Do I have a M-ASK, CCC, CIC or NBT iDrive navigation ?

This article will help you:

• Identify the version of iDrive computer on your car (commonly referred to as “navigation”)

Why does the iDrive version matter ?

• If you are experiencing malfunctions in the infotainment system (sound, video, navigation, bluetooth etc), in order to identify the cause, you need to work your way up from the iDrive version
• When you want to upgrade your iDrive system to another version / generation you need to know what componets to change (controller, display) and this depends on your current iDrive

BMW iDrive quick overview

The iDrive is a control and communication system introduced in BMW cars starting with production year 2001 and used ever since.

The purpose of the iDrive is to unify all cabin control functions in a single system which has a central computer (commonly referred to as ‘navigation’) that controls various peripherals (bluetooth modules, video units, radio tuner etc). The interface with the user consists of an LCD display in the dashboard and a joystick-like controller placed between the two front seats. The iDrive main computer is usually located in the dashboarsd and you have access to its front panel, with a few control buttons (see figure 1 below).

Depending on your car model and year, the iDrive computer is a CCC (Car Communication Computer), CIC (Car Information Computer) or Next Best Thing (NBT) to name just the most popular. More information on these computers will follow.

Through the iDrive, the driver and the front passenger can control audio, lights, video, climate, the navigation system and the communication system (like bluetooth calls).

Rolls Royce too uses the iDrive system, since this is also a BMW brand. And the Mini cars, another BMW brand, implement a version of the iDrive branded as ”Connected”.

Disambiguation of the name ‘iDrive’

You can find the term iDrive used for the navigation computer in the dashboard, as well as for the iDrive controller between the two front seats. This is not necessarily wrong, but it might create confusion when you read statements like ”my iDrive doesn’t turn on anymore” or ”my iDrive is spinning freely”. Just keep in mind that they might refer to different components.

The iDrive main computer

There are a lot of versions of iDrive computers and it’s difficult to tell the difference for the regular BMW owner (also for the BMW specialists in some cases, do not think otherwise), hence this guide to help you.

As people usually call the iDrive computer simply a ”navigation” we will also adhere to this custom for the remaining of this article, although the iDrive computer does much more besides the navigation function.

Why should you care about your iDrive version ? Because when something does not work properly (navigation, sound, lights etc) the first thing you need to know is what kind on control system you have on your car. This is where your troubleshooting starts from.

Where do you find the iDrive navigation computer ?

Except for the first generation iDrive described below, which sits in the trunk of your car, all iDrive computers are located in the dashborad. To take the unit out, you usually have to remove the trim pieces that cover the sides of the unit like in a picture frame, disconnect some cables and that’s it.

Business vs Professional models

You will notice that many iDrive navigations are called either ”business” or ”professional”. The rule of thumb is that usually professional is better than business. The professional navigation usually comes with bigger screens with higher resolution, faster response user interface (UI), improved connectivity and more. And many times the business only carries out the guidance function and nothing more.

The iDrive generations

We divided the iDrive versions into 6 generations. We took into account: the look of the user interface (which is a consequence of the software and the hardware architecture of the central iDrive computer) and the generations of cars on which these navigations were fitted. We believe this is a more accurate classification than the one from the Wikipedia article about the iDrive, which, as you may notice after a quick Google search, a multitude of websites have replicated with almost no changes or additional input.

 

The option numbers mentioned below refer to the encoding that BMW uses for options activated for your car. To get a list of the options which were enabled on your car from factory, when the car was purchased, enter the last 7 characters of your VIN (chassis) number on a VIN decoder website.

The 6 iDrive generations are:

