Smart Madness now offers Cruise Control

[jwight]

Originally Posted by SmartieParts

It is what I heard. We were trying to figure out why it really mattered how slow you were going and the explanation was "they" don't want you to be able to safely jump out of a car and still have the accelerator down. Similar reasoning with why the cruise has to shut off if the door opens. Whether it truly has anything to do with explosives or driving a car off a hill (insurance fraud) or whatever... I don't think it is there to protect the wellbeing of the driver. Its to limit damage caused to other things/people once the driver has vacated the premises.

Well, I'd like to see something in writing on that one; even one example would be fine.

[SmartieParts]

Originally Posted by SmartieParts

It is what I heard. We were trying to figure out why it really mattered how slow you were going and the explanation was "they" don't want you to be able to safely jump out of a car and still have the accelerator down. Similar reasoning with why the cruise has to shut off if the door opens. Whether it truly has anything to do with explosives or driving a car off a hill (insurance fraud) or whatever... I don't think it is there to protect the wellbeing of the driver. Its to limit damage caused to other things/people once the driver has vacated the premises.

Originally Posted by jwight

Well, I'd like to see something in writing on that one; even one example would be fine.

Emphasis to my quote added If it somehow matters why these safety features are there, then consider what I said unsubstantiated. Revert to simply, "common sense".

[ibking]

I get a kick out of some people that think that the stalk of thier aftermarket CC should not look aftermarket. Once you install an aftermarket part in or on your Smart, your car is no longer stock, points deducted, bad boy, shame on you. I have aftermarket 17" wheels, exhaust, intake, radio, speakers, and my turbo is on deposit, shame on me. If my stalk was bright red I still would be happy with it and it shows that I HAVE a CC and you don't. After all the Smart is a "look at me car" so have fun with it.

[coppertopolo]

I have a 2009 Passion. I went to the local MB/SmartCar dealership and asked about a cruise control install and the main salesperson told me not to get one installed because Smart was having all kinds of problems with them. I can't believe the Smart dealer was trying to dissuade me from getting one. So a few quick questions.
1) Don't cruise control units work well in a Smart
2) If they do - which is the best (as in least expensive, easiest to install) unit to get.
There is a lot of discussion, but I am confused by the Dealers statement.
Thanks

[SmartMadness]

Originally Posted by coppertopolo

I have a 2009 Passion. I went to the local MB/SmartCar dealership and asked about a cruise control install and the main salesperson told me not to get one installed because Smart was having all kinds of problems with them. I can't believe the Smart dealer was trying to dissuade me from getting one. So a few quick questions.
1) Don't cruise control units work well in a Smart
2) If they do - which is the best (as in least expensive, easiest to install) unit to get.
There is a lot of discussion, but I am confused by the Dealers statement.
Thanks

Interesting...

We offer the MDC Cruise Control Unit and have for over 2 years. We ship this unit to dealers all across the US and Canada and have for a long time. The main Penski Dealerships have and continue to install these unit. I have personally met with the corporate Penski staff, showed them the units and they have never voiced an objection to them being installed. The only thing they stated is that since it is not a factory installed part they could not be help responsible for the unit (which is understandable).

Those that attended the smart car Nationals may have seen me personally do a tutorial on the unit while corporate smart USA staff sat less than 10 feet away from me and showed no objection to the unit being installed in the smart.

The unit we offer is a plug and play unit that makes no permanent modifications to the vehicle and is fully reversible. The only thing we stress is even though the install is easy, you MUST follow directions. As long as you do that you should be fine.

If we can be of assistance please do not hesitate to give us a call at 562-981-6800.

Thank you,
Boris

[jimvw57]

I had the Area451 cruise installed with 900 miles on my car, 2 weeks old, and installed by Steven at Smartieparts during the Wisconsin Dels get together. I have had problems with my car since, and the dealer tried to say it was the cruise. Well it just wasn't true. I was even told the cruise would have to be completely removed before they could replace my transmission. After a good long talk with the service manager, I showed enough proof that the cruise could NOt be the problem, and the jumper plug would easily eliminate the cruise from the circuit. They had no problems programming and checking out the car after the jumper plug was installed.

I was also told by Dave Schembri that the cruise would not affect the warranty. Sadly Dave is no longer with smart, and I am well beyond the warranty. I have only heard of 2 cruise related problems and they were both due to falty installations. Both MDC and Area451 cruises are extremely reliable. Been using mine for 2 years and 42,000 miles.

In addition, the pedal remapping feature (available with both cruise units) is a real fun thing to play with.

[rfernatt]

Originally Posted by coppertopolo

...Don't cruise control units work well in a Smart?....

I installed an Area 451 cruise in my '08 car about 25K miles/18 months ago and it's been fine ever since. I do have the jumper plug if I need to quickly "remove" the unit from the car for diagnosis/testing.

[Smartfor2guy]

I have had the 451 area cruise installed since the first batch came out. I have had absolutely no issues with this unit.

This unit will bump up speed by holding the button in until you reach your desired speed and will decelerate by pushing the activation button once to disengage the control and push the button again once the vehicle has slowed to speed desired.

[coppertopolo]

First, thanks to everyone who has responded to my posting - both publicly and privately. I have found that Smart Car owners are most generous in offering their expertise and experiences to a newbie like me. I looked at the full installation instructions for both units (MDC and Area 451) and it seems like the Area 451 has the better "Installation for Dummies" approach, but the MDC still seems less complicated.
I have contacted the local M-B/Smart Car dealership (fortunately for me, only about 10 minutes away) to see which unit they usually install and for how much. If it is reasonable (like around $600 for the unit and install) I may just let them do it.
I'm still open to words of encouragement from all you "Do It Yourselfers".
I'm small enough (5'6") to get in confined spaces, but when it comes to things electrical - as carefully as I follow instructions (and I am a Technology Director) if it's not computers - the RED light usually comes on. (I know, I can't explain it - the inside of a computer or network install is no problem).
Anyway, I digress.
Thanks again

[GetSmrt28277]

Originally Posted by coppertopolo

First, thanks to everyone who has responded to my posting - both publicly and privately. I have found that Smart Car owners are most generous in offering their expertise and experiences to a newbie like me. I looked at the full installation instructions for both units (MDC and Area 451) and it seems like the Area 451 has the better "Installation for Dummies" approach, but the MDC still seems less complicated.
I have contacted the local M-B/Smart Car dealership (fortunately for me, only about 10 minutes away) to see which unit they usually install and for how much. If it is reasonable (like around $600 for the unit and install) I may just let them do it.
I'm still open to words of encouragement from all you "Do It Yourselfers".
I'm small enough (5'6") to get in confined spaces, but when it comes to things electrical - as carefully as I follow instructions (and I am a Technology Director) if it's not computers - the RED light usually comes on. (I know, I can't explain it - the inside of a computer or network install is no problem).
Anyway, I digress.
Thanks again

I agree there are some awesome members on this site that will offer their expertise to help another smartie or smartie-wanna-be. There will be a number of owners with CC that will be in Orlando next weekend at the Anniversary event. If you can, come on down and talk them one-on-one and see the units, even if just for one of the 2 days. It's just a couple hours away!