[khp3655]

Hello all,

As I cruise through these forums as a newbie, I have seen a few posts about people getting the emergency brake switch confused with the convertible top switch. Is this a real problem, or more of a "they look the same and pulling the wrong one at the wrong time" is going to happen to some/most of us at one time or another?

Does this mistake happen in real driving conditions? With the top limited to 30mph, it seems that pulling the e-brake would be more of an "oops" than a disaster.

I have seen a metal plate sticker on eBay one could put over the e-brake, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts?

[Balr14]

I think it is mostly hypothetical. I have never got them confused. But I typically look at every button before I push it. I'm old, I forget things.

[ZZZ4 G29]

Not necessary at all. After a couple weeks you get used to it and muscle memory takes over. It’s analogous to a car radio with a volume and tuning knob next to each other. Nobody accidentally changes the station when they intended to increase the volume.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by khp3655

Hello all,

As I cruise through these forums as a newbie, I have seen a few posts about people getting the emergency brake switch confused with the convertible top switch. Is this a real problem, or more of a "they look the same and pulling the wrong one at the wrong time" is going to happen to some/most of us at one time or another?

Does this mistake happen in real driving conditions? With the top limited to 30mph, it seems that pulling the e-brake would be more of an "oops" than a disaster.

I have seen a metal plate sticker on eBay one could put over the e-brake, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts?

LOL. I've done this a couple times. I've had it for about a month now, and was a bit of muscle memory coming from my previous convertible (a MB). It's not a big deal. Once I did it going about 5 mph, and once I did it going about 25. When I was going 5 it was more jarring and went right to the brake, when I was going 25 it seemed to just cut the throttle at first, and I couldn't tell if the brake applied or it applied lightly.

I don't think using an accessory should be necessary - I'd like to think we can still learn a few things.

[MisanoblueZ4]

A month into ownership and no mistakes so far, I really only put top up or down when parked so I’m not futzing blindly with the roof controls. I don’t see it as a problem, don’t even think I’ve seen anyone admit to messing up while in motion.

Anyone know if “Hey BMW” voice control works for roof?

[Horseman]

2.5 years I’ve driven a Z4 and have not yet gotten them mixed up. I just always put my hand to the far side of the console and work my way back and pull the first lever. Honestly, I agree those two buttons shouldn’t be so close. But I also don’t agree with the start stop being right next to the drive kids and auto on/off buttons either.

[khp3655]

Thanks for all the answers. I guess it is something to be aware of, but not something to worry about.

[Bimmerfun82]

I’ve done it a few times at low speeds. Usually when I’m distracted.

[PSQ777]

Originally Posted by khp3655

Hello all,

As I cruise through these forums as a newbie, I have seen a few posts about people getting the emergency brake switch confused with the convertible top switch. Is this a real problem, or more of a "they look the same and pulling the wrong one at the wrong time" is going to happen to some/most of us at one time or another?

Does this mistake happen in real driving conditions? With the top limited to 30mph, it seems that pulling the e-brake would be more of an "oops" than a disaster.

I have seen a metal plate sticker on eBay one could put over the e-brake, but is it really necessary?

Thoughts?

It's really not necessary. I've never had an issue with it, the brake is the closest button (RHD). But I still need to work on muscle memory for the Sport and Adaptive buttons. I struggle to hit those without a glance.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Its hard to think that the controls could be confused. They are on opposite sides of the switch panel.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Its hard to think that the controls could be confused. They are on opposite sides of the switch panel.

Exactly, it isn’t like the flush buttons on top of a toilet.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

Exactly, it isn’t like the flush buttons on top of a toilet.

Whoa!! Just did one of the bathrooms over & the new toilet has exactly that thing on top. Just like those car companies taking the shifter out of the cars.

What's wrong with a nice handle? If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by BEAR-AvHistory

Whoa!! Just did one of the bathrooms over & the new toilet has exactly that thing on top. Just like those car companies taking the shifter out of the cars.

What's wrong with a nice handle? If it ain't broke don't fix it.

The price you pay for water conservation.

[GerryC]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

The price you pay for water conservation.

But you don't have to. I have toilets with a traditional lever but with an improved valve that unlike a flapper will close immediately when you release the lever. So you have complete control over how much water is used just by how long you hold the lever down.

And to get back on topic, I haven't had any issues with the two switches being adjacent to each other.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

A month into ownership and no mistakes so far, I really only put top up or down when parked so I’m not futzing blindly with the roof controls. I don’t see it as a problem, don’t even think I’ve seen anyone admit to messing up while in motion.

Anyone know if “Hey BMW” voice control works for roof?

You only put the top up or down when parked?

Once you put the top up or down while driving, I bet you will never do that again.

It's probably one of the most convenient features in modern convertibles.

[Matthewstorm]

When I first got my car I hit the brake switch more times than I can count.

[stlcdr]

There’s a button to put the roof up?!

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by BlankProc

You only put the top up or down when parked?

Once you put the top up or down while driving, I bet you will never do that again.

It's probably one of the most convenient features in modern convertibles.

I have while on the road a few times but generally before setting off or once back home the top goes up/down.
And I’m probably being overly careful but rather not subject the top mechanism to wind buffetting or road imperfections during its operation.

Not to mention 6+ years of owning a NC Miata PRHT that ONLY worked when at a complete stop is ingrained in my muscle memory 😆

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

Not to mention 6+ years of owning a NC Miata PRHT that ONLY worked when at a complete stop is ingrained in my muscle memory 😆

So you are a victim of the Miata syndrome?

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

So you are a victim of the Miata syndrome?

Might take a little while to pass it

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Originally Posted by stlcdr

There’s a button to put the roof up?!

Yeah but it has an ECU lock-out. Only works when snow or rain is present.

[BlankProc]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

I have while on the road a few times but generally before setting off or once back home the top goes up/down.
And I’m probably being overly careful but rather not subject the top mechanism to wind buffetting or road imperfections during its operation.

Not to mention 6+ years of owning a NC Miata PRHT that ONLY worked when at a complete stop is ingrained in my muscle memory ��

To each their own! Being overly careful in my opinion for probably one of the most convenient functions of the car.

On my previous convertible, a MB E450, I used it all the way up to the 37mph limit. Zero issues, traded it in at 22k miles.

Same so far on the new Z4, and tested over driveway dips, on windy days, up to 30mph, etc. No problems.