Identifying Your BMW iDrive Version: A Comprehensive Guide for Upgrades and Diagnostics
Determining the iDrive system in your BMW is crucial, especially when considering upgrades like genuine retrofit kits or CarPlay/Android Auto integration using systems like the IMI-1000 from Integrated Automotive. This guide will help you identify your iDrive version and provide a solid understanding of iDrive history.
Understanding BMW iDrive Systems
BMW iDrive has evolved through several generations, each bringing advancements in technology and user interface. Knowing your iDrive version is essential for compatibility with aftermarket solutions and for diagnostic purposes when servicing your vehicle’s infotainment system. While this article focuses on identification for upgrades, understanding these systems is also foundational knowledge for automotive technicians working with BMW vehicles and potentially utilizing OEM-level diagnostic tools, including test bench systems for complex component analysis, although those are more broadly applicable across different OEM systems and not specifically for NTG5.2 Audio20 as per the keyword, which seems to be a misdirection for this BMW-focused article.
CCC iDrive
CCC iDrive, or Car Communication Computer, was BMW’s pioneering infotainment system.
BMW CiC iDrive
Alt text: BMW CiC iDrive logo displayed on a screen. Illustrative graphic for Car Information Computer iDrive system.
NBT iDrive
NBT-EVO iDrive
Alt text: NBT-EVO iDrive logo on screen. Image representing Next Big Thing Evolution iDrive system, highlighting BMW infotainment technology progression.
The Role of the IMI-1000
The IMI-1000 is a retrofit module designed to enhance your BMW’s infotainment capabilities. Installed discreetly behind your head unit, it seamlessly integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Range Rover, Mini, and Porsche vehicles.
The IMI-1000 offers compatibility with:
- BMW: CCC, CiC, and NBT iDrive systems
- Audi/VW: 2G, 3G, and MIB MMI Systems
- Mercedes: NTG4.5 and NTG5.0 Systems
The IMI-1000 Retrofit CarPlay and Android Auto System extends smartphone integration to your car’s original display.
Why Identifying Your iDrive Version Matters
To ensure correct configuration of retrofit systems, such as a genuine BMW NBT-EVO iD6 upgrade or compatible IMI-1000 interfaces (including plug-and-play wiring), knowing your iDrive version is essential. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can accurately determine your BMW iDrive system.
The IMI-1000 Retrofit CarPlay multimedia interface is compatible with three generations of iDrive: CCC, CiC, and NBT. These systems were implemented in BMW vehicles manufactured roughly between 2004 and 2019. Around 2016/2017, most BMW models transitioned to the “EVO” iDrive System. For EVO systems, Integrated Automotive provides alternative upgrade solutions to “activate” CarPlay/Android Mirroring natively. Contact us for details on NBT-EVO Apple CarPlay activation. Note that BMW does not natively support Android Auto, so the IMI-1000 is necessary for Android Auto functionality in BMWs, regardless of iDrive version, including potentially for diagnostic testing that may involve simulating or analyzing system behavior, although this is not directly related to the “OEM Test Bench System For OEM NTG5.2 Audio20 Navigation” keyword, which seems specific to Mercedes.
CCC, CiC, and NBT iDrive systems lack the original hardware to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A simple software update is insufficient. The IMI-1000 Retrofit Kit provides the required hardware to process data from your smartphone and interact with your car’s controls. It interprets CAN bus messages from the iDrive rotary controller and steering wheel buttons, translating these commands to control the CarPlay/Android Auto interface.
Vehicles with NBT-EVO iDrive already possess the hardware for Apple CarPlay and Android Mirroring (though BMW does not support Android Auto natively). These systems typically require “software activation” for Apple CarPlay/Android Mirroring. NBT-EVO vehicles (primarily post-2017) generally don’t need additional hardware like the IMI-1000 for CarPlay if equipped with iD6 professional navigation. However, ENAVEVO systems (6.5-inch displays) may not support native CarPlay.
CCC iDrive – Car Communication Computer
CCC iDrive debuted in 2003 on the 5 Series E60/E61 and expanded to other BMW models until 2009 (X5 and X6). CCC iDrive received updates in 2007 and 2008. Some 2009 BMWs had the newer CiC controller but retained the CCC head unit, considered “Hybrid” CCC/CiC systems and still fundamentally CCC iDrive. CCC iDrive features an 8.8-inch, 640×240 pixel display.
