CIC firmware update

[simnew]

I did search for this, but all posts were very old.

I have a 2009 35i and the idrive doesn’t allow for USB updates. I am going to embark on some upgrades - Mr12volt MMI box and OEM PDC install over the winter, but wanted to get the CIC system updated in advance.

Can anyone provide recommendations on who can do this in the London / Hertfordshire area please. TIA

 

[AnubisZed]

I assume you are meaning so that you can do map updates? Probably your best bet will be to send it away for a few days, there are a few places on ebay that offer this service. I believe what you need is to update it to ilevel C1A, in the wrong hands this can brick your headunit. But once it's done it'll be to the latest available and you'll be ablevto update maps via the USB

 

[Chippie]

If the only benefit from updating the CIC would be to update the maps, then this may be pointless if fitting the mr12volt as the OP would simply use their preferred app for directions and they wouldn’t be risking bricking their head unit

 

[simnew]

I assume you are meaning so that you can do map updates? Probably your best bet will be to send it away for a few days, there are a few places on ebay that offer this service. I believe what you need is to update it to ilevel C1A, in the wrong hands this can brick your headunit. But once it's done it'll be to the latest available and you'll be ablevto update maps via the USB

Yes - want to update the maps via USB as I don’t think the DVD maps are available as recently as the USB ones. Wanted to update the maps so that if I am using the car where there is no cellular signal, I still have the maps in the car etc. I guess the dealer could do it Although I guess they would charge an arm and a leg. Not so keen on sending away the CIC unit itself though…. Is it not something a coder could do visiting my house ?

 

[2k35is]

If its what I hink is a common problem for 2009-10BMW's
Does your Nav have the tick in the cicle bottom left on - see picture on this thread
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1369564

If it doesn't(mine didn't _aug 2009) it does need a firmware update. My E91 was 5 years old when bought from an independent dealer but ownership had been under with 3 year or insured used warranty and all services with BMW but not updated
BMW dealer wanted a fortune to update - but found techie on eBay who could do it. Firmware and installed latest mao for £100 in 2018. Met at car park Pontefract library and took most of afternoon. Maybe try searching on eBay for CIC firmware update. Worked fine since.

 

[flybobbie]

I think my 2009 car came with map data already 5 years out of date, based on a road i go down regular.

 

[Chippie]

Wanted to update the maps so that if I am using the car where there is no cellular signal, I still have the maps in the car

Although the map will be well outdated if you needed it because of no network then it would still get you to your destination all be it you may have to read the odd road sign and may be in the middle of a field
If you are using an iPhone and google maps you can download map sections to your phone to use when off line, if you think there’s a possibility of no signal, I know I did when in the Alps, I presume android have the same feature.

 

[AnubisZed]

A nain dealer will charge a ridiculous amount to do this and will probably claim that they need it for two days or so.
It's not a quick job, it's a good few hours with a power supply hooked up to the car.
With a quality guy where you send it away, it'll be something like a three day turn around (day to get it to him, day for the job, day return).
Having someone come to you won't be cheap due to the time needed for the update.
And I totally agree with your thinking on having the maps as a back up for no phone signal

You could give this guy a try, I'm not sure if he does it but he's got all of the kit so may be able to help...
https://www.power-tuning.co.uk/what-we-do

 

[Sgr74]

The dealer near me told me it was £60 for the usb update and another £50 for the activation code.

 

[AnubisZed]

The dealer near me told me it was £60 for the usb update and another £50 for the activation code.

Yeah that's true, but earlier versions were not able to be updated that way, it was DVD only. It can ve done but needs the headunit firmware updated first.

 

[TBDL]

Feels a bit unnecessary to update the CIC if you’re installing a MIM box anyway, probably an expense you can spare yourself? I installed the Autoabc MIM (as it’s £110 and I’m cheap) and it’s excellent, maps can be downloaded on your phone as mentioned above if it’s a big concern. Love having CarPlay in the 2010 E89, such an improvement. Some good apps too like OBD Fusion on CarPlay for live stats if you’re into that.

 

[AnubisZed]

Feels a bit unnecessary to update the CIC if you’re installing a MIM box anyway, probably an expense you can spare yourself? I installed the Autoabc MIM (as it’s £110 and I’m cheap) and it’s excellent, maps can be downloaded on your phone as mentioned above if it’s a big concern. Love having CarPlay in the 2010 E89, such an improvement. Some good apps too like OBD Fusion on CarPlay for live stats if you’re into that.

It's nice to have the back up, but for me it's more to do with content for my YouTube channel, and because I like a challenge and that i like the OE equipment.
A lot of owners complain about the iDrive that "can't do this and it can't do that", but in reality a top spec can do most things a new car can. Maps work very well (if kept up to date) and can give you live info for roadworks and accidents (this info is received from the nationwide Traffic Master system and transmitted to the iDrive via the radios RDS system). You've got DAB, which can switch back to FM if signal is lost. You can have Bluetooth music streaming with track info. USB music with album art. Onboard music from the internal HDD. Spotify from you iPhone with album art.
Yeah it's not as flash as the most modern cars, but then the E89 came out 15 years ago.
The problem with too many flash screens in a car is the distraction element, for instance the most recent BMW's with the wrap around screen, far too distracting. Saying that though, a nice HUD is good though, and having your music info and sat nav directly on the clocks cluster is good, especially for not taking your eyes off the road, like the G29 Z4

 

[TBDL]

Just browsing your YouTube channel now, what a fantastic resource for us all, thank you! Totally get the ‘do it for the challenge’ kind of approach too. I more meant for the OP the CIC upgrade seemed an unnecessary hassle. I’m only three months into E89 ownership, and it’s been off the road for half that time (long story, much bad luck), so no doubt I will find many more things to do aside from the MIM, reverse cam and a few small items like ambient lights and chargers. Your YouTube channel is going to lead me astray, already working out if I have the skills to 3D design a version of the cup holders to then print on my printers (I do not, but have to learn somewhere)

 

[AnubisZed]

Just browsing your YouTube channel now, what a fantastic resource for us all, thank you! Totally get the ‘do it for the challenge’ kind of approach too. I more meant for the OP the CIC upgrade seemed an unnecessary hassle. I’m only three months into E89 ownership, and it’s been off the road for half that time (long story, much bad luck), so no doubt I will find many more things to do aside from the MIM, reverse cam and a few small items like ambient lights and chargers. Your YouTube channel is going to lead me astray, already working out if I have the skills to 3D design a version of the cup holders to then print on my printers (I do not, but have to learn somewhere)

I'm glad you find my content of interest, more coming soon (6 that have had filming done quite some time ago, and a further 6 in pre-production).

There is a couple of advantages to having the CIC Firmware updated to the latest version,
1) You can load most recent maps.
2) You can add other features to the CIC headunit, like Connected Drive, Bluetooth Music streaming (with the addition of a Combox), and newer phone capabilities.

But, yes you can add an MMI box and get these features, but, personally, I like the added back-up of having these "just in case"!!