In addition to introducing newer, more sophisticated hardware and quicker CPUs to accommodate new capabilities, BMW is always working on iDrive interface updates. Each BMW’s iDrive system (or head unit, which is its key component) determines not just whether or not these amenities are there, but also the car’s price. A 200 GB hard drive or full screen zoom for video playback may not be absolutely necessary for you in some cases when the financial disparity is that great.
However, there are some significant differences between the iDrive models that will actually matter for a driver who enjoys using the car’s system to stream music from numerous devices, watch movies on the BMW display, or utilize their preferred smartphone apps. Additionally, you are not forced to use your current system if something is missing.
Fortunately, there are aftermarket options available, such as the navigation retrofits offered by BMW Tech, that let you improve the iDrive for a fair price. However, you must first identify what you now have and the features offered by your current iDrive in order to know how to retrofit it and what you will receive with the new system. So, how can you find out what version of iDrive your BMW has?
NOTICE: This manual is intended for BMWs with the Navigation System Professional (S609A) and Live Cockpit Professional (S6U3A). Visit the free VIN decoder and enter your VIN to see if your car has it. You will notice option S609A in Vehicle Options if you have it. If you have a lighter version of pro nav, options like S6UNA, S6UPA, or S606A are available. Our blog entry on the fundamental BMW navigation systems has more information about it.
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System identification for BMW
In many of today’s BMW vehicles, the majority of secondary vehicle systems are managed by the iDrive computer system.
This is iDrive in “CCC” form. It was in service until roughly 2009 (year varies by car type), when the “CIC” version, which is illustrated below, took its place. A map DVD from Navteq is used in a dedicated DVD drive for CCC-based systems. The following vehicles use CCC iDrive:
- 1-Series E81, E82, E87, and E88 > 2009
- 2008 3-Series E90, E91, E92, and E93
- E60/E61 5-Series > 2008 > 2009
- E63/E64 6-Series > 2008 > 2009
- 2010 X5 Series E70
- X6 E71
IDrive “CIC” is available here. It superseded the “CCC” version and was first made available in 2009 (the exact year depends on the car model). TeleAtlas maps, which are installed on an internal hard drive, are used by CIC-based systems (HDD).
- E81/E82/E87/E88 from 1-Series in 2009 >
- 3-Series E90, E91, E92, and E93, 2009 >
- E60/E61 of the 5-Series, 2009 >
- 5-Series F07, F10, and F11, 2009 >
- 2009 6-Series E63/E64 >
- 9/2008 7-Series F01/F02 >
- X5 E70 09/2009 >
This is iDrive’s most recent release, code-named “NBT.” It replaced the “CIC” version that is displayed above and was made available for 2013 model automobiles (the year varies by vehicle model). While it has a similar aesthetic to the CIC model, it is more detailed, with finer colors, and a 3D feel. The menu options will let you know if you have CIC or NTB if you’re unsure. NBT highlights the entire line in red, whereas CIC only utilizes a red box outline.
- F20/F21 of 1 Series
- F22/F23 2-Series
- 3-Series F30, F31, F34, and F80
- 4-Series F32, F33, and F36
- 5-Series F10, F11, and F18
- 6-Series F06, F12, and F13
- 7-Series F01, F02, and F03
- X3 F25
- X4 F26
- X5 F15/F85
- X6 F16/F86
- i3
- i8
The most recent iteration of iDrive is called “NBT EVO.” It was debuted around June of last year.
Does My BMW Navigation System Have a CIC, NBT, or NBT Evo?
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS GUIDE IS FOR BMWS WITH PROFESSIONAL NAVIGATION (S609A). Visit free VIN decoder and enter your VIN to see if your vehicle possesses it. You will notice option S609A in Vehicle Options if you have it. If you have a lighter version of pro nav, options like S6UNA, S6UPA, or S606A are available.
Quick summary of BMW iDrive
Since the commencement of manufacturing in 2001, BMW vehicles have been using the iDrive control and communication technology.
The iDrive’s goal is to integrate all cabin control features into a single system with a central computer that manages numerous peripherals and is usually referred to as “navigation” (bluetooth modules, video units, radio tuner etc). A joystick-like controller is positioned between the two front seats and an LCD monitor in the dashboard serve as the user interface. You may access the front panel of the iDrive main computer, which typically sits in the dashboard and has a few control buttons (see figure 1 below).
The iDrive computer can be a CCC (Car Communication Computer), CIC (Car Information Computer), or Next Best Thing (NBT), to mention just a few of the most well-known, depending on your car’s model and year. We’ll go into more detail about these computers later.
The driver and front passenger can operate the navigation system, communication system, audio, lights, and video through the iDrive (like bluetooth calls).
Since Rolls Royce is a brand owned by BMW, it also employs the iDrive system. And the Mini automobiles, another BMW brand, use a “Connected” version of the iDrive system.
2, Check the connector for the LVDS.
We advise removing the old screen to examine the LVDS connector because it may be 4 Pin or 6 Pin for some car types, particularly for cars with CIC and those produced in 2012–2014.
The CIC should typically have 4 PIN LVDS, but some unique autos have 6 PIN LVDS instead!
