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What it really takes for a CIC retrofit.. (DIY, Complete! Coding files included!)

493K views 518 replies 75 participants last post by  pshovest  
#1 · (Edited)
Update 8/20/2013: I tried to go through and add part numbers to everything. These are done to the best of my ability, but please do your own research to be sure!!

So, I decided I was going to do a CCC retrofit, but the further I got into researching parts, the more I realized I might as well just do a CIC retrofit for about the same price. I've seen threads on this, but none that really made it as cut and dry as it probably should be, so hopefully this thread helps.

All my parts are starting to come in, so here my thread on it:

Here's what you need (will be updated as I go):

BMW made parts:
-CIC unit - $1000 on eBay, (65129199616 I think) included other parts noted below (actually I bought it outside of eBay to get the price lower, but that's not really the best idea usually)
-Display ("CID") - Included (65829224346)
-iDrive controller (optional) - Included (65829240957)
-Connector to hook up new iDrive controller - Included (Tyco/TE 968813) - available at http://www.onlinecomponents.com/te-connectivity-amp-brand-9688131.html?p=43816490 Edit 9/15: I believe BMW part number 61138380696 is the same and will work as well
-CID CAN/power connector (61136954526) - Included
-CIC cable, connects to CID for video signal (61119185171) - $38.50
-USB Port (61319167196) - $26.99
-USB Port cable (61129196805) - These are back ordered so I ordered two of the CIC video cables and shaved part of the connector to make it work. Will report back if any issues doing this Update 8-6-13: THIS DID NOT WORK!!- Update 8-13-13: I WAS WRONG. IT WORKED JUST FINE.$38.50 (correct version is cheaper but back ordered until mid-August. Update 8-6-13: ECS Tuning has these in stock now. I'm going to send back one of the video cables (the one I didn't modify obviously) and have already ordered the correct cable. It will be here Thursday.. Until then I'm stuck with European maps, lol.
-Trim piece around iDrive controller (comes from the 6 series model) - Included (51169169999)
-Trim piece that goes around the CIC slot - Included (51456976361 for black, must have lower piece from CCC, existing piece is fine if available)

-Optional: LCI climate control assembly (buttons are slightly larger to better fit the CIC trim) - did not purchase this, but I found one for $129 I'm thinking about buying

Aftermarket Parts:
-CAN emulator to activate navigation, etc. without paying BMW big bucks for their activation codes (find on eBay) - $100
-Updated 2013 maps (find online, put them on a 32GB USB drive) - Free
-FSC code for updating maps (find on internet for < $50) - $49 Update 8-6-13: Received my FSC code, but you can't put it in until the system detects a USB drive with the map update on it.. and my USB port doesn't work yet due to trying to make a video cable work, SO, I can only hope this code is valid (SEE UPDATE). UPDATE: THE CABLE WASN'T THE PROBLEM. THE ISSUE IS THE SOFTWARE ON MY CIC IS TOO OLD TO UTILIZE USB TO UPDATE THE MAPS. I HAVE TO USE 2012 DVD'S FOR NOW
-"FAKRA" GPS antenna. (ebay, $15 or less if you're willing to wait on a shipment from China) - $15 (can be had for $5 if you're patient). Update 8/20/13: Not needed if you have CCC prep or CCC. See later posts about the connector in the trunk, TCU, etc.
-Misc stuff from Radio Shack (I bought way too much stuff) - $30

I'll post some pictures as I get into actually doing the retrofit. Hopefully today I will have most of my parts and by Saturday have everything I need to get it installed. I'll post a lot of pictures and everything I do coding wise when trying to get it to work.

Total thus far: $1,297.99 (if my math is right)
 
#397 · (Edited)
upgrade from CCC to CiC?

Looks like my 05 e60 525 idrive has finally given up... long story short - all i get now is the BMW start screen, no radio, idrive knob spins freely

I'd do this myself but I'm just not confident enough that I can handle the hw/sw portions noted so I'm considering taking it to a dealer or a local mechanic that is versed in doing the CCC replacement or better yet, upgrade to a CiC unit as shown on this thread.

