I was a bit concerned about doing this, as I hadn't found any third party corroboration of how well it would work. But it sounded too cool to pass up (show me a Porsche that does this!) so I bit the bullet and went to Luxury Motorworks in Monrovia, CA. Owner Steve Larkin was a service tech at Longo Lexus and is quite professional, courteous and accomadating. Apparently he has this product built to his specs and ships it for others to install as well as doing installs in his small but clean shop.

HOW THE TOP WORKS:

Hold the unlock button on the remote for three seconds until you hear a loud beep. Release and the top opens or closes as is appropriate. The engine can be on or off, if it is off the car goes into the accessory mode (dash lights and stereo come on) until shortly after the cycle is complete.

ADDED BONUS:

If you hit the power window button within 30 seconds of turning the car off the top will close on its own while you exit the car.

CAVEAT:

If you have the headlights in auto mode (and it is dark) they will not turn off automatically after you use this system unless you pull on the driver's handle after the cycle is complete (not very practical). Solution is turning the lights off manually.

HOW THE STARTER WORKS:

Press the lock button three times within three seconds and the car starts. You must then use the key in the door lock to open the car (remote is disabled when engine is running). Insert the key and turn it on within fifteen minutes or the car stops.

ADDED BONUS:

If you change your mind, turn the key to the left in the driver's door and the engine stops.

CAVEAT:

If you press the brake pedal before turning the key on the engine will stop.

THE INSTALL:

Steve installs a small electronics box and in order to do the remote start must also install your credit card key chip. It was easy to schedule and took about 2 hours. Steve lent me a car to go have lunch in Monrovia while he did it. Nothing shows inside the car and he assured me it is easily removed. So far it has performed flawlessly (but I only got it this morning).

MY TAKE:

I'm not sure I'll really use the remote starter very often. Having to use the key to open the car probably negates any practical benefits it may have, so it's purely there for the "WOW!" factor. Steve says he is developing a system where you will be able to still unlock with the remote but that is well into the future.

The remote top is GREAT and practical. No more sitting in the car waiting for the top, plus it's a thrill to watch that beautiful top fold or unfold (you don't see it from the driver's seat) and innocent bywatchers are in awe! I doubt I will ever again use the button on the dash. Total cost was $750 installed.

FOR THE RECORD:

I know there was some question about earlier posts regarding this. I have no affiliation with Longo or Luxury Motorworks except being a paying customer. I am currently quite satisfied with both. But if either one violates that satisfaction I will let you all know. I am a very demanding customer.www.luxurymotorworks.com

 

Sounds very nice. I wish I lived in Cali so I can get it done. Love the WOW factor.

 

Steve claims he ships it around the country with install instructions and owners with basic electrical knowledge install it themselves. Personally, I'll work on my house and my boat but I wouldn't touch the electrical in the Lexus. But maybe you have a local car alarm shop that could do it.

 

Cost? Thanks.

 

I paid $750 installed. I don't know what the parts only cost is but it was 2 hours of labor.

 

I still like the system, BUT FYI I have realized that you can't run the top with the engine running, and if you want to use remote start and retract the top you can't do it until the top is through it's cycle. Plus (I don't know if there is a technical explanation for this) it seems that you have to be closer to the the car to get the remote top to work than is required to use unlock.

 

Went on my first date with the new electronics. "She" (a Santa Barbara M.D.) was unimpressed with the remote top, but the remote starting blew her away. Go figure.

 

I think the remote top is by far the coolest mod. About how far can you "drop the top"? If you leave a Walgreens and parked 50 feet. away will it work? I guess my question really is does it have the same distance reach as unlocking the doors. I believe I can unlock my dorrs from 50 feet.

 

If I have a clear view of the windshield, I too can unlock my doors from 50 feet. The remote top and starter seem to require me to get 10 to 20 feet closer. I'm not sure why.

I have also learned that if you want to lower the top first and then use the remote starter you can't do it until the top cycle is complete (windows all the way up). On the plus side, if you're windows are down and you want to help a companion into the car you can use the remote starter and then unlock the passenger side by reaching in to the inner handle. Of course this is a reminder that the alarm doesn't work on this car with the top down. Not something I like as in Santa Barbara I like to park it top down.

 

yeah, steve did mine too... i really like it....

finally got mich pilots, love the tires.... much nicer and quieter ride....

j.rho

 

I'm currious how many Steve has done? I know he did Gene Arch, Jim Rho. myself, MLSC430 (the sponsored prototype car). Anyone else? Any feelings?

Hey Jim Glad you got the Pilots. I'm still looking for nonchrome star caps at less than dealer cost.

 

Good for the winter too...for us east coast guys...