[smithf80]

Some more installed pics:

[khodo]

impressive job

[GB-335xiCoupe]

I think I'm gonna pass out.

[bimmette]

I already replied but I am back because I just can't get over how impressive this is. It's gotta be one if the best DIYs I've seen on this forum!!!

[DOMs335D]

great job... although I don't think I would have the nerve to do that to my car.

[smithf80]

UPDATE: Happy to report the nav and my wonderful stored music collection worked perfect on my 150 mile journey today!

Originally Posted by khodo

impressive job

Thanks!

Originally Posted by GB-335xiCoupe

I think I'm gonna pass out.

Hahah!

Originally Posted by bimmette

I already replied but I am back because I just can't get over how impressive this is. It's gotta be one if the best DIYs I've seen on this forum!!!

Hah, you're too much Tara. It honestly isn't that bad but it wouldn't have been possible without Kevin.

Once he explained the wiring to me and I understood I realized it really isn't that bad.

Originally Posted by DOMs335D

great job... although I don't think I would have the nerve to do that to my car.

Hah, completely understand but trust me if you're considering doing this then just do it.

[jezzy]

Awesome! I can't wait for my parts to arrive.. mine should be completed within the next few weeks too, but not a dash replacement that is!!

What did you do for the usb in the glovebox? I've got an 06 325xi without USB, there's no 'blanking plate" to remove to add usb, and I don't want a usb socket laying around in there!

[ctuna]

How can you do this for 1k
Guys in Europe have done this and its more like 4k plus.
in parts.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by ctuna

How can you do this for 1k
Guys in Europe have done this and its more like 4k plus.
in parts.

That makes no sense to me actually, because all the parts from europe are so cheap. I found a full business CIC kit on ebay.co.uk for like 450. Given thats not pro but still parts from there are so cheap.



Also an update: Been using this everyday for weeks now and its working perfectly.

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by jezzy

Awesome! I can't wait for my parts to arrive.. mine should be completed within the next few weeks too, but not a dash replacement that is!!

What did you do for the usb in the glovebox? I've got an 06 325xi without USB, there's no 'blanking plate" to remove to add usb, and I don't want a usb socket laying around in there!

I'm extremely anal and I just said screw it and left it sitting there. It doesn't make any noise so I'm okay with it

[Augster]

Originally Posted by smithe90

That makes no sense to me actually, because all the parts from europe are so cheap. I found a full business CIC kit on ebay.co.uk for like 450. Given thats not pro but still parts from there are so cheap.

Although I don't think Europeans are shelling out $4k USD to convert from a non-iDrive for DIYers (but if they are paying a professional for the install, then perhaps $4k could be at the upper end of the pricing scale), I also don't believe it's realistic that it can be done under $1k here in the States. For the double-scoop dash alone that hasn't had its airbag deployed, the cheapest regularly advertised price I could find was $375 plus $80 shipping (and tax for me since we're both in Cali) from Bavarian Auto Recycling, and this is sight unseen because they will not provide any photos of parts being purchased. I've been looking for close to eight months for a pristine double-scoop for a good price and finally found one for $500 shipped.

And for the the CIC display, display cable, CIC head unit, controller, center dash and console trim panels, and all the little ancillary connectors and various wiring (OEM and custom made), that's another roughly $1,000 for good condition US-spec units (not too many people have the equipment and knowledge to have to potentially flash Euro-spec components to work in US-spec E9x's).

Of course, there will always be outliers with the "killer deal" made by the very lucky few. But realistically speaking, the vast majority of us should expect to pay $1,200-$1,500 (more if the Combox upgrade is desired).

[ctuna]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=idrive

"With everything I have probably spend around 3000 € with everything. Package from Bimmertech, Dash, some other stuff and couple of tools."

also more detailed instruction in the above thread.
at least it looks like it at a glance.

[Augster]

That's two years ago, and the bloke paid BimmerTech for a full-on complete, fully updated, "bolt-on" iDrive with Navigation system package plus remote coding (and unspecified "tools"). Not knocking his decision at all because it certainly saves on the headache of sourcing each and every part individually by yourself, then learning how to code the system to function. And I will also be turning to a similar company (BimmerRetrofit) to source a complete, fully updated, NBT head unit, NBT display, NBT video cable, Emulator, activation of all features, wiring schematics and retrofit installation instructions, plus remote coding.

Anyways, I also forgot to include the cost of the CIC Emulator, the cheapest way to get the CIC Navigation (and other optional "pay to play" features) enabled without paying over a thousand dollars to BMW for the all activation FSC codes, and any map update costs if the CIC head unit is not recent or hasn't been updated with the latest maps to reflect changes in your driving area.

And yes, very informative thread that I've referenced many a time during my research for an iDrive/Nav retrofit, along with the "original" retrofit thread by Booster4075!

[smithf80]

I did get some lucky deals but it seems like its possible, because the two others that Kevin has done both did it under 1k as well.

I paid 250 for the dash, 150 for the screen, 375 for the headunit, 75 for controller and trim. 70 for the emulator, and 80 bucks in misc crap which comes to about 1000 even I think.

So I will change the OP to say between 900-1200 is realistic.

[PTinVT]

I'm really going to espouse my ignorance here... and I've been on these boards for a long time. What do CIC and CCC stand for? [I'm in the minority that did NOT want i-drive...]

[ctuna]

CCC is an older disk based system. (as in DVD)
CIC is the newer hard drive system that has a lot
of internet and options and also add on's like the combox
that gives bluetooth music and streaming options I think.
And NBT is the new F30 system I guess?

This is and old document the describes the first
e90 Nav

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447

[Augster]

Originally Posted by PTinVT

I'm really going to espouse my ignorance here... and I've been on these boards for a long time. What do CIC and CCC stand for? [I'm in the minority that did NOT want i-drive...]

CCC is the original E9x pre-LCI iDrive/Nav Car Communication Computer from 2006 to 2008.

CIC is the next generation E9x LCI iDrive/Nav Car Infotainment Computer from 2009 to 2011, and carried forward into the F-chassis from 2012 to 2013, and in 2014 I believe BMW finally switched completely over to the CIC-High or NBT (Next Big Thing) system as standard, which was previously optional in the F-chassis.

[smithf80]

Bump 4 CIC and boredom.

[climax_e92]

Nice work dude. I actually just did the same thing a few months ago. I also paid only $500 for the whole dash with the CIC screen and unit. Another $350 for all the custom harness, emulator and coding.

[AWDBooSTIn90]

How does the darker grey center console trim look with the aluminum dash trim? I have aluminum trim. But i like that center console trim you have also.

[ArcticRik]

Originally Posted by smithf32

That makes no sense to me actually, because all the parts from europe are so cheap. I found a full business CIC kit on ebay.co.uk for like 450. Given thats not pro but still parts from there are so cheap.



Also an update: Been using this everyday for weeks now and its working perfectly.

Did you have to do any special coding for the CIC from the UK?

[smithf80]

Originally Posted by xborndaballx

Did you have to do any special coding for the CIC from the UK?

I didn't actually use euro parts. He was saying it costs euro guys 4k but yet I see parts from Europe available so cheap.

Don't believe there are is any special coding for using parts from Europe tho, you just need to update to the USA maps.