As BMW F10 F11 2012 year has both CIC and NBT version ,it is necessary to check the correct BMW iDrive system before upgrade your F10 android or Linux touch screen.
To identify whether a 2011-2012 BMW 5 Series (F10/F11) is equipped with the CIC (Car Infotainment Computer) or NBT (Next Big Thing) infotainment system, check production dates, hardware features, and system interfaces. Here’s the definitive guide:
1. Key Identification Methods
(1) Production Date (Most Reliable)
|
System |
Production Date Range |
Model Year |
|---|---|---|
|
CIC |
July 2010 – February 2012 |
2011 models |
|
NBT |
March 2012 onward |
Late 2012 models (VIN 10th digit: H) |
VIN Verification:
Check the 10th digit of the VIN (lower-left windshield):
F = 2011 → CIC
G = Jan-Feb 2012 → CIC
H = March 2012 onward → NBT
(2) Hardware Differences
|
Feature |
CIC System |
NBT System |
|---|---|---|
|
Screen |
8.8″ (thick bezels) |
10.25″ (slim bezels) |
|
Resolution |
1280×480 |
1280×720 |
|
iDrive Controller |
Silver knob (no touch) |
Knob + touch-sensitive handwriting pad |
|
USB Ports |
Inside glovebox only |
Added USB/AUX near cup holders |
|
Navigation Boot |
Slow HDD loading (“Loading” screen) |
Fast SSD startup |
|
Housing Vents |
Visible vents (trunk-mounted) |
Compact design (glovebox area) |
Quick Checks:
-
Test iDrive knob: Draw “8″ on the knob → Cursor moves = NBT; no response = CIC.
-
Inspect screen size: 10.25″ = NBT; 8.8″ = CIC.
-
Check USB ports: Cup holder slot = NBT; glovebox-only USB = CIC.
3) System Interface
|
Interface |
CIC |
NBT |
|---|---|---|
|
Home Screen |
Gray 6-tile grid |
Colorful widgets (customizable) |
|
Navigation |
2.5D map (no 3D) |
True 3D buildings |
|
Media Player |
Text-only metadata |
Album art display |
|
Services |
BMW Assist (subscription) |
ConnectedDrive Store (app downloads) |
2. Special Cases
(1) Early 2012 Transition Models
-
Vehicles built Jan-Feb 2012 (VIN digit G) may have retrofitted NBT. Verify by:
-
CIC Host Label: Part# 65 91 6 912 691 (in trunk).
-
NBT Host Label: Part# 65 12 2 354 253 (behind glovebox).
-
(2) Retrofit Detection
-
Aftermarket NBT on CIC cars retains original hardware limitations:
-
8.8″ screen (not 10.25″).
-
Glovebox-only USB ports.
-
Boot screen shows “Emulator” or third-party logos.
-
3. Definitive Verification
(1) VIN Decoding
Visit bimmer.work→ Enter VIN → Check SA Codes:
-
SA 606 = CIC
-
SA 609A = NBT
(2) Diagnostic Mode
Press and hold Volume Button for 15 seconds → Enter “TEL EMF” menu → Check “HMI Version”:
-
HMI: CIC-HB→ CIC -
HMI: NBT→ NBT
Summary: Identification Flowchart
Final Notes:
-
All 2011 F10/F11 = CIC.
-
Pre-March 2012 builds = CIC.
-
Post-March 2012 builds = Factory NBT.
Post time: Aug-08-2025