CIC GPS location through combox?

neilvan · 11-30-2021, 10:35 AM

This is for my E61 but I figure this will get more traffic and its so similar.

I retrofitted a CIC in (it had basic radio w/ screen so no NAV) and a combox replaced my TCU. Theres no antenna cable going from the CIC to the roof antenna and the generic ebay plug in one kinda sucks. The TCU had one factory and its plugged into the combox (telematics version but Ive coded out SOS).

Is there any coding line within the CIC to tell it to get the GPS signal from the connection on the back or the GPS location thru the TCU/combox?

Andystobbs · 11-30-2021, 02:52 PM

The antenna in the combox (ex tcu) is for emergency call.
You need a £5 generic GPS antenna. Stick it behind the a pillar trim at the top of the dash.

Running a cheapo GPS antenna in our 1 series with retrofit CIC and its perfect.

neilvan · 11-30-2021, 03:50 PM

I have one, But it does not work well at all (It was one recommended my many too)

That's why I was hoping I could use the GPS connection through the TCU/combox (since it goes to the roof shark fin and the car should still see it)

Andystobbs · 11-30-2021, 04:03 PM

In vehicles factory equipped with nav the GPS goes directly to the CIC. I surmise this the forwards location to TCU, rather than the other way around.

neilvan · 12-01-2021, 08:30 AM

My E61 did not come from factory with NAV but with M-ask(radio w/ a screen) hence no blue GPS cable at the back of the unit. I added an external one in a few locations but it does not pick up or adapt well.

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a coding line somewhere (CIC or elsewhere) where there was an option to switch which cable/box the car picks up the GPS location from

Andystobbs · 12-01-2021, 01:23 PM

That's what I'm saying. That coding won't exist because the proper installation has the GPS going directly to the CIC.

If you have coded out SOS anyway you might as well re route the GPS from shark fin directly to CIC.

11-30-2021, 10:35 AM	#1
neilvan Major 861 Rep 1,373 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT RWD Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E61 530xi [0.00] 1993 Mazda Miata [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	CIC GPS location through combox? This is for my E61 but I figure this will get more traffic and its so similar. I retrofitted a CIC in (it had basic radio w/ screen so no NAV) and a combox replaced my TCU. Theres no antenna cable going from the CIC to the roof antenna and the generic ebay plug in one kinda sucks. The TCU had one factory and its plugged into the combox (telematics version but Ive coded out SOS). Is there any coding line within the CIC to tell it to get the GPS signal from the connection on the back or the GPS location thru the TCU/combox?
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11-30-2021, 02:52 PM	#2
Andystobbs Captain 196 Rep 720 Posts Drives: E91 Lci, Vectra B V6 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Chester, South Wirral iTrader: (0)	The antenna in the combox (ex tcu) is for emergency call. You need a £5 generic GPS antenna. Stick it behind the a pillar trim at the top of the dash. Running a cheapo GPS antenna in our 1 series with retrofit CIC and its perfect.
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11-30-2021, 03:50 PM	#3
neilvan Major 861 Rep 1,373 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT RWD Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E61 530xi [0.00] 1993 Mazda Miata [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	I have one, But it does not work well at all (It was one recommended my many too) That's why I was hoping I could use the GPS connection through the TCU/combox (since it goes to the roof shark fin and the car should still see it)
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11-30-2021, 04:03 PM	#4
Andystobbs Captain 196 Rep 720 Posts Drives: E91 Lci, Vectra B V6 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Chester, South Wirral iTrader: (0)	In vehicles factory equipped with nav the GPS goes directly to the CIC. I surmise this the forwards location to TCU, rather than the other way around.
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12-01-2021, 08:30 AM	#5
neilvan Major 861 Rep 1,373 Posts Drives: 09 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT RWD Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW E61 530xi [0.00] 1993 Mazda Miata [0.00] 2009 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	My E61 did not come from factory with NAV but with M-ask(radio w/ a screen) hence no blue GPS cable at the back of the unit. I added an external one in a few locations but it does not pick up or adapt well. I was just wondering if anyone knew of a coding line somewhere (CIC or elsewhere) where there was an option to switch which cable/box the car picks up the GPS location from
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12-01-2021, 01:23 PM	#6
Andystobbs Captain 196 Rep 720 Posts Drives: E91 Lci, Vectra B V6 Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Chester, South Wirral iTrader: (0)	That's what I'm saying. That coding won't exist because the proper installation has the GPS going directly to the CIC. If you have coded out SOS anyway you might as well re route the GPS from shark fin directly to CIC.
	Appreciate 0 Quote