This is a really useful tip, so many thanks! I picked up my Spyder earlier this week, and only had a brief opportunity to get the roof down on the journey home. The normal process, without your hack is definitely a pain!
U.S.-based 718 Spyder Fix. Thanks Andreas for an awesome video. It is well known that in U.S. based cars the close with the remote does not work. i spent a few hours with the lead mechanic at Porsche today and he was nice enough to take a hard look at this in the GUI. What he saw was that there are three options "Convertible Top Comfort Close" "Roof System Comfort Close" and "Window System Comfort Close" all in the owner preferences section of the GUI. There are similarly, the same three options, but ending in "Open." By default, my '21 718 Spyder came with Convertible Top Comfort Open selected "on", but no other features selected on. After trying a combination of all the various options, we could get the opening with the remote (default) and latching the roof closed with the remote (pressing the lock button, then pressing and holding the lock button). However, even after the roof latched locked, the windows stayed half opened and did not close. If the Convertible Top Comfort Close is selected off and the Window System Comfort Close is selected on, the windows close using the remote, but the latch does not lock. Selecting both Convertible Top Comfort Close and Window System Comfort Close resulted in both not working. Seems strange that we could get one or other there to close, but not both! Andreas Fabbe, if you are up for it, would really appreciate your dealer letting us know what series of options are selected in the GUI to get this to work!
It’s more about the inconvenience of having to crawl in to the car to make the roof ready or close it the last part rather than saving time. :) At least for me
Thanks for the great, helpful tip! I wonder why I have not yet come up with it myself. I wonder though if it's as easy to do when closing. I have made the experience, if I do not push the hood forward with my hand and hold the close button at the same time, it always works only on the second try. It seems as if the hook then grasps the roof. What is your experience when closing?
So the unlock tip works great. BUT on my Spyder holding the lock button folds the mirrors and doesn’t latch the roof. Any ideas on how to change that???
Doesn’t work on my 981 Boxster S. Unlocked remotely and then held down unlock button and top does not go down. Bummer, but when I pay this one off I’m trading it in on a 718 Spyder so no worries. Still appreciate the tip.
You know what's easier? Buying a Boxster GTS or 25. One touch power roof and you get the 4.0L engine and nicer ride. The humps of the Spyder look better but I'll take the trade off. I bought the 25.
Andreas thank you for posting this, I love my new Spyder but I detest the manual roof. If I could do it all over again I would order the 2020 Boxster GTS.
I find it is easy. Takes about 30 seconds. I have had a couple of Lotus Elises which have roofs that are difficult to use. Sometimes when the Spyder is brand new the roof is a bit tight when putting it back up but after using it a few times it works fine. The Spyder is a special car. The drive is fantastic and the looks are sublime especially the rear. If I wanted a daily driver for commuting that was more convenient then I might consider the 4.0 GTS but for absolute driving pleasure and theatre the Spyder wins hands down.
Remember, Spyders are supposed to be lightweight sport cars. The manual top saves about 28 lbs, if I remember correctly. My 2016 has nylon inner door pulls and, although I opted for the larger gas tank, they are spec’d with a 10 gallon tank. The GTS was probably the best choice for you; Spyders aren’t meant to be highly optioned cars. The Lexus RC F weighs slightly more than 4000; the Cayman GTS is 3166; my little 2016 Spyder comes in just over 2850. The difference in weight between the GTS and Spyder is like driving around with a 316 pound girlfriend.
Well I think if you're lucky enough to own a car like this you shouldn't be complaining about any aspect of the car , particularly the roof, it's very well known that it is more time consuming than a Boxster. I think you're missing the point of the Spyder.
@@stephenauty3370 I'm not lucky as I earned my money. I know the point of the car, I'm not stupid or I'd be driving a car like yours. Thankfully I'm not.
I didn't say you were stupid and I didn't mean you were lucky in that you won the lottery or something...sell the Spyder (you won't have lost money) and buy a GTS. I don't have a car either.
@@WheelsToys Thanks for the tip Andreas. Same result here....in the U.S., opening hack works great, but the closing hack does not work. Any details about the "activation"?
There's something very special in this car with manual roof, manual gearbox.. Feels like you're in control. But still why such a roof can't be automatic ? I mean with same Spyder styling.
I had the same thoughts, until I lifted that big hatch in the back. ;) But to be frank. They should have looked at Ferrari and opened it the other way then used the hard pieces from the Speedster. Would have worked. But thats what makes it one of the lightest cars from Porsche. :)
Is the car available with an electrically operated roof? I live somewhere with unpredictable weather, and this whole operation would be a pain... Please let me know, thanks!