1. Dealer rec's? I'm in SoCal OC (Crevier or Irvine?)
2. Local mechanic rec?

edit: disclosure: I havent read through the whole thread so apologies if the answer is in the previous 396 replies
 
#398 ·
Looks like my 05 e60 525 idrive has finally given up... long story short - all i get now is the BMW start screen, no radio, idrive knob spins freely

I'd do this myself but I'm just not confident enough that I can handle the hw/sw portions noted so I'm considering taking it to a dealer or a local mechanic that is versed in doing the CCC replacement or better yet, upgrade to a CiC unit as shown on this thread.

1. Dealer rec's? I'm in SoCal OC (Crevier or Irvine?)
2. Local mechanic rec?

edit: disclosure: I havent read through the whole thread so apologies if the answer is in the previous 396 replies
What sound system do you have HiFi 676 or Logic 7?
 
#400 ·
Hello. Very late to the party. I am looking at doing this retrofit, now that I know I am going to keep the car for another few years (I am going to replace the turbos thus keeping it)

my question. I have a 2009 LCI model.
From the factory I have the LCI Climate control unit, the newer Idrive unit.

I realize I need the CIC unit itself. However does anyone know if I need a new screen? It seems like if I already have some newer items, perhaps I do not need the monitor. Does anyone have a 2009 that can chime in?

thank you
 
#404 ·
Excellent DIY schpenxel, even after years !
i have just done my CIC retrofit from CCC to my E61 2006 pre-LCI but still some few things to set up, and i could use your precious help, especially the coding part.
Everything is working fine: bluetooth, phone paired, navi works but old (2008 but bought the codes and have the maps)
i still have the old Climate control with the LCI trim. (i have the LCI climate but didn't hook it up since i need some wires for the 21pin fix) but anyway i have not the climate menu displayed for the air distribution.
the "issues" are :
1- voice control not working (may because that if the cic unit doesn't have the option) or coding needed
2- a display fix for the vehicle system info and have also the engine oil level and history service.
3- I can't change the language in idrive (stuck in English uk but i have french and spanish) i really need the metric km instead of miles.
4- the unit came with DAB option but can't be displayed.
i think that all what i have in mind know, i still have to cut the console+trim and update the maps.
here are somes photos:
http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=32838420160410180335.jpg
http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=29243720160411090456.jpg
i have NCS installed but didnt use it yet, (the coding was done from a another guy) but ive read some threads and i think i could go through even if its scary (dont wanna mess more)
 
#405 · (Edited)
Excellent DIY schpenxel, even after years !
i have just done my CIC retrofit from CCC to my E61 2006 pre-LCI but still some few things to set up, and i could use your precious help, especially the coding part.
Everything is working fine: bluetooth, phone paired, navi works but old (2008 but bought the codes and have the maps)
i still have the old Climate control with the LCI trim. (i have the LCI climate but didn't hook it up since i need some wires for the 21pin fix) but anyway i have not the climate menu displayed for the air distribution.
the "issues" are :
1- voice control not working (may because the cic unit doesn't have the option) or coding needed
2- a display fix for the vehicle system info and have also the engine oil level and history service.
3- I can't change the language in idrive (stuck in English uk but i have french and spanish) i really need the metric km instead of miles.
4- the unit came with DAB option but can't be displayed.
i think that all what i have in mind know, i still have to cut the console+trim and update the maps.
here are somes photos:
http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=32838420160410180335.jpg
http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=29243720160411090456.jpg
i have NCS installed but didnt use it yet, (the coding was done from a another guy) but ive read some threads and i think i could go through even if its scary (dont wanna mess more)
 
#407 ·
Thanks for the replay Larry !
as i said i need to be familiar with coding i will try to go forward with this.
i wanted to know also about the LCI climate control. I still use my old IHKA but i have the LCI IHKA.
i will do the pin 21 mode to get it working. will i have the climate with air distribution ..etc (i suppose coding IHKA is needed too) since the menu doesn't exist in CIC (at least for e90) but in e60 it works.
(credit :stunt fro m5board)
http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/878277Climatesettings2.jpg
http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/819634Climatesettings1.jpg
 
#408 · (Edited)
#411 ·
this is interesting, I am assuming he is doing some sort of software activation to get around you needing an emulator. The odd thing is that if you want voice you would need the emulator to be used.