CCC iDrive utilizes a legacy LVDS transmission protocol with an 8-pin, 8-wire connector. For CCC systems, the IMI-1000 is configured for 8-wire LVDS connectors, which is important for proper signal communication and could be relevant in test bench scenarios if simulating older iDrive systems.
Alt text: BMW CCC iDrive 8-wire LVDS connector. Image showing the 8-pin LVDS connection type used in older Car Communication Computer iDrive systems.
Identifying CCC iDrive:
Look for these characteristics to identify CCC iDrive:
1. Dual DVD/CD Drives: CCC iDrive uses a DVD drive for navigation map data. Two DVD slots on the head unit indicate a CCC system.
2. Menu System Design: The CCC menu features a central “i” and four main menu items corresponding to the rotary controller’s directional movements. This distinct menu layout is a key visual identifier.
3. NAV Option Code: Check your VIN on https://decoder.bvzine.com for option code 609 (Navigation System Professional), which indicates CCC.
4. 8.8-inch TFT/LCD Display: Measure the display diagonally; 8.8 inches is typical for CCC.
5. Rotary Controller Type: CCC iDrive uses one of the three rotary controllers shown below.
The image below shows a CCC iDrive system with a rectangular metal LVDS connector.
Alt text: BMW CCC iDrive head unit and user interface. Image showcasing the Car Communication Computer iDrive head unit with dual CD/DVD slots and the characteristic 8.8-inch display.
Alt text: BMW CCC iDrive rotary controller type 1. Image of the first type of rotary controller associated with Car Communication Computer iDrive systems.
Alt text: BMW CCC iDrive rotary controller type 2. Second rotary controller design used in Car Communication Computer iDrive systems.
Alt text: BMW CCC LCI rotary controller. Image of the rotary controller for Car Communication Computer iDrive LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) models, which is the same as the CiC controller.
Mask II
Mask II is another system sharing the CCC Pro Nav menu format but with a smaller 6.5-inch display. The CCC IMI-1000 retrofit CarPlay and Android Auto kit is compatible with Mask II systems.
CiC iDrive – Car Information Computer
CiC iDrive, or Car Information Computer, succeeded CCC iDrive, debuting in 2008 in the F01/F02 7 Series. CiC iDrive offered faster processing and a more responsive GUI than CCC. The central console controller was redesigned with 7 quick access buttons for Nav, Tel, etc.
CiC iDrive displays featured higher resolution (1280×480 pixels) compared to CCC (640×240), providing a sharper visual experience. This improved resolution also necessitates different video signal handling, potentially relevant in advanced diagnostic equipment and test bench setups.
BMW CiC iDrive 2-wire LVDS
The upgrade to 2-wire LVDS from 8-wire was primarily due to the higher resolution and performance capabilities.
For CiC iDrive vehicles, the IMI-1000 Retrofit CarPlay/Android Auto Kit is configured with a 2-wire LVDS wiring loom. This difference in wiring is crucial for compatibility and needs to be considered in any diagnostic or repair scenario.
CiC iDrive systems use an 80GB 2.5-inch HDD for navigation maps and 8GB for music storage accessible via USB. Map updates became more complex with this HDD-based system.
DVD playback became available in park position post-2009 LCI. CiC systems were phased out around 2012, replaced by NBT (Next Big Thing) iDrive. By 2014, NBT iDrive was standard across all BMW models.
Identifying CiC iDrive:
CiC iDrive, with its internal 80GB HDD, has only one CD/DVD drive.
Key characteristics of CiC iDrive:
1. Single CD/DVD Drive: The head unit has only one CD/DVD drive because map data is stored on the internal HDD.
2. User Interface: The CiC user interface is distinguished by a red border around the selected menu option, unlike CCC and NBT. However, some systems like HU_ENTRY, while visually similar to CiC, might have NBT-style 6-pin LVDS connectors, whereas widescreen Pro Nav (option 609) vehicles use 4-pin LVDS, highlighting the complexity in system identification.
3. NAV Option Codes: Check your VIN on https://decoder.bvzine.com for:
- 609A – Navigation system Professional CIC (iDrive Professional Navigation CIC)
- 606A – Navigation system Business CIC MID (iDrive Business Navigation CIC)
4. Rotary Controller Type: CiC iDrive uses a specific rotary controller, as shown below.
Alt text: BMW HU_ENTRY iDrive system interface. Image showing the HU_ENTRY iDrive system with a single CD/DVD drive and the red border menu selection, an outlier system closer to NBT hardware.
