avic n3 problems with infrared

Looking for a possible solution here.  We recently installed into a BMW M3 convertable (06), the Pioneer AVIC-N3.  With it we did a steering wheel control system that allows the use of the audio portion of the factory controls on the steering wheel.  This works by way of an infra-red transmitter, that is placed insight with the radio's own infra red input.  The customer has now discovered that with the top down, the steering wheel will not work the radio.  Due of course to all the wonderful infra red light being supplied by the sun.  He wants me to move the transmitter for the steering wheel, but I have been thinking that the problem is not with the transmitter but with the radio's own receiver being blinded by the sun beating down on it. 

Any thoughts, inputs or suggestions would be grateful.

Thanks

direct sunlight usually does kill i/r signal range.  its right in every manual for every I/R repeater setup that ive ever installed in a home.  where is the emitter located now?  if you move it closer to the radio's I/R eye, it will most likely help alot.

you could grab a pioneer remote and hold it in the spot that you would relocate the emitter, just to prove it before you move the emitter.