BMW is constantly working on iDrive interface changes, as well as introducing newer, more advanced hardware and faster processors to support new features. The iDrive system (or the head unit, which is its main element) in each BMW defines not only the availability or absence of these very features, but also its price. And sometimes the financial difference is so drastic that you make an immediate decision – a 200 GB hard drive or full screen zoom for video playback may not be an absolute necessity for you.

However, there are some key distinctions between the iDrive versions that will really make a difference for a driver who likes to stream music from various devices, play films on the BMW display or use their favorite smartphone apps through the car’s system. And if something’s missing in your existing system, you’re not stuck with it.

Fortunately, there are aftermarket solutions like BimmerTech’s navigation retrofits that allow you to upgrade the iDrive for a reasonable price. But to know how to retrofit it and what you will get with the new system, first you need to find out what you have and what features are available in your existing iDrive. So, how do you check the iDrive version in your BMW?

PLEASE NOTE that this is a guide for BMWs with Navigation System Professional (S609A). In order to check whether your car has it, go to https://decoder.bvzine.com/ and type in your VIN. If you have option S609A, you will see it in Vehicle Options.

So, there are 2 ways to determine which iDrive system you have:

1. By the year of production

Of course, this doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to determine your iDrive version with 100% accuracy, because in some countries the production month can be different. But at least you’ll have some understanding which head unit can be in your BMW.

2. By the interface

The majority of iDrive systems have specific interfaces, so it’s also worth checking out the look of the menu in comparison with other head units to identify the iDrive version.

CCC

CIC

NBT / NBT Evo ID 4

NBT Evo ID5

NBT Evo ID6

Upgrading Your iDrive System

The most important thing to understand is that an iDrive system upgrade means installing a new head unit with all the necessary components. It’s not possible to jump from NBT to NBT Evo with the help of a software update because the underlying hardware is completely different. Also, the kit contents and price will depend on your existing car’s configurations – it may happen that you only need to install a new screen & head unit leaving your native controller and trim. However, in some cases, the upgrade may require all of the above mentioned together with additional cables, connectors and modules. For some cars the list of parts might be pretty long and installation – quite expensive.

BMW CCC to CIC

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive controller, trim). Swapping the CCC iDrive for a BMW CIC retrofit, you will get a higher resolution screen with a much more extensive menu with many options, as you can see from the difference between the pics above.

BMW CIC vs NBT

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive controller, trim). Though the interface will look similar, you will get much better graphics and higher image contrast. The NBT iDrive system has a more power-packed processor together with a 200GB hard drive (instead of 80GB available in CIC), so the response and boot times will be much faster.

BMW NBT to NBT Evo ID4

NBT Evo ID4 are no different on the surface – the same interface and functionality. But the NBT Evo ID4 hardware is more advanced and versatile. Imagine having an older laptop running Windows 10. It works fine for you (though it might be a little sluggish), until you decide to buy a newer-generation laptop with the latest hardware. You’re still running Windows 10, so there is no difference in the look, but the snappier processor and improved hardware gives you a better user experience. It’s the same situation with NBT and NBT Evo ID4.

BMW NBT to NBT Evo ID5/ID6

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen, head unit, iDrive touch controller, trim). The change in interface and functionality is drastic. Roughly speaking, the NBT Evo ID5/ID6 iDrive includes almost all the features of the previous head units, while adding new functionalities like CarPlay/Android Screen Mirroring.

Note that you can easily switch between NBT Evo ID5 & ID6 interfaces with the help of painless USB coding.

BMW NBT Evo ID4 to ID5

HARDWARE UPGRADE (new screen (in some cars it doesn’t need to be replaced), head unit, iDrive regular or touch controller, trim). Of course, it’s much easier to upgrade from NBT Evo ID4 to ID5 than from NBT, but it’s still a hardware swap.

It’s also possible to jump from CIC to NBT Evo ID5/ID6 right away, but it will be a complicated and expensive retrofit. So, it’s better to make up your mind which features are important for you and whether you need the additional perks of the latest generation iDrive systems.

What’s the Difference?

Now it’s time to determine why one head unit is better than the other and whether it’s worth upgrading. Use https://decoder.bvzine.com/ to check whether your BMW already has the options mentioned below.