An option on the 996 which has been disabled on the (US) 997's was the ability to lower the windows and roof (on a cab) with the key in the drivers side door lock. The dealer confirmed that for US safety issues this option has been disabled.

Anyone know of a fix to get this working? Or better yet the ability to do this from the (or a new) remote?

 

That doesn't make any sense. My 740i (sold long ago) had that windows feature.

 

Is your 740i a cab?

I find the key operation of the top to be quite useful when I want to install the windstop without getting into the car. Also, closing of the top without getting into the car is nice as it allows full view of the top mechanism during operations. I think you'll have to wait until the smart top version of 997 becomes available. At least you can operate top on the go - my 02 cab can't and I'm afraid to do so in risk the alignment of the top.