Can I install the BVRC myself?
How long will it take to install?
Will installation void my warranty?
Does the BVRC start the engine to raise or lower the top?
The one-touch operation sometimes doesn’t work, so I have
to hold the switch manually. What’s
wrong?
After I installed the BVRC,
the BAS/ESP warning light came on. What
happened?
How do I know if I need to
connect the optional orange wire?
Can I
install the BVRC myself?
The
best answer is to look through the installation instructions and see if you are
comfortable with following them. The
BVRC has been successfully installed by those who have not done similar
electrical work on an automobile before.
Another
option is to visit a local shop that installs car audio or car alarm equipment
and get an estimate (you may want to show them the installation
instructions).
How long
will it take to install?
This
of course depends upon the skill of the installer, but 2 hours is typical.
Will
installation void my warranty?
I
suppose that only Mercedes-Benz can answer with authority, but I would argue
that the Bipes Vario Roof Commander should not void your warranty.
Installation
of the unit itself does not require or result in the alteration or replacement
of any component in the car. The device monitors certain signals, and then
activates certain others. Press the unlock button on your remote three times
and observe the three flashes of the exterior lights. Next, turn the ignition
switch to the '2' position. Finally, slide the center console switch back and
hold it until the roof opens and is stowed. You certainly did not void any
warranty by these actions. The BVRC does exactly the same thing as you, albeit
in an automated fashion.
A
possible exception involves use of the BVRC 'speed limit' raising function,
which permits you to operate the roof at speeds greater than the 3 mph
Mercedes-enforced limit. If you damaged the top mechanism while operating the
roof at speed, say by running over a big bump and jarring the mechanism, I
suppose Mercedes could argue that any resulting damage would not be covered. If
you are concerned about this, the 'speed limit' raising function is optional
and need not be activated.
The
BVRC can be temporarily disabled, restoring operation completely to stock, by
removing its fuse. You could easily disable it when taking the car in for any
warranty work if you chose to do so. That way a service technician would not
inadvertently activate the device and subsequently try to 'fix' it.
Does the
BVRC start the engine to raise or lower the top?
No. When using the remote to raise or lower the
top, the BVRC does the equivalent of turning the key to position 2. This provides electrical power to the necessary
systems to operate the vario roof.
The
SLK owner’s manual states that it is safe to operate several top up or down
cycles on battery power alone.
The
one-touch operation sometimes doesn’t work, so I have to hold the switch
manually. What’s wrong?
The
center console switch must be held for second or more to enable a one-touch
operation. To ensure that you are
holding the switch for the proper amount of time, wait for the red indicator in
the switch to light. Do not release the
switch until after the red indicator has illuminated.
After I installed the BVRC, the BAS/ESP warning light
came on. What happened?
This is a normal side effect of disconnecting the car’s
battery. It indicates that the steering
angle sensor needs to be calibrated. Per
the manufacturer’s procedure, start the engine and, while idling, turn the
steering wheel lock to lock. This should
calibrate the sensor and extinguish the warning indicator.
How do I
know if I need to connect the optional orange wire?
The best advice is to not connect it, then try
remotely closing the top. If you have no
issue with the alarm, leave the orange wire disconnected.
No. As long as
your navigation system taps into the VSS signal ahead of the splice (away from
the CCM) you should be fine.