2014 BMW idrive... in an e85

F

faz_b

Member
I did a quick search but couldnt see any threads, so im not sure if this has already been posted, but I think my evening just became full of reading. Stumbled across this and If its not too difficult, I may attempt it in the new year when I back from Saudi Arabia

full 2014 idrive system in a e85 retrofit:

Z4-NBT.png


the relevant threads/links:

discovered on zpost: http://www.zpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1301131

the full post (72 pages!) on bimmerforums: http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?2153382-NBT-CIC-CCC-retrofit-in-E39-E38-E53

If this has already been posted mods please feel free to poke me so i may hang my head in shame! :P

So far as I can tell with an extremely light read so far, the e39 5 series install on the first couple of pages was virtually plug and play. The entire retrofit comes together allowing the newer iDrive NBT based systems to interface directly with the IBUS systems in cars as early as 1995. The retrofit hangs on the installation of this adapter kit which makes the old and new speak to each other: http://carsystems.com.ua/bmw-products-en/bmw-exx-ibus-nbt-retrofit-adapter-en

Doing a quick calculation and not allowing for any unforeseen costs:

- second hand complete F10/F30 iDrive system from ebay (inc screen, idrive controller, brain module and loom: £600-£700
- car systems adapter kit: 400euro
- Second hand F10 steering wheel with multifunction from ebay: £300-£400

Now this is my guess without actually going through the reading in detail, Im going to go through the thread tonight. Bloody interesting if nothing else, but its the first time I've seen what could be a properly modern system for an e85. Of course it is still custom and a small amount of dash cutting would be required as well. Still cool though!
 
Interesting. Good find.
Not a cheap retrofit by any margin but good to know it's possible to do!
I'll stick with my clunky old NAV system which I use to keep an eye on fuel consumption and use phone for music and google maps...for free
:wink:
 
Fair play, for those that already have nav it doesnt make sense I would agree. :)

For those that dont, it could be worthwhile. I am not 100% sure whether the steering wheel is a "must" yet. still reading! lol!

EDIT: nice thing with this retro fit is that the controls interface everywhere apparently. If you have heated seats for example, when you press the buttons to turn them on/adjust temp, the action would be represented on the screen GUI just as it would with a newer car. Same with the climate control and other general vehicle interactions.
 
Would be great if there was a simple upgrade path for existing mkIV nav systems.
I've seen a few android tablet conversions with some type of hybrid idrive/Android software thrown into the mix but can't help but feel it's just a bit Blue Peter.
Horses for courses i suppose but I still think spending over a grand just to get iDrive i to an E85/86 is for true hardcore idrive fans.
 
Nice idea but it won't integrate with car systems like a new bmw will. Lot of money.

Smartphones are the way forward.
 
Maniac said:
Smartphones are the way forward.
Click to expand...

Until you get abroad and smartphones stop working .... (perhaps next year when roaming charges are no longer there).

I tested a smart phone drive the other day in the Audi that does not have satnav build in, I did not get there easily (had to get the TomTop from the boot) as the destination did not have data coverage so my Google maps stopped working. I know you can have off line maps but did not download it before I set off ...
 
Maniac said:
Nice idea but it won't integrate with car systems like a new bmw will. Lot of money.

Smartphones are the way forward.
Click to expand...

Im not convinced you are right about that to be honest, I have only got halfway into the thread so far and the integration even with older cars and the coding is bloody impressive.

A older firmware update (march 2015) to these systems intergrated older vehicles to interface with the iDrive at multiple levels including (for example) all the following vehicle warning functions:

LampPark
LampLowBeam
LampHighBeam
LampFrontFog
LampRearFog
LampLeftInd
LampRightInd
LampNumber
LampRightBrake
LampLeftBrake
LampRightTail
LampLeftTail
LampRightLowBeam
LampLeftLowBeam
BreakHandOn
EngOilPressLo
BreakPadsWarn
TrnsmNotInP
BreakFluidLoCCM
SeatBelt
KeyInIgnition
WasherLow
CoolantLow

Video here of a manual handbrake being engaged for a system which was originally designed for an electric handbreak, and yet the iDrive still offers the appropriate warnings (visual and audio)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMAIYO8UfjA

Baring in mind this firmware update was 18 months ago, I'm pretty convinced the system does integrate quite well.

The bigger challenge in the e85 though, would be where to place the idrive controller. The centre console is quite thin in comparison to modern BMWs and it would no doubt require some custom fabrication for (say) a small fiberglass mount made to fit in. I could make this myself as I have some experience with it before so that doesn't hugely concern me. Even the wiring seems to be tried and tested now.

Im more and more impressed the more I read it. the interface can be retrofitted and coded to work with virtually anything right down to TPS sensors and more.

EDIT: your comment about it being expensive is fair. Although in all fairness, its relative. For me its well worth the extra over a aftermarket system or a dated e85 nav system. The biggest job is figuring it out and getting the installation correct. do that and you are on to a serious winner. :)

EDIT 2: another video with the complete retrofit in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFUxoisCPOs
 
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