It is odd because the issue at hand is there are certificates loaded into the CIC that enable it do perform various things--the main one people talk about is the navigation map updates, but there are other ones that do functions like voice control that are needed. If you change the VIN you invalidate the certificates (or so I read on various forums)

For example if you were to purchase a unit that never had voice activation, you cannot have that feature because the voice certificates are not there tied to the original VIN to be used by the emulator in the new car. This guy seemed to get around that.

However PLEASE KNOW that the software activated units have a hard time updating maps and it requires a bit of work---this includes pulling the unit out of the car partially to unhook certain wires to trick the system to allow it to be updated.

There are also other modules that may need to be coded depending on your options. I do not see how NO coding is ever an option because you should update the car's VO to include the CIC system. That way it knows the system is there and can adjust accordingly. You may also need to make other changes--hard to know without more details on your car--LCI or Pre-LCI , etc... people with Pre-LCI have reported more issues with climate control system. There are also errors that may need to be addressed...... not trying to scare you, just educate you.

I am about to throw my CIC in my 2009. It goes into the dealer next week for 2 new turbos, when I get it back it is my project. (along with new brakes).

Also people say DO NOT get rid of the CCC system, as you may need to put it back in the car it if the dealer needs to upgrade/flash any modules on the car. There are reports of modules (that have nothing do to with the CIC/CCC) refusing to be flashed/upgraded until the car was put back like from factory.
 
#410 ·
Adding to this discussion....if you want to only convert the ccc to cic, you won't get bluetooth audio streaming. My car has the phone bluetooth working and the aux port in the middle console. I added a Kinivo bluetooth hands free car kit ($35 on Amazon) to get the audio streaming function added. FYI many people in the past used the Blackberry stereo gateway but they are out of production for years and hard to find. I did use one and it worked good (a2dp audio quality). I also bought the Blackberry music gateway and it was not as good, low volume and no noise filter which made for poor sound quality - would not recommend.

Bottom line the Kinovo BTC450 works great in my E92 for the audio streaming (has aptx quality which sounds great with my Samsung phone) - the built in phone bluetooth works at the same time as the phone pairs to both sources. No ugly aux cord running down the console anymore.
 
#415 · (Edited)
I just did my retrofit and i have a few problems i hope to get help with:

I was getting errors in instrument cluster, -- gave me "HDC" on the display, which it never had one before. HDC is down hill assist. So i flashed an empty man file to it and it no longer gives that. However now i do not have the trip odometer (the little stick does nothing when pressed) and i no longer have the digital speed, even if coded to enable that specific be active. what coudl be the issue?

I did not FA the KOMBI--I read that is needed, but I thought only CAS and LMA got FA stuff, am i wrong?

2. also more important, the sound is soft, sounds fine but not base at all. it sounds like the AMP is not working and the CIC is driving the sound. I have hifi, which i think is the basic radio. That is also what hte man file states. what could be wrong?

I have a 2009 LCI (which i VO coded to be a 2010 just to be sure it would work right). Could coding my KOMBI with a different year have caused some of the problems? Should i code my VO back to 2009 (#0908)? :dunno:

My CIC is not perfect, trying to get the video camera done but my cables do not arrive for a few days. I assume i will need to code the PDC vertical instead of horizontal to compensate for the rear camera. I was able to code out the legal disclaimer! :p

any help appreciated. thanks!
 
#416 ·
2. also more important, the sound is soft, sounds fine but not base at all. it sounds like the AMP is not working and the CIC is driving the sound. I have hifi, which i think is the basic radio. That is also what hte man file states. what could be wrong?
I'm about to attempt this retrofit with parts I'm piecing together from eBay and other sources, but in my research, I read that this problem can be solved by updating your current amp software. I have Logic 7 and will probably encounter the same problem. It was recommended that the entire car be updated before attempting the retrofit.

