Hi Guys,


I have seen CIC and NBT units getting sold on Ebay. Originally taken out from another BMW car. So it is original second hand unit.


I haven't seen any NBT unit on Ebay that same shape of E60 has. I believe there isn't one.


My questions are:


1) Retrofit... What is it? Does it mean replica or second hand original unit where programmed to work with E60?


2) If retrofit is not original; would you recommend second hand unit or retrofit?


3) I have 2009 (Sep 2008 built) E60 LCI which has USB, AUX, DVD, CD Changer and new iDrive controller. (Professional unit). I guess that I have most of the parts except head unit and the screen. Maybe some connection cables for CIC head unit as well. Can I buy second hand from somewhere (i.e Ebay) and install it? Would it work just after adding CIC into VO?


4) Is there any fully working NBT retrofit for E60?


Appreciate your help...

 

NBT is 3rd generation iDrive, and is the latest iDrive which is available for F-series from factory. Since E60 is E-series, there is no NBT kit for E60 which is available from factory. However, you can install NBT in E60, but you will need to use one of the eNBT Retrofit Adapters. .
You will also need to custom-make the display, so it can fit into E60. OR you can just get the complete NBT kit from bimmer retrofit.


In simple words, retrofit means that you add something (component, accessory) into a vehicle, which did not have that component, accessory from factory. Retrofit can be original or aftermarket. In this context, we are talking about original BMW parts installed into vehicles (they can be used or new).


Used parts are very popular, since they are a LOT less expensive.


For CIC retrofit in 2009 E60, you would typically need:
CIC head unit, Display, video cable, USB connector and cable for the glovebox, PNP activation module (navigation, voice control) and of course proper coding is required. Again, complete kits are available.


Please see this , you will find it helpful.
With E6x specifically, some functions will not work since they are not available in NBT head unit, but 99% of functionality is supported.


Hope this helps!

 

I was wondering about the NBT retrofit as well. Really impressed! Does the touch controller also work?

 

Yes, indeed, touch controller works!

 

What is touch controller?

 

It's the newest iDrive controller that lets you scribble on the touch pad instead of entering letters one by one the usual way. I've used it on one of the rental cars - pretty cool!

 

Shame about the no HUD, that's a bit of a show stopper for me.
The climate control I can live with out as I personally leave it on auto anyway.
The hud I find extremely useful and would go as far as to say I will not buy a vehicle without one.


Big shame because the NBT system looks really nice.

 

Not just HUD. You will lose BMW Assist and SOS functions as well.

I agree with you about HUD. I find it extremly useful too. I have been told by Bimmerretrofit that they are working on it to get it enabled. Something to expect in 2015.

 

Yes, but BMW Assist/SOS is disabled even with Combox retrofit! It's not really a distinguishing point of NBT!

And HUD.. It still works, shows shows speed, cruise control. Just does not show street names, but hopefully BR can come up with a solution soon!

 

with coding, the HUD can be set to display revs, speed, like the M5 - I wonder this this would also be lost with the NBT.