[Joejacobs24]

I did a CIC retrofit on my e93 but the device I had was on version c16. Obviously the nav got grayed out. I don't have access to an ICOM cable, I heard its possible to update to c1a if I remove the drive, take a backup just in case, and then flash with a clone from a device that had c1a on it. If that is possible, does anyone have an image I could use so I can get it updated? I know i'll have to code it after the fact with my VIN, etc, but I just want to get it updated to c1a first.

[Joejacobs24]

If this is not possible, What would be the minimum build date on another cic unit that would have c1a on it? Could I get a CIC unit from another model and just use the harddrive from that? Do I need to swap any boards? Just looking for any option that does not involve getting an ICOM cable.

[Joejacobs24]

Or is this third option viable, I don't really need to update to c1a, instead I can remove the harddrive, mount on my laptop and clone as a backup, and then do all file manipulation I need to it from here and just pop back into the CIC to get navigation working?

[eastsidaz]

Originally Posted by Joejacobs24

I did a CIC retrofit on my e93 but the device I had was on version c16. Obviously the nav got grayed out. I don't have access to an ICOM cable, I heard its possible to update to c1a if I remove the drive, take a backup just in case, and then flash with a clone from a device that had c1a on it. If that is possible, does anyone have an image I could use so I can get it updated? I know i'll have to code it after the fact with my VIN, etc, but I just want to get it updated to c1a first.

Doesn't work like that, as the CIC firmware is internal Flash. This is why you can remove hardrive and it'll still function. C1A firmware is on units from model that are> 2012+

[Joejacobs24]

Thanks for the reply, I have read other threads mentioning you can just get a cloned harddrive and it would work but nothing is clear. The one I got was from a 2012 car but it had version c16. At this point, I am willing to try and find another one cheap, but want to have a way to make sure it is c1a if I can go by a date of some sort. Can it be from any BMW or does it need to be an e90? Can I grab a unit from like a 2014 x3 to make sure and just remove the boards and HD and place in the enclosure I have now? I also read somewhere else that they are all the same parts.

[smass]

I updated a CIC to C1A a few years ago with an ICOM. It was a total pain in the ass and I would not do it again. A year later I ended up hooking up a CarPlay (Mr12Volt) to the CIC. Once I did that, C1A (and combox) was not even needed. C1A only gets you the ability for nav activation. And the CIC nav is probably not going to receive any more new map updates.

Mr12Volt also allows you to add a backup camera. And you also get dynamic parking lines.

[Joejacobs24]

I only drive the car maybe 1500 miles a year and only in the summer. Came across the CIC i have cheap with the screen, so figure I throw it in there. Its more me just wanting everything activated. Didn't want to spend $500 for carplay for something I am not in a lot. I actually have the 2024 maps downloaded, so that would be good enough for me if I can A) get this thing updated by borrowing/renting ICOM cable, b) Find another CIC cheap that i know would have c1a on it.

[Joejacobs24]

OK , so does anyone know if the number on the unit itself can be tied to the firmware revision on it: like CI923921401 or CI927317001, do these numbers mean anything?

[smass]

You probably did this already but it is worth an ask. When you checked the version in NCS, did you Read the module? Just viewing the module always shows C16. You have to Read it to get it to show the actual software version.

Reading the module creates the FSW_PSW file in the Work folder.

As for your other questions above, I don't think anyone is going to know those answers. I researched alternative options for many years before I was able to flash mine with an ICOM. That was the only solution. And it was not a simple process.

[Joejacobs24]

Well, when I went to program the FA and wrote it to the module, it went from c08 to c16. And when I tried to use the USB script, nothing happened. So pretty sure it is c16. But I am not sure how to try and read it, when I bring up NCS expert, I have to edit my FA again so the module comes up again and I am not sure why.