ELECTRONIC REPAIR
  • HOME
  • AUTO File Services Portal
    • Auto Portal News
  • Protarge VI Testers
    • FADOS7F1 10V
    • FADOS7F1 18V
    • FADOS9F1
    • FADOS MUX Multiplexer
  • Chip Programmer
  • ECU Books
  • ONLINE Store
  • ECU Repair Manual
  • ECU Fault Locator
  • Auto Tuning Blog
  • BMW DME unlock service Egypt
  • Contact Us

Blog

BMW Navigation System Evolution: CIC Retrofit & Compatibility Guide

15/10/2023

2 Comments

 
Picture
BMW Navigation System Evolution: CIC Retrofit & Compatibility Guide
Picture
BMW Navigation System Evolution: CIC Retrofit & Compatibility Guide 2
As auto enthusiasts, it’s hard not to marvel at how rapidly technology advances. In the realm of navigation systems, BMW has particularly left its mark. The lineage of its navigation technology, evolving from CCC to CIC, then NBT, and finally NBT evo, is a testament to BMW's commitment to innovation.
​
Understanding Compatibility Across Series
The CIC was notably employed for the E series, yet some early F series vehicles were also bestowed with it. But here's the catch: though they might look the same, the CAN signals in E series distinctly differ from those in the F/G series. This divergence in CAN standards, especially in signal speed, renders the head unit's compatibility non-existent between the two. Meaning, even with identical CIC units, one cannot expect compatibility between E series and F series.

Emulating CAN Signal Communication Standards
The market has responded to this compatibility chasm by offering emulators, designed to bridge the differences in CAN signal communication standards. However, a note to the wise – the performance difference between CIC in E series and F series is nominal. This means retrofitting an F series CIC to an E series vehicle, even with an emulator in place, might not yield any substantial benefits.

Caution with Imported Head Units
If you're an avid online auction visitor, you've likely come across CIC head units on sale, either standalone or bundled with monitors. But, an essential caution - if that CIC unit wasn’t designed for the Japanese market, you won't be able to install Japanese map data. The ramifications? Your navigation system will be rendered defunct.

For units from countries that utilize double-byte languages (e.g., China, Taiwan, Korea), Japanese can still be displayed through (FA/SA) coding, but that's where the compatibility ends. A unit that displays Japanese isn’t necessarily tailored for Japan. Furthermore, it doesn’t automatically qualify for Japanese map data installation.

Key Reminders:
  • To distinguish between a Japanese CIC and an imported one, check the unit's rear.
  • While Chinese and Korean CIC units can display Japanese through coding, this doesn't qualify them for Japanese map data installation.
  • Imported "CIC Retrofit Kits" may seem tempting, but without a CIC unit designed for Japan, Japanese map data installation remains a pipe dream.

Unlock the Full Potential of Your BMW
Hungry for more insights and in-depth knowledge about BMW systems? Join the comprehensive BMW FULL Course and elevate your understanding to expert levels.

Navigating through the intricate world of BMW's navigation systems requires knowledge and caution. Ensure you’re equipped with both as you tread this path.
2 Comments
Ryan Garcia
28/9/2024 08:41:08 pm

I had an awesome time in the BMW Programming Course.
The instructors were super knowledgeable and made everything fun and easy to grasp. Big thanks for such a fantastic experience.

Reply
Vikram Patel
26/3/2025 12:40:31 am

BMW retrofitting training was excellent.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Auto Tuning Blog

     “The content provided is for educational and informational purposes only.”
    Cloudflare


    Picture
    google news ERC

    Categories

    All
    Airbag Reset
    Alfa Romeo
    Aston Martin
    Auto Accident
    Auto Insurance
    Battery
    Bentley
    BMW
    BMW Courses
    BYD
    Cadillac
    Chery
    Chevrolet
    Chrysler
    Cluster
    Commercial Ads
    Coolant Systems
    Cupra
    Dacia
    Dealer Package
    Dodge
    Download
    DTC Fault Codes
    ECU Courses
    ECU Tester
    ECU Tools
    Electric Hybrid
    Electronic Repair
    Electronics Parts
    Emission Env
    Engines Diesel
    Engine Sensors
    Engines Petrol
    Engine Tuning
    Exhaust Systems
    Fados Fault Locator
    Ferrari Maserati
    Fiat
    File Service Portal
    Ford
    Fuel Gas
    GAC Motors
    GMC
    Haval
    Headlights
    Headunits
    Heavy Duty Tractors
    Honda
    Hummer
    IGBT Tester
    Industrial Auto
    Infiniti
    Isuzu
    Iveco
    Jac
    Jaguar
    Jeep
    Key Programmer
    KIA Hyundai
    Lamborghini
    Land Range Rover
    Lincoln
    Lotus
    Mahindra
    Mazda
    Mclaren
    Mercedes
    Mercury
    MG
    Mit Canter Fuso
    Mitsubishi
    Nissan
    Offers
    Opel Vauxhall
    Pagani
    Peugeot Citroen
    Porsche
    Renault
    Repair Manuals
    Rivian
    Smart
    Ssangyong
    Suspension
    Suzuki
    Tesla
    Toyota
    Transmission
    Trucks
    Tuning Courses
    Turbocharger
    VAG Cars
    Volvo

    Best ECU Repair Course + ECU Repair Manuals
    FADOS Tester Shop
    Best BMW Programming Course - Online Account
    BMW DME Unlock Egypt
    BMW G-series DME Unlock Service
    ECU File Services
    ​Auto Tuning EG
    YouTube CH.




Electronic Repair Company

Shipping & Returns
About Us

Contact us
Terms and Conditions
Privacy Policy


All Rights Reserved, ©2025  Electronic Repair Company

  • HOME
  • AUTO File Services Portal
    • Auto Portal News
  • Protarge VI Testers
    • FADOS7F1 10V
    • FADOS7F1 18V
    • FADOS9F1
    • FADOS MUX Multiplexer
  • Chip Programmer
  • ECU Books
  • ONLINE Store
  • ECU Repair Manual
  • ECU Fault Locator
  • Auto Tuning Blog
  • BMW DME unlock service Egypt
  • Contact Us