Bipes Vario Roof Commander
Owner’s Manual
Bipes Automotive
http://frontiernet.net/~dbipes
Bipes Vario Roof Commander (BVRC) Features
· Remote control of the convertible top using the factory remote.
· One-touch operation of the convertible top using the factory console switch.
· Operation of the convertible top at speeds up to 25 mph (optional).
· Safety stop with a single press of either the remote control button or the center console switch.
· Preservation of all standard remote and console switch functions.
· Easy, temporary disabling when desired.
Operation
Remote control
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Caution |
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Operating the vario roof is always potentially dangerous, as an object or hand could inadvertently become caught and crushed. You should always have the vehicle in sight when operating the top, and be prepared to stop operation at all times. The user assumes all responsibility for safe operation of the convertible top, including via remote control. |
To lower the top via the factory remote, press unlock three times, pausing slightly between each key press. If you are watching the car as recommended, note the flash of the exterior lights after the remote key is pressed. When the light fully extinguishes, make the next key press. This will result in the proper timing. (Key press timing is a safety consideration, to avoid inadvertent top operation.)
The BVRC will not start the engine, but will apply electrical power to the required hydraulic systems and other systems such as the stereo. Upon completion of the cycle, electrical power will be turned off. The windows are left in the down position.
To raise the top, press the lock key. Observe the three flashes of the exterior lights. After the third flash, press lock again. Repeat for a total of three key presses. The top is raised, the windows are raised, the vehicle locked, and the alarm is armed if so equipped.
A remote top up or down operation can be stopped by pressing either lock or unlock on the remote. To resume or reverse direction, press the appropriate key on the remote after a 5 second wait.
Standard remote lock and unlock functions operate as usual.
Center console switch
To operate the top via the center console switch, the key must be in position 2, as per standard SLK operation.
To lower the top with a single touch, slide the center console switch backwards and hold until the red indicator lamp in the switch illuminates, or for ˝ to 2 seconds, then release. The top will lower with no further operator action. The windows will remain lowered.
To automatically raise the windows after the top has been lowered, slide the switch backwards and release again within a few seconds of the initial switch action described above. Alternatively, on the initial action, slide the switch backwards and hold it for 2-5 seconds before releasing.
To stop the top movement before the cycle completes, slide the switch forward momentarily. (You may also slide the switch backwards to stop after a few seconds.) Initiation of automatic operation is inhibited for 5 seconds after top movement stops. Wait a few moments before resuming.
Top up operation is the same as top down except of course you slide the switch in the opposite direction.
The top can be operated manually in the usual fashion, by sliding and holding the switch until the top cycle completes or as long as desired. Likewise, the ‘double-tap’ switch function to raise or lower the windows also operates normally (consult your SLK owner’s manual).
Speed Interlock
Vario Roof operation is normally inhibited or halted when the car begins moving faster than just a few miles per hour. This can be inconvenient when operating the top at a stoplight when the light changes. The Vario Commander can raise the speed limit at which roof operation is inhibited to 25 mph.
If initiating a top operation while moving, the indicator lamp in the center console may blink momentarily. Hold the switch until blinking stops. Remember that blinking may also indicate a fault such as the luggage cover stowed.
This is an optional feature that can be enabled or disabled by the installer.
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Warning |
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Operating the top while moving presents a potential safety risk. Visibility is restricted while the top is in operation. The convertible top can be damaged if it is operated while the vehicle is moving. The top should not be operated in high winds or over bumpy surfaces while the vehicle is moving. No warranty for safe or damage-free operation of the convertible top while at any speed is expressed or implied. The user assumes all responsibility for safe operation and for any damage or injury that may result. Do not enable this optional feature if you are not willing to assume this responsibility and risk. |
Disabling
To temporarily disable operation of the Bipes Vario Roof Commander, including remote and one-touch operation, open the trunk and stow the luggage cover.