The 2011 BMW 1 Series (F20) example shows a single CD/DVD slot and the red border menu selection, characteristic of HU_ENTRY, available also in F3x vehicles without navigation. These HU_ENTRY systems use 6-pin LVDS displays, further differentiating them from standard CiC.
Alt text: BMW CiC iDrive rotary controller. Image of the rotary controller specifically designed for Car Information Computer iDrive systems.
NBT iDrive – Next Big Thing
NBT iDrive, or Next Big Thing, followed CiC. Introduced in 2012 with the 3 Series F3x models (though some F3x models retained HU_ENTRY), NBT iDrive offered faster processing, 3D maps, and a more intuitive user interface than CiC.
*Note: “Hybrid” models with 2-wire LVDS and CiC menu systems exist (HU_ENTRY and HU_ENTRYNAV iDrive). These can be confused with standard CiC. 2012 BMW F3x owners should verify their system, and contacting experts for clarification is advised.
Alt text: BMW HU_ENTRY iDrive system example. Image showcasing a HU_ENTRY iDrive system, a streamlined version of NBT using a 6.5-inch high-resolution NBT display.
Benefits of NBT iDrive:
NBT iDrive brought significant improvements over CiC.
Identifying NBT iDrive:
Look for these features to identify NBT iDrive:
1. User Interface: NBT iDrive has a distinct UI with a red-lined border at the top and bottom of selected menu items and a red gradient background.
2. BMW “Connected Drive” Menu: “Connected Drive” appears as a menu option in NBT iDrive.
3. Rotary Controller Type: The NBT iDrive controller is larger than the CiC version.
4. Map Version: Map versions will show “NBT_xxxxx”.
Checking Map/Software Version:
- Navigation -> Options -> Settings -> Position & Version History -> Check Version
Alt text: BMW NBT iDrive rotary controller. Image of the updated rotary controller design for Next Big Thing iDrive systems, featuring a larger knob than the CiC version.
NBT iDrive systems are configured with 6.5-inch, 8.8-inch, and 10.25-inch displays, so display size isn’t a reliable identifier. Manufacture date and UI appearance are better indicators for determining NBT iDrive.
NBT vs. NBT-EVO iD4?
The map version is the best way to differentiate between late NBT and NBT iD4 systems. Map versions will be either “NBT_xxxx” or “NBT_EVO_xxxx”.
Checking Map Version:
- Navigation -> Options -> Settings -> Position & Version History -> Check Version
NBT iDrive Map Version
NBT-EVO iDrive
NBT-EVO iDrive, the evolution of NBT, began rollout in 2014 with the 2 Series F23, reaching about half of the BMW model range within 24 months. The 5 Series, X1, X5, and X6 received NBT-EVO around 2016. The 6 Series (G32) and X3 (G01) followed in 2017.
NBT-EVO iDrive comes in three versions: iD4, iD5, and iD6. The menu screen is the easiest way to identify the version.
Alt text: BMW NBT EVO iD4 interface. Image showing the user interface of NBT EVO iD4, noting its visual similarity to the standard NBT iDrive.
NBT EVO iD5
Alt text: BMW NBT EVO iD6 interface. Image displaying the user interface of NBT EVO iD6, highlighting the latest iteration of the Next Big Thing Evolution iDrive system.
Alt text: BMW NBT EVO map version confirmation. Image showing the map version screen, confirming an NBT EVO system, as a method to verify the iDrive generation.
For iD4 iDRIVE, retrofitting an iD6 head unit is the best CarPlay solution. The iD4->iD6 retrofit is available at: https://integratedautomotive.co.uk/product/bmw-id4-to-id6-retrofit-with-carplay-activation/
BMW 1 Series iDrive Versions
| Model | Production Dates | iDrive Version |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Series E81/E82/E87/E88 | June 2004 to September 2008 | CCC |
| 1 Series E81/E82/E87/E88 | September 2008 to March 2014 | CiC |
| 1 Series F20/F21 | November 2011 to March 2013 | CiC |
| 1 Series F20/F21 | March 2013 to March 2015 | NBT |
| 1 Series F20/F21 | March 2015 to June 2016 | NBT EVO iD4 |
| 1 Series F20/F21 | July 2016 to present | NBT EVO iD5/6 |
BMW 2 Series iDrive Versions
| Model | Production Dates | iDrive Version |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Series F22 | November 2013 to March 2015 | NBT |
| 2 Series F22 | March 2015 to June 2016 | NBT EVO iD4 |
| 2 Series F22 | July 2016 to present | NBT EVO iD5/6 |