If you order the incorrect Android screen for these car types, it cannot be installed in the vehicle (the LVDS connector is different). In order to examine the LVDS connector and ensure that the car is compatible, it is best to remove the dashboard.
How can I tell what model of BMW iDrive I have?
The iDrive system’s navigation is a crucial component that makes getting from A to B simple. But since roads and sites of interest constantly change, it’s critical to maintain your BMW’s GPS maps updated if you want to get the most out of your iDrive.
Many of the most recent BMW models include over-the-air (OTA) map updates, which use the vehicle’s integrated SIM card to automatically download the most recent map data. The procedure in these automobiles is comparable to updating your smartphone to the most recent iOS or Android version; all you have to do is restart your car after your iDrive has downloaded the data.
For vehicles that do not allow OTA updates, a manual upgrade is necessary. Previously, updating BMW navigation maps required changing a DVD holding the map data. More newer vehicles include built-in hard drives that hold the data, allowing you to update your map by overwriting the hard drive’s contents. You can accomplish this with BMW by connecting a USB stick with the updated map data to the USB port in your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to determine which map version you need, which relies on your iDrive system, before purchasing a new BMW map. Use the settings menu when your iDrive navigation is open to navigate to “Navigation system version,” where you can see the region, version, and year of your current GPS data.
Has my BMW been upgraded to Windows 7?
With extensive updates like new mapping functions, wireless Android Auto, and support for Apple’s future iOS 14 iPhone Digital Key feature, BMW is getting ready to unleash its greatest infotainment upgrade to date. Beginning with the new 5 Series in July 2020, new cars will come preloaded with the BMW Operating System 7. However, many current owners can anticipate it as well.
BMW claims that the roll-out will begin in Q3 2020, however as of yet, it hasn’t disclosed a list of automobiles that will be OS 7 compatible for the general public. It will be provided as a free over-the-air upgrade to those who are supported. The newly expanded BMW ConnectedDrive Store, which will let users temporarily purchase access to car capability they didn’t acquire on day one, will be one of the most contentious additions.
Does every BMW have iDrive?
Here is all the information you need to know about BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and control, which was first introduced in the company’s flagship saloon, the BMW 7 Series, in 2001. Since then, it has developed into a completely different creature and is now installed in every BMW model, from the base BMW 1 Series to the flagship BMW 8 Series.
When did BMW introduce iDrive?
BMW introduces the iDrive in 2001. The BMW iDrive was the brand-new control system that BMW introduced. The amount of buttons on the dashboard were drastically decreased when it was first introduced in the BMW 7 Series. Instead, the iDrive Controller, a single push-and-turn dial located in the center console, took their place.
When did BMW introduce iDrive 7?
iDrive infotainment system for BMW Most BMW drivers are familiar with BMW iDrive7, which has been available on the majority of new BMW models since 2018 and was the predecessor to the BMW iDrive8 system.
Does BMW NBT offer CarPlay support?
Because the NBT Evo head unit with ID5 or ID6 software is required, BMW Apple CarPlay compatibility is constrained. In other words, your BMW need the most recent operating system and on-board computer. Even if your car was made in 2016, 2015, or 2014 and has modern technologies, it might only have ID4 hardware or normal NBT, which is outdated head unit hardware.
If your BMW has a head unit that is suitable, BimmerTech can activate the software to make Apple CarPlay available. If your car does not already have a WiFi antenna, you might need to add one in specific circumstances to enable the establishment of a wireless connection between your iPhone and BMW head unit. If your BMW requires one, you may check here and get it from us. Contrary to BMW, BimmerTech can activate BMW CarPlay even if your nation is not listed in Apple CarPlay’s availability list if the necessary hardware is installed in your car.
Regarding the Apple CarPlay subscription, BMW confirmed in December 2019 that owners of 2019/2020 models with the most recent iDrive 7.0 software would not be required to pay any fees. Of course, that only applies to 2018 models of newer autos. A one-time $300 fee will be applied to older BMW models (like an earlier lifetime subscription). However, 2020 and later BMW models are moving forward rather than backward by finally providing free BMW CarPlay.
There are still two options to upgrade your BMW if the initial BMW Apple CarPlay activation is not supported by your car.
How do I turn on BMW iDrive?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in both the automobile and the mobile device before proceeding. Choose Communication > Manage mobile devices > Connect new device* on the iDrive. The Bluetooth name for your BMW is then displayed* after you have selected the necessary features for the device. Simply locate and choose the BMW Bluetooth name from the phone’s Bluetooth menu, then adhere to the directions on the phone’s display and the vehicle’s display. You will be required to verify that the distinct code displayed in the car display matches the code on the majority of cellphones. Pressing OK causes the features to work. The phone appears in the device list after being linked with the vehicle. Only pairing a phone while the car is still is permitted for your protection.
Only applies to automobiles equipped with a professional navigation system. Use the iDrive to select “Add new device” for vehicles equipped with business navigation.
The BMW operating system 7 is available for update.
Remote software rollout and upgrade. BMW Operating System 7 vehicles built starting in July 2021 already have the most recent version, including all new features. Customers can check the vehicle settings under Remote Software Upgrade to view the software version and see if any upgrades are available.