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      01-22-2015, 05:15 PM   #1
bmwretrofit
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Top 3 Rreasons why you should not be doing NBT retrofit in E-series on your own



Top 3 Rreasons Why You Should Not Be Doing NBT Retrofit In E-Series On Your Own



If you are a BMW enthusiast you must have seen the hype about the NBT retrofit for E-series. We have released our eNBT Retrofit Adapter for the NBT retrofit in early 2014 and have improved the eNBT Retrofit Adapter over the course of last year, so that now all features are supported* without any compromise or limitations. This includes E9x, E8x, E6x and E7x vehicles. If you would like to know more about the NBT retrofit, we recommend that you start with the following post: Comparison of CIC and NBT Retrofits in E-series

Being the developer and pioneer of the NBT retrofit in E-series (not just reseller), we know this retrofit inside-out, like no one else. We receive far too many questions from customers running into issues when trying to tackle this retrofit on their own - the story is almost always the same: they got a very good "deal" on the NBT hardware, they spend some time getting all the required parts from various sources (sometimes at a very high price), they somehow managed to install the hardware, but now functionality is missing, features are not working, USB and Bluetooth do not respond, GPS does not show correct location, and the list goes on and on. We came up with a list of top 3 reasons why this retrofit should be left to the professionals and should not be attempted on your own (unless you are a BMW specialist or are in for some serious challenges):


1. SIGNALS, COMMANDS, COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS.. AND WIRING, WIRING, WIRING
On a complexity scale of 1-10, this retrofit is ranked number 7 or so. Unless your vehicle came from factory really empty (basically, 4 wheels and a steering wheel), this retrofit is complex and is not plug-and-play, no matter how you look at it. Proper installation of this retrofit requires understanding of BMW electrical system, MOST and CAN bus, and how various ECUs are wired together. You need to understand what you are doing and why you are doing it, in order to successfully get the NBT system to work in your vehicle. Even if you are handy and have done "similar" projects in the past, you need someone who will guide you through this retrofit from start to finish.


2. FINE-TUNING THE RETROFIT ON THE VEHICLE
Correct installation of the NBT retrofit is only the tip of the iceberg. Think about it: you are taking the latest hardware and software from F-series, and putting it into an E-series vehicle (from 4-10 years back). It's like taking an Android OS, getting it to run on a 1999 Nokia phone and then getting this hybrid to charge from an Apple charger. The parts that you install must be correct parts, they must be properly prepared and coded. However, even correct parts do not guarantee that everything will run smoothly right after installation. This is due to the fact that ALL vehicles are configured differently, and it may as well be the case, that in order for NBT retrofit to work correctly in YOUR vehicle, some fine-tuning of the vehicle will be required. There is nothing scary about it, as long as you know what you are doing. But as a matter of fact very few people would actually know how to diagnose this and what to do in order to solve the issue. You need to have proper support from someone who truly understands this retrofit.


3. ADDITIONAL MECHANICAL ADAPTATION AND CUSTOMIZATION OF EQUIPMENT
Somewhat related to point 1., but important enough to distinguish, is the fact that BMW never manufactured any NBT hardware specifically for E-series BMW. That's why mechanical adaptation and customization of the original BMW hardware is required in order for it to be installed into E-series BMWs. Specifically this concerns the head unit, fascia, front panel, display and center console trim/iDrive touch controller (if being used). Maybe easy for some to do, maybe more complex for others, but whatever the case, you need to understand what needs to be done before you start.


CONCLUSION
This post is not intended to deter you from pursuing this retrofit in any way. This retrofit is indeed the most modern and advanced retrofit that you can give your vehicle, but it does require some special skills, knowledge and understanding, if you are looking to do the NBT retrofit on your own. If you are looking to do the NBT retrofit on your own, despite the challenges, we can offer you one of our eNBT Retrofit Adapters and free PC utility for eNBT Retrofit Adapter configuring and coding specific options in NBT for proper operation of NBT in E-series. eNBT Retrofit Adapter is the integral part of the NBT retrofit, and is what makes the retrofit possible.

If, however, you are looking for a simpler way to do the NBT retrofit in your E-series, we will be happy to offer the complete eNBT kit for your vehicle, which will include all the parts which you will need for the upgrade. We will serve as a "project manager" for you, and will oversee the retrofit for you from start to finish. We will be by your side throughout the conversion process no matter where you are and will always guide you in the right direction.

I hope you found this post informative and it helps you understand better what the NBT retrofit in E-series entails. I would like to finish off with some humour, since sometimes it is one of the best ways to understand the reality. And, sadly, this is really the trend that we see these days:


Conversation from online forum


Original Post:

"Hello all,

I am a cardiac-surgeon with 20 years of experience, working at a hospital. Now I have a bit of spare time on my hands and looking to do some work on the side. Recently I downloaded ISTA D and bought ICOM ABC (Chinese copy). Over the past few months, I’ve read quite a bit of forums and did some coding on my BMW, and now I am thinking of offering my services to fellow BMW lovers. I am pretty familiar with coding of my 335i – things like video in motion and folding mirrors. Now I am thinking, what will I require to successfully offer this service? Maybe I should also download EDIABAS? Any coding tools you can recommend? Maybe Autologic or GAT HandHeld Coder will be a good choice? What else will I need?

Thanks,

Mark."



Reply @ Mark:

Hello Mark,

I’ve worked as a mechanic at BMW for 20 years. Now I have a bit of spare time on my hands and looking to do some work on the side. Recently I purchased a surgical scalpel on eBay. Over the past few months, I successfully cut up my old leather couch, and almost slaughtered by dog, now I am thinking maybe I should start offering my services to other patients in need. Specifically, I am thinking about offering cardiac-surgeries in my spare time. I am pretty familiar with surgeries since I have extensive experience with manipulating can-opener. Now I am thinking, what will I require to successfully offer this service? Maybe I should get a lancet, Graspers, clamps, retractors? Any good sterilizers and needles/threads you can recommend? What else will I need?

David.


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