Possible to retrofit NBT into factory CIC?

ARPHOTO · 03-03-2016, 06:24 AM

Yesterday I dropped off my 2013 E92 M3 at the local dealer for service, and they loaned me a 2016 X328xi to drive while I wait for my car. As I've spent some time in the X3 I've realized just how much nicer the NBT system is compared to the CIC system in my M3, especially with responsiveness and the gorgeous high res display as opposed to the pixelated, dated-looking screen in my car.

I started looking into retrofitting the NBT system into the E-series and it looks like it's possible, but it seems like the NBT retrofit is focused on cars that have the CCC version of iDrive. Is converting a CIC system to NBT possible? Would that entail installing a higher resolution screen and the newer-style iDrive dial/knob?

This larger knob like in the X3 to be exact, which feels like it has mass and is built from something very quality. The knob in my M3 feels clicky and a little cheap in comparison.

M.A.R.C. · 03-03-2016, 09:01 AM

curious to know as well. had the same experience and feedback on the newer idrive on my last loaner as well.

nelson29 · 03-03-2016, 11:28 AM

Yes it is and it's the same process.

In this car which is my friend 06 530i that had CCC I retrofitted the CIC system 3 years ago and recently did the NBT.

I will be doing a NBT retrofit in a 08 M3 next month. I'll post some pics.

drwankel · 03-03-2016, 11:59 AM

I am curious about this as well. It seems like its possible, but I am unsure if all functionality still works after the retrofit.

Also what is the story with updating maps on a retrofitted system?

It would also be nice if someone could detail exactly all the parts needed to do the retrofit.

dparm · 03-03-2016, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

I am curious about this as well. It seems like its possible, but I am unsure if all functionality still works after the retrofit.

Also what is the story with updating maps on a retrofitted system?

It would also be nice if someone could detail exactly all the parts needed to do the retrofit.

I assume the maps would update just like any other NBT car.

dparm · 03-03-2016, 12:22 PM

BTW Bimmer Retrofit sells NBT installation stuff...

ARPHOTO · 03-03-2016, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

BTW Bimmer Retrofit sells NBT installation stuff...

I shot them an email about it, but I think the folks there are French-Canadian and there may be a bit of a language barrier. Hoping that wouldn't complicate the process if I were to work with them, especially in the remote coding area as I'm certain conversion to NBT would require quite a lot of it.

nelson29 · 03-03-2016, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

I am curious about this as well. It seems like its possible, but I am unsure if all functionality still works after the retrofit.

Also what is the story with updating maps on a retrofitted system?

It would also be nice if someone could detail exactly all the parts needed to do the retrofit.

http://e60.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1187379

There's also other NBT threads with parts info. Google e90 NBT retrofit.

Btw I'm Nelson from BimmerTech. As you can see this retrofit is very complex, requires some hacking and that's why we don't offer it in our website. We only sell it to local clients.

nelson29 · 03-03-2016, 01:59 PM

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=799458

drwankel · 03-03-2016, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dparm

I assume the maps would update just like any other NBT car.

Well to generate the key for the maps update installation, it requires the VIN of the car. As the NBT system obviously came out of a totally different car, it makes me wonder if its even possible to generate the key.

nelson29 · 03-03-2016, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

Well to generate the key for the maps update installation, it requires the VIN of the car. As the NBT system obviously came out of a totally different car, it makes me wonder if its even possible to generate the key.

Yes it is.

drwankel · 03-03-2016, 02:55 PM

Good to know! Now if there was only someone in the pacific northwest doing the installations.

Looking at the instructions, looks like more downtime than I am willing to accept for my daily driver if I did it myself. You know how it is, the first time doing something is always the longest. I'm sure you've got the installation process extremely fine tuned at this point.

nelson29 · 03-06-2016, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

Good to know! Now if there was only someone in the pacific northwest doing the installations.

Looking at the instructions, looks like more downtime than I am willing to accept for my daily driver if I did it myself. You know how it is, the first time doing something is always the longest. I'm sure you've got the installation process extremely fine tuned at this point.

MusicarNW in Portland, Oregon.

BPMSport · 03-06-2016, 11:33 AM

I did it and it was very time consuming but the end result is perfection.

BPMSport · 03-06-2016, 11:34 AM

Controller itself

drwankel · 03-06-2016, 11:51 AM

Are there any known issues with the conversion at this point?

For example, features that are known to be broken, or functionality that is missing after the conversion. I remember reading in a thread about a NBT conversion that was a couple years older, that the M button, (m mode) stuff was not working properly in NBT for our cars.