No, you'd just have to get a Boxster GTS 4.0. It's the same engine and transmission but with a slightly less aggressive suspension set up (oversimplified). Hope that helps!
Excellent tip!! I’ve just ordered my new 718 Spyder, already with the PDK, after much thinking between passion (718 Spyder) vs logic (992 Carrera Cabriolet). Thanks!
Andreas how do you like the Spyder so far? Your seats look awesome, was that a factory option? Changing the seat inserts from the factory isn't available in the US.
@@WheelsToys thanks so much for the response... I ordered mine (finally got an allocation) but it won't arrive until February. I am literally holding my breath until it gets here! 😂
I am in the process to replace my car (Jaguar F-Type convertible). The finalist is exactly the 718 Spyder because I love its design, especially the rear section. So what's the obstacle to the next step? It's about the soft top. When I learned that it's MANUAL I was deeply disappointed. I was even imagining that, after buying that car, Porsche would eventually discontinue that model by introducing a 718 Spyder with a powered soft top. It would feel betrayed and, on top, the car would see a steep depreciation. Frankly, I don't understand how Porsche can make a mistake of that magnitude.
I completely understand you. I was also amazed how they could not have fixed the roof. BUT it is not as annoying as you might think. I would rather say that the insulation is the worst thing. Highway speed with the roof up and there is a lot of sound in the cabin. Almost more than with the roof down. If you have not seen it, have a look at my video regarding folding the roof. It is quick, even thou you have to stop to do it. Ill link it down below: th-cam.com/video/rsb0ig7YuHc/w-d-xo.html
@@Dr.APARICIO Are you located in America? I heard somewhere that it doesn’t work on Spyder’s sold in the USA. Must be a different set up if this is true?
@@Cars-and-Things I live in pamplona , Spain. I ask my dealer why I can not do the same and they are looking into it. hope I can solve the little inconvenient .
Not sure what I am doing here!! I don't even have a car !! But interesting thing to know ,yeah that is annoying if I had the same car. I will make sure I buy a lambo or ferrari or maybe stick to public transportation
These aren’t “hacks” per se, it’s the way the top was engineered to operate. If they didn’t show you this when you took delivery of the car, then they didn’t do their job. These Spyders are, in my opinion, the best true sport cars on the road; congratulations on owning one!
Why in earth does this car not have a fully automatic top?!?! I’ve owned a dozen convertibles. Only my first 2 ( Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Nissan 350Z Roadster) many years ago had an interior latch that needed to be manually unlocked/locked. It’s a shame because the Spyder top down looks better than regular Boxster.
Not a hack though is it ? Porsche designed it to do that , maybe you were one of few lucky owners the sales person took time to show the features this car has from the factory. BTW looks too low at the front.
Great tip! Now I just need a spyder
😂
😂😂
This is a really useful tip, so many thanks!
I picked up my Spyder earlier this week, and only had a brief opportunity to get the roof down on the journey home. The normal process, without your hack is definitely a pain!
Thank you, Will help very much. You are the 1st to show us this method, Well Done.
Great tips, thank you! Will pickup my 718 Spyder next week!
U.S.-based 718 Spyder Fix. Thanks Andreas for an awesome video. It is well known that in U.S. based cars the close with the remote does not work. i spent a few hours with the lead mechanic at Porsche today and he was nice enough to take a hard look at this in the GUI. What he saw was that there are three options "Convertible Top Comfort Close" "Roof System Comfort Close" and "Window System Comfort Close" all in the owner preferences section of the GUI. There are similarly, the same three options, but ending in "Open." By default, my '21 718 Spyder came with Convertible Top Comfort Open selected "on", but no other features selected on. After trying a combination of all the various options, we could get the opening with the remote (default) and latching the roof closed with the remote (pressing the lock button, then pressing and holding the lock button). However, even after the roof latched locked, the windows stayed half opened and did not close. If the Convertible Top Comfort Close is selected off and the Window System Comfort Close is selected on, the windows close using the remote, but the latch does not lock. Selecting both Convertible Top Comfort Close and Window System Comfort Close resulted in both not working. Seems strange that we could get one or other there to close, but not both! Andreas Fabbe, if you are up for it, would really appreciate your dealer letting us know what series of options are selected in the GUI to get this to work!
saving this to try when i get home, thanks!
Can you please advise what the GUI is? I have the same problem with my car in Australia. The close with the remote does not work
Nice hint! It saves me 5 seconds out of the 3 minutes required to take the top down and secured. What a saving!
It’s more about the inconvenience of having to crawl in to the car to make the roof ready or close it the last part rather than saving time. :) At least for me
This is a standard feature on all Boxsters. It’s not a trick or hack, it’s a feature.
OMG best looking Porsche at the moment even looking better dimensions than the 991 Speedster
Very useful tip thank you!
