ICOM interface recommendation

[TheMechanic]

Hi all,

I installed ista p on my laptop and would like to see if I can update some modules on the car; does anyone know of a good icom cable that works ?

Also, would I be able to update the firmware of the idrive (2009 here, no new maps unless I update firmware)?

Thank you

[spammysammich]

My maps stopped at 2012 until I was able to obtain the 2023 maps from BMW Lynnwood. They were able to load them onto a usb drive I provided and they generated a code for me to input. I don’t think I did any preliminary firmware updates to my preLCI CIC.

[Scrippy]

Maps do not require firmware updates. The infotainment in your car, is it CCC or CID? Show a pic of your iDrive controller nob or the screen with maps pulled up. To update maps you just buy the new maps year package. A little google for “BMW maps update” will yield a bunch of vendors. You buy the files, copy them to a properly formatted usb drive and update via the USB in your glove box. No need for an icom or KD-Can cable. Usually takes like 15-20 minutes. It will look the same but your points of interest will be current as well as any new roads built.

[TheMechanic]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Maps do not require firmware updates. The infotainment in your car, is it CCC or CID? Show a pic of your iDrive controller nob or the screen with maps pulled up. To update maps you just buy the new maps year package. A little google for “BMW maps update” will yield a bunch of vendors. You buy the files, copy them to a properly formatted usb drive and update via the USB in your glove box. No need for an icom or KD-Can cable. Usually takes like 15-20 minutes. It will look the same but your points of interest will be current as well as any new roads built.

I have CIC, controller with many buttons... not CCC. I tried to update the maps, but I was told that I need a firmware update? Maps are stuck to 2009...
I remember now, I cannot get that 1b file from the unit as it is older firmware, only newer ones will generate that file. I guess I can still pay for maps and update them that way?

[TheMechanic]

I opened a chat with bimmertech and they said my system is too old for map updates

[Scrippy]

Bimmertech would know best. Do you really want to buy an icom or pay BMW to update? Just something to consider. This is the one I have. I used it for CIC, Combox, TCU, FRM….. I intended to help buddies but that’s never really come up. Most stuff can be done with just a simple KD-Can cable.

https://www.obdii.shop/goods-13-BMW-...onal-TOOl.html

[drwankel]

As far as ICOM cable recommendation, I would contact a BMW dealer and buy it directly from them. There are apparently alot of counterfeit units going around that don't work, so I would be certain the parts you are buying are genuine.

I have been considering getting an ICOM as I have a G series car now too, so I have to buy another cable anyway. If I got an ICOM I could have a single cable that could do 100% of everything with ISTA on both cars.

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by spammysammich

My maps stopped at 2012 until I was able to obtain the 2023 maps from BMW Lynnwood. They were able to load them onto a usb drive I provided and they generated a code for me to input. I don’t think I did any preliminary firmware updates to my preLCI CIC.

I don't know of any firmware updates for the CIC. I think you're right. The OP means the maps loaded.

Originally Posted by TheMechanic

I have CIC, controller with many buttons... not CCC. I tried to update the maps, but I was told that I need a firmware update? Maps are stuck to 2009...
I remember now, I cannot get that 1b file from the unit as it is older firmware, only newer ones will generate that file. I guess I can still pay for maps and update them that way?

OP...what version is your CIC?

[RocketyMan]

FYI, OP.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1359164

[TheMechanic]

Originally Posted by RocketyMan

I don't know of any firmware updates for the CIC. I think you're right. The OP means the maps loaded.



OP...what version is your CIC?

Version 1.2.8

It has the 2009 NA Premium maps loaded, just looked.

EDIT: that is what the screen shows; I need to read via NCSexpert I guess the Cxxx version... will do that soon.

[Kamryn007]

I’m curious as well, I only have 2021 maps

[TheMechanic]

Originally Posted by Kamryn007

I’m curious as well, I only have 2021 maps

I contacted a seller on ebay selling the FSC code, he said he can send me the DVD images for 2021... for 12 bucks I will take a swing at it. At least no need to update firmware for now. Once I have setup my laptop (waiting for a bigger hd, the inpa+ is 60gigs) I will probably swing for the icom interface so I can update all modules...

[Kamryn007]

Originally Posted by TheMechanic

I contacted a seller on ebay selling the FSC code, he said he can send me the DVD images for 2021... for 12 bucks I will take a swing at it. At least no need to update firmware for now. Once I have setup my laptop (waiting for a bigger hd, the inpa+ is 60gigs) I will probably swing for the icom interface so I can update all modules...

I have CIC so I ordered my 2021 update online with the FSC code for $50 but sadly I think i’m limited to 2021. I was aiming to get 2025 maps

[RocketyMan]

Originally Posted by TheMechanic

Version 1.2.8

It has the 2009 NA Premium maps loaded, just looked.

EDIT: that is what the screen shows; I need to read via NCSexpert I guess the Cxxx version... will do that soon.

Yeah. Get back to me when you get NCS up and verify your firmware version.

I can help assist with map update and COMBOX update...granted on your firmware version. [and these things don't necessarily cost money...]

[TheMechanic]

Originally Posted by Kamryn007

I have CIC so I ordered my 2021 update online with the FSC code for $50 but sadly I think i’m limited to 2021. I was aiming to get 2025 maps

Where did you get your update from, DVD's or usb? Mine wont' take USB...

[Kamryn007]

Originally Posted by TheMechanic

Where did you get your update from, DVD's or usb? Mine wont' take USB...

mines usb, i got it from Satnavupdates i think its called. Have you looked in your glovebox for the usb port? mine was pretty hidden

[TheMechanic]

Originally Posted by Kamryn007

mines usb, i got it from Satnavupdates i think its called. Have you looked in your glovebox for the usb port? mine was pretty hidden

I do have the port but I tried with no success to generate that file which is needed to calculate the fsc, etc. It is too old of a firmware.

[TheMechanic]

The DVD updates are working, but boy they take long... 4 hours already, on disk 4, still 20% to go.. If anyone wants them, let me know. This is 2021 premium NA maps; you can probably get the code with the fsc generator.

Question: How much better is the new firmware updated CiC versus the older one... is it faster to react, or still same s%^t .. mine seems ok to react apart from loading the maps. Outside of getting maps on usb, what other improvements does one get?

Thanks!