Comparison of CIC retrofit and NBT retrofit in E-series

[bmwretrofit]

Comparison of CIC Retrofit and NBT Retrofit

We receive a lot of messages and emails from customers, who are looking to “update their iDrive” but are unsure whether they should go for a CIC Retrofit or NBT Retrofit. We decided to create this thread to help customers understand the benefits and advantages of each one of the retrofits.

Let’s start with a bit of history…

09/2008 – CIC Navigation System entered the BMW market in 2008. It was introduced as a replacement to the old and inefficient CCC Navigation and Entertainment System, and opened a new chapter in OEM Vehicle Navigation and Entertainment Systems. CIC Navigation System is still the latest Navigation System, which is installed in BMW E-series from factory.

It is based on a powerful Video and Graphical processor; it has an internal 80GB HDD for multimedia and maps storage. Fast response speed, high resolution of the display, appealing and ergonomic design, improved internal structure of the components and many other features make CIC Navigation System the leader in its class of OEM vehicle navigation systems.

07/2012 – CIC was superseded by an NBT Navigation System, and NBT currently is the latest Navigation System which is installed in BMW F-series from factory. We released a special adapter, called eNBT Retrofit Adapter, which permits installation of NBT into E-series, so NBT retrofit is an option for owners of E-series as well.


Main advantages of CIC Retrofit over CCC Navigation System

• Internal hard drive (80GB): maps and music can be stored on hard drive
• Faster processor (faster response speed)
• Better graphics
• No more overheating issue
• Huge step forward from the older CCC
• More ergonomic design
• CIC permits other multimedia retrofits to be added: Combox, BMW Apps, BMW plug-in


Main advantages of NBT Retrofit over CIC Retrofit

• 200GB hard drive instead of 80GB drive (available in CIC)
• Combox built-in
• Faster processor (faster response speed)
• Better graphics / higher contract
• Sports Display (real-time power and torque meters)
• M-lap timer
• Ability to stream video from USB in the armrest (CIC does not allow this)
• BMW Apps
• 3D maps


CIC Retrofit vs. NBT Retrofit

If you are still not sure which retrofit is right for you, please consider the following:

• NBT is the “TOTAL UPGRADE” system, which comes with all “bells and whistles”, whereas CIC retrofit allows “STEP-BY-STEP UPGRADE”, which makes CIC retrofit more affordable. i.e. you can first do CIC retrofit, than Combox Retrofit, than BMW Apps.

• NBT retrofit is more modern, offers more features, better graphics, faster processor, bigger hard drive, etc.

• CIC retrofit is generally more affordable than NBT retrofit, BUT please keep in mind that:

price of both CIC retrofit and NBT retrofit depends on vehicle’s configuration and your needs – price of NBT retrofit may be a more costly option for one customer, but a more affordable option for another customer!

Hope this information helps you in deciding which “iDrive retrofit” is right for you!

[vchris]

I haven't exactly understood NBT retrofit. Do we need to have CIC in order to install it? Or it can be done on CCC navigation?

I have a 2008 E70 and I am searching my options!!

[blue dragon]

Does HUD work with NBT yet? I don't think it does. Also, you can have both 3D maps and BMW apps with the CIC retro.

The NBT doesn't even bolt right in, its a hack to mount it, and controller mount is a hack as well, for what basically amounts to a faster processor

[bmwretrofit]

Originally Posted by vchris

I haven't exactly understood NBT retrofit. Do we need to have CIC in order to install it? Or it can be done on CCC navigation?

I have a 2008 E70 and I am searching my options!!

You do not need to have CIC in order to install NBT.
If you currently have CCC navigation, these are your options:

• CIC retrofit (requires new hardware)
• CIC retrofit + Combox (requires new hardware)
• NBT retrofit (requires new hardware)

If you would like to have a quote/comparison for your specific vehicle, please send us an email to info@bimmerretrofit.com and include your vehicle's VIN - we'll be happy to let you know what your options are!