Good video, now I still just need to buy the car. piece of cake.
Great tip! How about the best was to fold the roof ends.
Looking for a gear ratio “hack” to make the gear ratios proper.
Thanks for the great, helpful tip! I wonder why I have not yet come up with it myself. I wonder though if it's as easy to do when closing. I have made the experience, if I do not push the hood forward with my hand and hold the close button at the same time, it always works only on the second try. It seems as if the hook then grasps the roof. What is your experience when closing?
how can 6 people hate this? This is a win. Great tip!
Thanks - good to know. By the way: great seats with pepita fabric!
Works with the 981 Spyder too.
Nice pattern on the seat, did you order this way from factory? Beautiful car, enjoy it in good health 😀
Great tip, I am definitely going to give this a try. Was this in the owner’s manual or did you just stumble upon this?
So the unlock tip works great. BUT on my Spyder holding the lock button folds the mirrors and doesn’t latch the roof. Any ideas on how to change that???
Hade koll på att man kunde öppna med nyckeln, men visste inte man kunde stänga med den också. Nice! Ses på vägarna!
Doesn’t work on my 981 Boxster S. Unlocked remotely and then held down unlock button and top does not go down. Bummer, but when I pay this one off I’m trading it in on a 718 Spyder so no worries. Still appreciate the tip.
your car colour taste is way better
I don't own one... but it's good to know. I'm the type who reads the entire owners manual... It's probably in there somewhere.
You know what's easier? Buying a Boxster GTS or 25. One touch power roof and you get the 4.0L engine and nicer ride. The humps of the Spyder look better but I'll take the trade off. I bought the 25.
Congrats to a beautiful car John! Nicer ride is subjective, smoother yes, better? Not according to how I use the Spyder. 🥰
That looks like Gustavsburg or at least somewhere near it.
Thanks a bundle. Good Job
Andreas thank you for posting this, I love my new Spyder but I detest the manual roof. If I could do it all over again I would order the 2020 Boxster GTS.
I find it is easy. Takes about 30 seconds. I have had a couple of Lotus Elises which have roofs that are difficult to use. Sometimes when the Spyder is brand new the roof is a bit tight when putting it back up but after using it a few times it works fine. The Spyder is a special car. The drive is fantastic and the looks are sublime especially the rear. If I wanted a daily driver for commuting that was more convenient then I might consider the 4.0 GTS but for absolute driving pleasure and theatre the Spyder wins hands down.
Remember, Spyders are supposed to be lightweight sport cars. The manual top saves about 28 lbs, if I remember correctly. My 2016 has nylon inner door pulls and, although I opted for the larger gas tank, they are spec’d with a 10 gallon tank. The GTS was probably the best choice for you; Spyders aren’t meant to be highly optioned cars. The Lexus RC F weighs slightly more than 4000; the Cayman GTS is 3166; my little 2016 Spyder comes in just over 2850. The difference in weight between the GTS and Spyder is like driving around with a 316 pound girlfriend.
Well I think if you're lucky enough to own a car like this you shouldn't be complaining about any aspect of the car , particularly the roof, it's very well known that it is more time consuming than a Boxster. I think you're missing the point of the Spyder.
@@stephenauty3370 I'm not lucky as I earned my money. I know the point of the car, I'm not stupid or I'd be driving a car like yours. Thankfully I'm not.
I didn't say you were stupid and I didn't mean you were lucky in that you won the lottery or something...sell the Spyder (you won't have lost money) and buy a GTS. I don't have a car either.
Great tip and video! How loud is the vehicle when you are driving with the roof closed?
Was the hounds tooth insert available through the regular order process?
I Will get mine next week. One question please, is this car usefull also to drive long distance by motorway ? Thanks.
Except in the US where we can’t put the roof up or down via the remote
Good stuff. Start at 2:15
Thanks for this video! I’m in the USA and the opening hack works well, However the closing hack doesn’t seem to work! Any tips?
@@WheelsToys Thanks for the tip Andreas. Same result here....in the U.S., opening hack works great, but the closing hack does not work. Any details about the "activation"?
There's something very special in this car with manual roof, manual gearbox..
Feels like you're in control.
But still why such a roof can't be automatic ? I mean with same Spyder styling.
I had the same thoughts, until I lifted that big hatch in the back. ;) But to be frank. They should have looked at Ferrari and opened it the other way then used the hard pieces from the Speedster. Would have worked. But thats what makes it one of the lightest cars from Porsche. :)
Is that not in the manual?
Great nice to know, have one on order .
Are you sure you have to press it once before keeping it pressed? I'm not!