To disable only the BVRC Roof Commander functions, remove the fuse from the fuse holder. All Vario Roof operations, including the speed limit for raising or lowering the top, are restored to normal, as if the BVRC were never installed. Replace the fuse to restore remote, one touch, and at-speed operation.
Alarm
When using the remote to raise the top, the car is locked and the alarm (if equipped) is armed before the top cycle starts. On some vehicles (1998 and earlier), movement of the top appears to set off the alarm. You can avoid this by using the alternate remote key sequence lock-lock-unlock to raise the top. The car will remain unlocked and the alarm disarmed after the top is raised. You can manually lock the car and arm the alarm by pressing lock after the top cycle completes. If you want the BVRC to automatically lock the car and arm the alarm after the top closes via the lock-lock-unlock sequence, you must wire the optional lock connection during installation. Refer to the section Optional Lock Connection in the Installation Instructions.
Safety Features
All standard SLK safety interlocks and features function normally, including
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Trunk lid open
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Luggage cover not in place
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Hydraulic unit over temperature
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Push the center console switch forward or backward at any
time to stop any automatic top operation.
Press Unlock or Lock once on the remote at any time to stop a remote operation.
Operational Note
A fully-charged SLK battery has enough reserve power to operate the Vario Roof several times with the engine (and battery charging system) off. However, repeated operation of the Vario Roof in a short period of time may deplete the battery and overheat the hydraulic unit. Mercedes-Benz has thoughtfully provided safety measures to avoid damage to the Vario Roof systems, excessive drain on the battery, and warn when the battery voltage is too low to operate other systems in the vehicle. Repeated operation of the Vario Roof in a short period of time may result in one or more of the following conditions:
· Blinking indicator lamp in the center console Vario Roof switch
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o Hydraulic unit over temperature
· BAS/ASR warning lamp
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Enjoy your Bipes Vario Roof Commander, but enjoy in moderation.
Summary of operation
Remote control
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Function |
Operation |
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Unlock driver’s door |
Press Unlock once. * |
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Unlock all doors |
Press Unlock twice. * |
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Lower the top and unlock doors |
Press Unlock three times, pausing 1-2 seconds between each
button press. |
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Lock doors |
Press Lock. * |
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Raise the top and windows, lock doors |
Press Lock three times, pausing 1-2 seconds between each
button press. |
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Raise the top and windows, unlock doors |
Press Lock – Lock - Unlock, pausing 1-2 seconds between
each button press. |
* Standard SLK operation
Center Console Switch
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Function |
Operation |
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Lower the top – manual control |
Push the center console switch back and hold. * |
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Lower the top – automatic control |
Push the center console switch back until the lamp lights,
or for ˝ to 2 seconds, then release. |
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Lower the top and raise the windows – automatic control |
Push the center console switch back until the lamp lights, or for ˝ to 2 seconds, then release. Push and release again within a few seconds. Or Push the center console switch back for 2-5 seconds, then
release. |
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Raise the top – manual control |
Push the center console switch forward and hold. * |
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Raise the top – automatic control |
Push the center console switch forward for about 1 second,
then release. |
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Raise the top and windows – automatic control |
Push the center console switch forward until the lamp lights, or for ˝ to 2 seconds, then release. Push and release again within a few seconds. Or Push the center console switch forward for about 3
seconds, then release. |
* Standard SLK operation
Warranty
Bipes Automotive warrants the Bipes Vario Roof Commander to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 90 days. If within 90 days, your BVRC fails to operate, and troubleshooting does not provide a remedy, the BVRC may be returned for repair or replacement at the discretion of the manufacturer, Bipes Automotive. To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this warranty, please return the product with proof of warranty coverage (copy of receipt) and description of defect, transportation prepaid, to
Bipes Automotive
This warranty does not apply to any product that has been damaged through alteration, mishandling, misuse, neglect, or improper installation. The extent of Bipes Automotive's liability under this warranty is limited to the repair or replacement provided above and in no event shall the manufacturer's liability exceed the purchase price paid by the purchaser for the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.