Roof Operation While Moving

[paul1969]

This bank holiday Monday we had some cracking weather, so me and the wife decided to take the Zed out for a run to Whitby and grab some fish & chips.

On the way down the A1 I kept the roof up, but once we got onto the A64 and hit the usual traffic build-up, I fancied dropping it. Problem is, as most of you know, the E89 has to be completely stationary before the roof will operate — so when you’re crawling along at a couple of mph, you’ve got no chance.

Does anyone know if there’s a way to override this, so you can drop the roof while moving slowly, say up to 5mph? I’m not talking about flying down the motorway with it halfway open, just something that works when stuck in slow-moving traffic.

Be interested to hear if anyone’s looked into this or done it themselves.

 

[B21]

So the speed at which the roof could move was progressively increased over time from just about zero to 30 kpmh

It can be coded in the CTM module by changing the relevant parameter either directly or via coding app..

The relevant line is ..

In the CTM coding > Expert, search for this option - GESCHWINDIGKEIT, set to a custom value of 14, and then code it. That should raise the limit of the top being closed and opened to 20km/h…1E does 30 kmph … simples

 

[paul1969]

Thanks for taking the time to explain that much appreciated.

 

[Palmetto Fellow]

I think my 2016 is limited to 40km/h. I normally start closing my top as I am pulling up to the parking spot if I intend to close the roof.

 

[paul1969]

Yeah, that’s a nice feature! Ours in the UK don’t come with it enabled from the factory, but it can be coded in the CTM module to work up to about 30 km/h. BMW just locks it by default here. Some people also fit a SmartTOP module for one-touch and key fob control.

 

[Palmetto Fellow]

Yeah, that’s a nice feature! Ours in the UK don’t come with it enabled from the factory, but it can be coded in the CTM module to work up to about 30 km/h. BMW just locks it by default here. Some people also fit a SmartTOP module for one-touch and key fob control.

I have fob functionality on the roof and windows, but it's not "one-touch".
The SmartTOP is on my list of things I need to buy for this car, but it's further down the list.

A pair of oil catch cans are top of my upgrade list, followed by a Mr12Volt MMI bundled with a backup camera. The SmartTop may be next in line for fun upgrades after that (circa Summer 2026).

Tires and brakes of course trump all fun stuff, and while I do have plenty of each left, the front tires are more than 5 years old.

 

[paul1969]

Thanks to everyone who chipped in with advice — really appreciate it.

Quick update: I had a go with the Carly app and managed to code the roof so it now operates up to 19mph. Works perfectly for those slow traffic situations I was asking about. No more being stuck with the roof up when you’re crawling along!

 

[Stevo1987]

Yeah, that’s a nice feature! Ours in the UK don’t come with it enabled from the factory, but it can be coded in the CTM module to work up to about 30 km/h. BMW just locks it by default here. Some people also fit a SmartTOP module for one-touch and key fob control.

My UK car works up to 30mph. It's a 2014. I believe, it works with later versions of the e89, i.e. Lci.