied clips to access the power?

04-24-2007	#14 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,922 Country: Thanks: 323 Thanked 212 Times in 112 Posts	The fuse box that I drew power from is located on the left hand side of the cockpit, at the side of the dashboard, after opening the car door. Location of fuse box: Opening fuse box cover with large flat head screwdriver, there's a slot right at the bend or elbow, once loose the cover can be pulled open, it's held by 2 metal prongs: Fuses exposed after the cover is removed: It's easy to thread the power line downward to the kick panel area. To make the install stealthy, the trick is to ask MB for the OEM fuseholder part no. 003 545 15 01 (not readily available, perhaps DansSLK can help, I'd like to purchase maybe 6 if available) and slide this unto an empty spot in the fuse array (usually the right hand column of fuses at the bottom, slot no. 42 if I remember correctly, is usually empty on the SLK55, even with full load of accessories). The OEM fuseholder is orange in the photo below: If you're using the add-a-circuit, I usually tap into the fuse that powers the passenger seat as it is not often used. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

04-24-2007	#15 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,922 Country: Thanks: 323 Thanked 212 Times in 112 Posts	Photo of OEM fuseholder at top portion of the photo below: I crimp a female connector to the red wire, as this will still be insulated even if the fuse is inserted and the red wire is now live. HOWEVER, as a precaution I don't insert the fuse until all other connections are in place. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

04-24-2007	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,456 Country: Thanks: 85 Thanked 144 Times in 115 Posts	Very good work there Eddy mate. Clear you take real good care of the car using insulated connectors and the tubing thats more than MB do when repairing harnesses, real pleased to see somebody being so pro about it. I can get as many of the fuse holders as you need mate. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

04-24-2007	#17 (permalink)
Driller SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calgary, Alberta Vehicle: 2005 SLK 55 Posts: 72 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Correct Part No.? Thanks for the detail etyu it is much appreciated. The part # for the OEM PArt NO. 003 545 15 01 was not in the (Canadian) parts system when I called my dealer. Did I use the correct #?