I have a question for the other forum members successful. Is it possible to peform updates to the car if it has an inoperable CCC? I need to get my amp updated by the dealer or whoever can do it
 
#418 ·
Thanks for that! My CCC doesn't output sound but operates and responds to inputs. Will it cause an error for the amp update?
 
#419 ·
If CCC is damaged and not Amp, then there will be no problem. But are you sure that your CCC is without sound? Did you try to bypas most on bluetooth unit, to see if spund is OK? From my experience, E series had problems with bluetooth units, and when they are broken, there's no sound in the care, because sound is transmited throu MOST.
 
#421 · (Edited)
Larry, I have not tried this...how do I bypass the bluetooth unit? I'll try that immediately if you could explain!

Edit: I've found the loop HERE on ECS tuning that can be used to bypass my MULF/TCU/Bluetooth unit. In researching based on your suggestion, it looks like it could possibly be my bluetooth module is broken thus breaking the MOST loop signal and causing the loss of sound. I will try this $30 fix and report back.

Here is the thread I referenced for others that might be having the same problem:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=842131
 
#420 · (Edited)
What it really takes for a CIC retrofit.. (DIY, Complete! Coding files includ...

This DIY is amazing. Thanks for putting it together OP. I have a 07 525i PRE-LCI with the M-ASK unit. I decided to pick up a CIC retrofit kit from off eBay. It will come coded for my car with map activation, Picture in motion and the following:

CIC unit
HD CIC monitor
iDrive control
Monitor cable, power cable for monitor, USB cable, iDrive cable
Panel trim for AC control

I also requested that the CIC be coded for the Combox media unit. I will pick up one later this year.

I am waiting to see if there are any issues with it working on my car via the coding before I purchase an emulator.

Also, is anyone experienced with installing this retrofit, a Combox, rear camera and the Technic Harness (for aftermarket LOC and amp). Are there any compatibility or interference issues I should be aware of?
 
#423 ·
This DIY is amazing. Thanks for putting it together OP. I have a 07 525i PRE-LCI with the M-ASK unit. I decided to pick up a CIC retrofit kit from off eBay. It will come coded for my car with map activation, Picture in motion and the following:

CIC unit
HD CIC monitor
iDrive control
Monitor cable, power cable for monitor, USB cable, iDrive cable
Panel trim for AC control

I also requested that the CIC be coded for the Combox media unit. I will pick up one later this year.

I am waiting to see if there are any issues with it working on my car via the coding before I purchase an emulator.

Also, is anyone experienced with installing this retrofit, a Combox, rear camera and the Technic Harness (for aftermarket LOC and amp). Are there any compatibility or interference issues I should be aware of?
Just for general FYI, I pm'd some people about the install. It seems that the only issue that will come up is the Quadralock Harness. The CIC emulator (if needed), rear camera emulator (if needed) and Technic Harnesses will need to be combined into one harness. I will get the wiring diagram for the OEM Harness and hopefully I could pick some experienced people's brain about the wiring.

I am still compiling all the parts so I have some time. Wish me luck everyone's and please provide suggestions and advice.
 
#424 · (Edited)
What it really takes for a CIC retrofit.. (DIY, Complete! Coding files includ...

Hello everyone,

I am looking into this combox (part: 8410 9257161) for the conversion. Part numbers were included in the thread for the Combox that could work with Exx models. This part was not in that list and it wasn't listed as incompatible. Can someone verify if this is a compatible combox part to use with CIC. see the link: http://www.ebay.com/itm/322115526039?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Update:

I was able to order the right part. I contacted the seller on eBay and they had COMBOX for telematics part# 8410 9257153.
 
#429 · (Edited)
What it really takes for a CIC retrofit.. (DIY, Complete! Coding files includ...



Thanks and good luck on your retrofit!! Im routing a usb fakra cable to the combox and I'm having problems getting past the rear seat. I can't get to the seat lock?

On another note, Does anyone know what connection this is? This connection is in the driver side trunk. I'm wondering what it connects to.

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