To open i have no problem to close it i do exactly what you do i press the lock button and nothing happen
Is the car available with an electrically operated roof? I live somewhere with unpredictable weather, and this whole operation would be a pain... Please let me know, thanks!
No, you'd just have to get a Boxster GTS 4.0. It's the same engine and transmission but with a slightly less aggressive suspension set up (oversimplified). Hope that helps!
I did tried with the key but mi key doesn't open the roof or the truck the way yours does , why?
I have a brand new 718 Spyder 2020
it be region specific, for example in N.A such convenience mechanisms are disabled to avoid stupid litigious people getting hurt and suing Porsche
Excellent tip!! I’ve just ordered my new 718 Spyder, already with the PDK, after much thinking between passion (718 Spyder) vs logic (992 Carrera Cabriolet). Thanks!
awesome tip! Thanks!
Nice. All I need now is the car.
Andreas how do you like the Spyder so far? Your seats look awesome, was that a factory option? Changing the seat inserts from the factory isn't available in the US.
@@WheelsToys thanks so much for the response... I ordered mine (finally got an allocation) but it won't arrive until February. I am literally holding my breath until it gets here! 😂
Fantastico , 1000 grazie 👍
I am in the process to replace my car (Jaguar F-Type convertible). The finalist is exactly the 718 Spyder because I love its design, especially the rear section. So what's the obstacle to the next step? It's about the soft top. When I learned that it's MANUAL I was deeply disappointed. I was even imagining that, after buying that car, Porsche would eventually discontinue that model by introducing a 718 Spyder with a powered soft top. It would feel betrayed and, on top, the car would see a steep depreciation. Frankly, I don't understand how Porsche can make a mistake of that magnitude.
I completely understand you. I was also amazed how they could not have fixed the roof. BUT it is not as annoying as you might think. I would rather say that the insulation is the worst thing. Highway speed with the roof up and there is a lot of sound in the cabin. Almost more than with the roof down. If you have not seen it, have a look at my video regarding folding the roof. It is quick, even thou you have to stop to do it. Ill link it down below:
th-cam.com/video/rsb0ig7YuHc/w-d-xo.html
I tried this on my Spyder and it works. Thank you👍
not on mi Spyder and I don't know why?
@@Dr.APARICIO Are you located in America? I heard somewhere that it doesn’t work on Spyder’s sold in the USA. Must be a different set up if this is true?
@@Cars-and-Things I live in pamplona , Spain. I ask my dealer why I can not do the same and they are looking into it. hope I can solve the little inconvenient .
@@Cars-and-Things PROBLEM SOLVED- KEY CONFIGURATION-THANKS
@@Dr.APARICIO key configuration that the owner can setup, or only the dealer?
Not sure what I am doing here!! I don't even have a car !! But interesting thing to know ,yeah that is annoying if I had the same car. I will make sure I buy a lambo or ferrari or maybe stick to public transportation
Thank you.
Nice!
Are you using it as a daily driver?
@@WheelsToys I was wondering how the roof top hold up under rainy conditions
@@WheelsToys awesome! Thanks
Awesome... I didn’t know these! thank you
Nice 👍 Ride
oh thanks you more easy in that way... thnaks !
Very helpful, can't wait to try it out! Thank you.
That’s an Euro feature. I don’t believe the remote can be coded to do that in America.
Thanks!
it seems that you read the owners manual
Basically
Danke
Beautiful hack
These aren’t “hacks” per se, it’s the way the top was engineered to operate. If they didn’t show you this when you took delivery of the car, then they didn’t do their job. These Spyders are, in my opinion, the best true sport cars on the road; congratulations on owning one!
Basically, said 103 times
Right. would it have killed them to just make it automatic with a button. Smh Porsche.
Porsche should have made this automatic!
whauoo , great secret
For fuck sake, the only reason im not buying it is bcos of the roof. What was Porsche designers thinking.
it is time for the germans to learn from mazda mx 5! for once they will learn how to make best roof
Well, that was 4 and a half minutes of my life totally wasted... .
So you don’t own a 718 Spyder!
Goode job i just by it
Why in earth does this car not have a fully automatic top?!?! I’ve owned a dozen convertibles. Only my first 2 ( Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Nissan 350Z Roadster) many years ago had an interior latch that needed to be manually unlocked/locked.
It’s a shame because the Spyder top down looks better than regular Boxster.
Not a hack though is it ? Porsche designed it to do that , maybe you were one of few lucky owners the sales person took time to show the features this car has from the factory.
BTW looks too low at the front.
❤️🔥
WHY is this roof such a CRAPPY DESIGN. I WILL GET WET.
Bad design
With a car that costs over 100k what you really want is a roof that puts itself away without all the manual faffing. Simple answer is buy a 718 GTS.