Do I Have CIC, NBT or NBT Evo? Navigation System Professional

BMW is constantly working on iDrive interface changes, as well as introducing newer, more advanced hardware and faster processors to support new features. The iDrive system (or the head unit, which is its main element) in each BMW defines not only the availability or absence of these very features, but also its price. And sometimes the financial difference is so drastic that you make an immediate decision – a 200 GB hard drive or full screen zoom for video playback may not be an absolute necessity for you.

However, there are some key distinctions between the iDrive versions that will really make a difference for a driver who likes to stream music from various devices, play films on the BMW display or use their favorite smartphone apps through the car’s system. And if something’s missing in your existing system, you’re not stuck with it.

Fortunately, there are aftermarket solutions like BimmerTech’s navigation retrofits that allow you to upgrade the iDrive for a reasonable price. But to know how to retrofit it and what you will get with the new system, first you need to find out what you have and what features are available in your existing iDrive. So, how do you check the iDrive version in your BMW?

PLEASE NOTE that this is a guide for BMWs with Navigation System Professional (S609A) and Live Cockpit Professional (S6U3A). In order to check whether your car has it, go to free VIN decoder and type in your VIN. If you have option S609A, you will see it in Vehicle Options. In case there are options like S6UNA, S6UPA or S606A, it means you have a lighter version of pro nav. You can read about it in our blog post on basic BMW navigation systems.

Which iDrive do I have?

So, there are 3 ways to determine which iDrive system you have:

1. By the year of production

Of course, this doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to determine your iDrive version with 100% accuracy, because in some countries the production month can be different. But at least you’ll have some understanding which head unit can be in your BMW.

2. By the interface

The majority of iDrive systems have specific interfaces, so it’s also worth checking out the look of the menu in comparison with other head units to identify the iDrive version.

CCC

CIC

NBT / NBT Evo ID 4

NBT Evo ID 5

NBT Evo ID6

MGU18 (iDrive 7.0)

MGU21 (iDrive 8.0)

3. From BimmerTech

Click the banner below, leave your name, email, VIN, and we will send you your car’s specifications including the head unit, i-Level (software version), etc.

BMW Navigation Update

If you want to replace your current iDrive system with a new one, it will certainly be a hardware upgrade. It’s important not to mix it with the BMW software update which doesn’t require any part replacement, only coding. In case you’d like to know more about it, read our blog post about the BMW iDrive update of your software version.

So, jumping from NBT to NBT Evo with the help of a BMW update is not possible because the underlying hardware is completely different. Also, the kit contents and price will depend on your existing car’s configurations – it may happen that you only need to install a new screen & head unit leaving your native controller and trim. However, in some cases, the iDrive upgrade may require all of the above mentioned together with additional cables, connectors and modules. For some cars the list of iDrive auto parts might be pretty long and installation – quite expensive.

BMW CCC to CIC

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive controller, trim). Swapping the CCC iDrive for a BMW CIC retrofit, you will get a higher resolution screen with a much more extensive menu with many options, as you can see from the difference between the pics above.

What does CIC stand for? CIC is short for Car Information Computer featuring a more advanced infotainment system than CCC (redesigned controller, enhanced menu navigation, bigger screen dimension, etc.)

CIC head unit is also the first in line to give you the opportunity of adding an aftermarket CarPlay from BimmerTech. As CarPlay MMI Prime compatibility list grew in 2020, currently you can install our CarPlay retrofit in cars manufactured since 2008, including E-series, F-series (only 5 / 6 / 7 and X3 Series) and G-series vehicles.

BMW CIC vs NBT

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive controller, trim). Though the interface will look similar, you will get much better graphics and higher image contrast. The BMW NBT retrofit has a more power-packed processor together with a 200GB hard drive (instead of 80GB available in CIC), so the response and boot times will be much faster. Find out more about BMW CIC iDrive and how to retrofit it.

How to Retrofit NBT Evo into Your BMW?

BMW NBT to NBT Evo ID4

NBT Evo ID4 are no different on the surface – the same interface and functionality. But the NBT Evo ID4 hardware is more advanced and versatile. Imagine having an older laptop running Windows 10. It works fine for you (though it might be a little sluggish), until you decide to buy a newer-generation laptop with the latest hardware. You’re still running Windows 10, so there is no difference in the look, but the snappier processor and improved hardware gives you a better user experience. It’s the same situation with NBT and NBT Evo retrofit.

BMW NBT to NBT Evo ID5/ID6

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive touch controller, trim). The change in interface and functionality is drastic. Roughly speaking, the NBT Evo ID5/ID6 iDrive includes almost all the features of the previous head units, while adding new functionalities like original CarPlay/Android Screen Mirroring.

How to update BMW NBT Evo ID5 to ID6? You can easily switch between NBT Evo ID5 & ID6 interfaces with the help of painless USB coding.

BMW NBT Evo ID4 to ID5

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen (in some cars it doesn’t need to be replaced), head unit, iDrive regular or touch controller, trim). Of course, it’s much easier to upgrade from NBT Evo ID4 to ID5 than from NBT, but it’s still a hardware swap.

It’s also possible to jump from CIC to NBT Evo ID5/ID6 right away, but it will be a complicated and expensive retrofit. So, it’s better to make up your mind which features are important for you and whether you need the additional perks of the latest generation iDrive systems.

What Is the Latest BMW iDrive / Head Unit Version?

With the 2021 iX and i4, BMW presented its new BMW Curved Display – iDrive 8.0 – featuring an MGU21 (Media Graphic Unit) head unit. Being a much more technologically advanced version of BMW Live Cockpit Professional (S6U3A), made it a major BMW navigation update of 2021.

The display and menu were adapted to the new system implementing a new iDrive interface (ID8). It consists of 4 widgets arranged on the left side of the screen (Menu, Media, Tel, Nav) with the central portion of the screen being fully configurable by drag and drop widgets. The interface is designed mostly for voice, touch and gesture operation.

Check out the overview:

The Operating System 8 features a 14.9" screen connected to a 12.3" instrument panel making it look like one whooping widescreen, as well as the renewed iDrive Touch Controller with glass surface and illuminated buttons.

How to Remove BMW Head Unit?

Be it a CIC or NBT head unit, in order to take it out you would need to:

• disconnect the negative battery terminal in your trunk
• remove the top and bottom pieces of the trim taking into account all the connections behind them (it’s always better to use professional trim tools not to break any clips or leave scratches)
• remove the faceplate (secured by screws)
• unscrew the T20s that hold the head unit and gently pull it out
• carefully remove all the connections in the back of the head unit

What’s the Difference?

Now it’s time to determine why one head unit is better than the other and whether it’s worth upgrading. Use free VIN decoder to check whether your BMW already has the options mentioned below.

∗ Apple CarPlay is available for some CIC/NBT/NBT Evo ID4 iDrives as an aftermarket retrofit from BimmerTech (CarPlay MMI Prime).

What are the main differences between CIC and NBT Evo

These are the main differences between head units in cars with BMW Navigation System Professional. Now you can sort out the features you would like to have in your BMW and choose the iDrive system that will be a real value for money upgrade.

Before ordering any navigation retrofit from BimmerTech, it’s always better to first contact us with your VIN. This way we will be able to tell you the exact price of the upgrade depending on your BMW’s specs.