Or a are we looking at a 100% completely sorted out conversion at this point?

BPMSport · 03-06-2016, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

Are there any known issues with the conversion at this point?

For example, features that are known to be broken, or functionality that is missing after the conversion. I remember reading in a thread about a NBT conversion that was a couple years older, that the M button, (m mode) stuff was not working properly in NBT for our cars.

Or a are we looking at a 100% completely sorted out conversion at this point?

I got everything working 100%.. I wouldn't entertain doing it on someone else's car. It's a lot of time consuming work.

narkotic · 03-07-2016, 01:28 AM

Hear Hear...

I literally just finished temping it all up to ensure operability...

This isn't a cheap project, nor is it simple.

The fun part was learning how to code it! The donor unit I received was set up for a MOST connected amplifier (Logic 7 535 F10) and I had to figure out where to change that to just internal amp. Had to use E-sys for the first time and just use a template FO to be able to change options.

I'm just stoked I have music! Relocated the bluetooth cable so now I have a cell connection as well. Can't talk yet as I haven't relocated the microphones yet.

Mike - Did you relocate the mic wire? Or did you use the second mic which evidently is run to the quadlock? I may re-run both and set it to dual mic diversity mode...

Also - I dremeled / cut away the old iDrive plastic and am able to get it to flush-fit but can't really get the buttons to protrude out enough to my liking. Did you thin it out quite a bit to get it level? Do you happen to have any photos you could e-mail me of that part?

alpina-527 · 03-07-2016, 06:13 PM

I've just removed a complete e9* nbt retrofit system from my M3.

It's already got the nbt screen perfectly mounted in an e90 housing. The button panel is pre mounted to a fascia panel. Rear camera, touch controller with English ecu. High quality Emulator, Basically just about everything needed for a full retrofit.

I used it for a year without any problems. It's not an easy install but most of the legwork is done with my box of bits. I'll be parting out soon so if anyone's interested, drop me a pm.

narkotic · 03-07-2016, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drwankel

Are there any known issues with the conversion at this point?

For example, features that are known to be broken, or functionality that is missing after the conversion. I remember reading in a thread about a NBT conversion that was a couple years older, that the M button, (m mode) stuff was not working properly in NBT for our cars.

Or a are we looking at a 100% completely sorted out conversion at this point?

To comment on this - this is an option when configuring the eNBT adapter. I discovered this issue today that when pushing the M mode toggle, it also did a mode change on the headunit. Simple fix.

rjd598 · 03-11-2016, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I got everything working 100%.. I wouldn't entertain doing it on someone else's car. It's a lot of time consuming work.

how about for the right price?

BPMSport · 03-11-2016, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd598

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

I got everything working 100%.. I wouldn't entertain doing it on someone else's car. It's a lot of time consuming work.

how about for the right price?

Well maybe

I'm just so happy my car is back together after a week of this:

