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Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2016 10:28 pm
by CondorX5
Well if you know very well how it works then it's patently unclear why you say BMW Apps cannot be retrofitted when it very clearly can. You then posted a contradiction to the original post admitting it could be done......
You also said it cannot be done remotely - clearly and obviously it can be - mine is proof of that! And its not "a very expensive way to activate BMW apps"- its not cheap, but its in keeping with the price of the cars and most other BMW options, especially retrofits, which are generally not cheap.
Anyway, for everyone out there wanting retorfits of non-specced options, there are definitely some options and suppliers who can do this for you, including remotely coding and activating non- specced options.
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 4:06 pm
by litany
I did over 20 Combox retrofits on e70, always in person reprogramming CIC for correct firmware to get apps working. On 99% don't use FSC codes as in this way aren't required. To flash CIC you need more equipment than just simple d-can cable as HU can be only flashed via fibre optic connector, so ICOM is necessary first or this job.
I clearly say that apps can't be done remotely JUST via coding. Can be done remotely but FSC is required and most important, Combox must be physically installed first, exactly as you got. Is no point to me to explain more, basically coding and FSC injection are two different jobs.
As far I remember only twice use FSC pack bought from bmw AG. Done on NBT retrofits to go for OEM solution. FSC 1D, 9C = €880
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 6:18 pm
by CondorX5
Just a warning to anyone retrocoding the BMW Apps, or anything else, unless it is done with the proper activation codes from BMW, the dealer software updates can and likely will, overwrite some software additions.
Litany - your initial post clearly indicated, rather misleadingly, that BMW Apps could NOT be retrocoded in later E70s ( you mentioned 2013) most of which have Comboxes.
It is also very easy for owners to update software directly obtained from BMW for the media system - it downloads to a USB stick which you then insert in the glovebox usb port. Plus compnaies that do these retrofits and coding will also check, remotely, if the software is up to date and update it if not. You do not have to physically take the car to anyone unless you need hardware installed.
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 8:28 pm
by litany
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:27 pm
by Horizon
PM sent
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 9:36 pm
by CondorX5
Litany, no one doubts that you do retrofits on BMWs, however, CIC equipped cars that already have comboxes do not need hardware retrofits, obviously, to get BMW Apps working, which is what I was trying to say as your post indicated otherwise. I understand that there can be misunderstandings if English is not your first language. Clearly you can do CIC installations on CCC equipped cars to upgrade them, very nice too for those who want it. People who already own CIC equipped cars do not need the same service and its obvously far easier to activate BMW Apps on these cars, as its software upgrade and activation code only.
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:29 pm
by litany
CIC system depends of E designation models been released from 08/2008. From 10/2010 they change TCU, MULF to Combox. Had few 2009-2010 e70 models, CIC been on board from factory with TCU or MULF or both.
Re: Question for the Infotainment/Comms experts.
Posted: Sat Dec 10, 2016 9:48 am
by X5Sport
Comboxes started from Week 40 of 2010 builds. I know as mine is one of the first built with it. If you had both Bluetooth and USB options with Pro Nav and the right phone options then the Combox box went in. If not then you got the TCU/MULF until the Combox became the default fitment.