03-03-2016, 06:24 AM	#1
ARPHOTO Alpinweiß Herrenrasse 15 Rep 92 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Coupe, 2000 750il Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Oregon iTrader: (1) Garage List 2000 BMW 750il [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00]	Possible to retrofit NBT into factory CIC? Yesterday I dropped off my 2013 E92 M3 at the local dealer for service, and they loaned me a 2016 X328xi to drive while I wait for my car. As I've spent some time in the X3 I've realized just how much nicer the NBT system is compared to the CIC system in my M3, especially with responsiveness and the gorgeous high res display as opposed to the pixelated, dated-looking screen in my car. I started looking into retrofitting the NBT system into the E-series and it looks like it's possible, but it seems like the NBT retrofit is focused on cars that have the CCC version of iDrive. Is converting a CIC system to NBT possible? Would that entail installing a higher resolution screen and the newer-style iDrive dial/knob? This larger knob like in the X3 to be exact, which feels like it has mass and is built from something very quality. The knob in my M3 feels clicky and a little cheap in comparison. __________________ Instagram \| BMW CCA #503745 Last edited by ARPHOTO; 03-03-2016 at 06:31 AM..
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03-03-2016, 09:01 AM	#2
M.A.R.C. Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey E90 M3 DCT ZCP Join Date: May 2014 Location: Pembroke Pines, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW E90 M3 [0.00]	curious to know as well. had the same experience and feedback on the newer idrive on my last loaner as well. __________________ Marc 2011 Space Grey Metallic E90 M3 DCT ZCP
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03-03-2016, 11:28 AM	#3
nelson29 Banned 46 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 2005 E60 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (5)	Yes it is and it's the same process. In this car which is my friend 06 530i that had CCC I retrofitted the CIC system 3 years ago and recently did the NBT. I will be doing a NBT retrofit in a 08 M3 next month. I'll post some pics.
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03-03-2016, 11:59 AM	#4
drwankel Major 1032 Rep 1,042 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 ZCP, 2021 M340i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (0)	I am curious about this as well. It seems like its possible, but I am unsure if all functionality still works after the retrofit. Also what is the story with updating maps on a retrofitted system? It would also be nice if someone could detail exactly all the parts needed to do the retrofit.
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03-03-2016, 12:22 PM	#6
dparm Stop the hate, get a V8 3850 Rep 8,625 Posts Drives: C7 Corvette GS, AMG C63 S Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (1)	BTW Bimmer Retrofit sells NBT installation stuff... __________________ Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP
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03-03-2016, 01:59 PM	#9
nelson29 Banned 46 Rep 350 Posts Drives: 2005 E60 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (5)	http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=799458
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03-03-2016, 02:55 PM	#12
drwankel Major 1032 Rep 1,042 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 ZCP, 2021 M340i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (0)	Good to know! Now if there was only someone in the pacific northwest doing the installations. Looking at the instructions, looks like more downtime than I am willing to accept for my daily driver if I did it myself. You know how it is, the first time doing something is always the longest. I'm sure you've got the installation process extremely fine tuned at this point.
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03-06-2016, 11:33 AM	#14
BPMSport BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3387 Rep 7,541 Posts Drives: Harrop M3 / F10 M5 / F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (9) Garage List 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 1990 BMW 735i Turbo [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [7.50] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 [0.00]	I did it and it was very time consuming but the end result is perfection. Attached Images __________________ -----\| Like us on Facebook \| Instagram \|\| Tuning Information \| Remote Coding \|----- ----Visit us at www.BPMSport.com - Emotion. Driven. \| Toll Free: (888) 557-5133----
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03-06-2016, 11:34 AM	#15
BPMSport BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 3387 Rep 7,541 Posts Drives: Harrop M3 / F10 M5 / F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (9) Garage List 2000 BMW M5 [0.00] 1990 BMW 735i Turbo [0.00] 2008 BMW M3 [7.50] 2015 BMW M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW M5 [0.00]	Controller itself Attached Images __________________ -----\| Like us on Facebook \| Instagram \|\| Tuning Information \| Remote Coding \|----- ----Visit us at www.BPMSport.com - Emotion. Driven. \| Toll Free: (888) 557-5133----
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03-06-2016, 11:51 AM	#16
drwankel Major 1032 Rep 1,042 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 ZCP, 2021 M340i Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Bothell, WA iTrader: (0)	Are there any known issues with the conversion at this point? For example, features that are known to be broken, or functionality that is missing after the conversion. I remember reading in a thread about a NBT conversion that was a couple years older, that the M button, (m mode) stuff was not working properly in NBT for our cars. Or a are we looking at a 100% completely sorted out conversion at this point?
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03-07-2016, 01:28 AM	#18
narkotic Second Lieutenant 58 Rep 271 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (1)	Hear Hear... I literally just finished temping it all up to ensure operability... This isn't a cheap project, nor is it simple. The fun part was learning how to code it! The donor unit I received was set up for a MOST connected amplifier (Logic 7 535 F10) and I had to figure out where to change that to just internal amp. Had to use E-sys for the first time and just use a template FO to be able to change options. I'm just stoked I have music! Relocated the bluetooth cable so now I have a cell connection as well. Can't talk yet as I haven't relocated the microphones yet. Mike - Did you relocate the mic wire? Or did you use the second mic which evidently is run to the quadlock? I may re-run both and set it to dual mic diversity mode... Also - I dremeled / cut away the old iDrive plastic and am able to get it to flush-fit but can't really get the buttons to protrude out enough to my liking. Did you thin it out quite a bit to get it level? Do you happen to have any photos you could e-mail me of that part?
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03-07-2016, 06:13 PM	#19
alpina-527 Private First Class 35 Rep 100 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: England iTrader: (1)	I've just removed a complete e9* nbt retrofit system from my M3. It's already got the nbt screen perfectly mounted in an e90 housing. The button panel is pre mounted to a fascia panel. Rear camera, touch controller with English ecu. High quality Emulator, Basically just about everything needed for a full retrofit. I used it for a year without any problems. It's not an easy install but most of the legwork is done with my box of bits. I'll be parting out soon so if anyone's interested, drop me a pm.
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