• iDrive 1st generation
  • NAV01
  • NAV02
  • NAV03
• iDrive 2nd generation
  • MASK / MASKII – option 606A (Navigation System Business) if it has a navigation function OR options 663 (RADIO BMW PROFESSIONAL) for the models without navigation function | Manufacturer: Harman Becker
  • CCC – option 609 (Navigation System Professional)
  • CHAMP
  • radio professional CD
• iDrive 3rd generation
  • CIC – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Harman / Becker
  • CIC MID – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Harman / Becker
  • Alpine with navigation function – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Alpine
  • Alpine without navigation function – option 663A (BMW Professional Radio) | Manufacturer: Alpine
  • CHAMP 2 (also named HU_ENTRY) – option 663A (BMW Professional Radio)
• iDrive 4th generation
  • NBT (also called CIC HIGH) – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Harman / Becker
  • NBT MID – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Harman / Becker
  • Alpine with navigation function – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Alpine
  • Alpine without navigation function – option 663A (BMW Professional Radio) | Manufacturer: Alpine
  • HU_ENTRY NAV – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Magneti Marelli
• iDrive 5th generation
  • NBT EVO ID 4 – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Harman Automotive
  • HU_ENTRY NAV2 – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Magneti Marelli
• iDrive 6th generation
  • NBT EVO ID 5 – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Harman Automotive
  • NBT EVO ID 6 – option 609A (Navigation System Professional) | Manufacturer: Harman Automotive

The various models of iDrive computers

 

iDrive First Generation

This is the very basic iDrive prototype. Only for this models the iDrive computer consists of four separate modules: one handles the navigation, one processes the audio (the ASK CD module), one is a radio tuner and a fourth module handles the graphics of the user interface. It was only fitted on the BMW 7 Series (E65, E66).

Models
There are three versions of the 1st generation iDrive:
NAVI01 – It has a rotary knob controller between the front seats and the computer is located in the trunk. The knob is unique to this model by having no buttons at all. You can also distinguish it from its successor because it can only read maps CDs (not DVDs).
NAVI02 – This version has the ability to read maps DVDs and has a bird’s-eye view option when in navigation mode, but a crude, basic version of this type of perspective view. To get an idea of what bird’s-eye means, take a look at these images.
Known part numbers: 6590 6 961 859-01
NAVI03 – The main noticeable feature is that it can control an MP3 capable 6 CD-changer or a BMW iPod Interface. Compared to NAVI02, the bird’s-eye view looks more real (with clouds and a horizon line added). Also, its iDrive controller has a new look: a leather top.

Another way to tell between NAVI01, NAVI02 and NAVI03 is by the software version written on the label which is stuck on the actual unit metal box:

SW:7.x.x = NAVI01
SW:8.x.x = NAVI02
SW:9.x.x = NAVI03

 

iDrive 2nd Generation: M-ASK, CCC, CHAMP, radio professional CD

iDrive 2nd Generation: Business Navigation M-ASK

M-ASK is a short name for Multimedia Audio System controller. The module is manufactured by the Harman/Becker company.

M-ASK characteristics

• The M-ASK idrive comes with a small, 6.6” display.
• There are two M-ASK generations:
  • M-ASK iDrive
  • M-ASKII iDrive
• Each of the two generations has two versions:
  • iDrive Business Navigation or ‘Navigation system Business’
  • iDrive Business – which does not have a navigation function
• The M-ASK / M-ASKII only has one disk slot (therefore you cannot both use the navigation function and play music from a CD)
• The first versions only displayed directional arrows. Later versions started to display 2D maps too.

When you want to upgrade from iDrive Business M-ASK to iDrive Professional, you can choose between the CCC and the CIC units. Additionally, you will need to upgrade to a larger display (an 8.8” CID).

Car models
The following car models have the M-ASK or M-ASKII without navigation function as the default option. The M-ASK / M-ASKII with navigation can be selected as a paid option.

• BMW 5 Series E60/E61
• BMW 6 Series E63/E64
• BMW X5 E70
• BMW X6 E71

On the following car models, the default is a module called BMW Radio CD, which lacks a navigation function and is very basic, not being considered an iDrive module:

• BMW 1 Series E81/E82/E87/E88
• BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93

On both car models above, M-ASK / M-ASKII (with or without navigation) are only added as paid options.

How to tell if you have M-ASK or M-ASKII iDrive

• From the label on the unit. Figure 4 below shows the label of a M-ASK. Compare it to figure 5 below. Mind that the former says ‘M-ASK’ while the latter displays the text ‘M-ASKII’
• Check out Figure 6. Notice that the M-ASKII unit at the bottom has an extra row of numbered buttons compared to the M-ASK iDrive on the top. Although there are some rare versions of M-ASKII which lack these buttons, most M-ASKII units do have them.

How to tell if you have a M-ASK or other iDrive model

• By the number of disk slots in the dashboard. The M-ASK has one slot, the next navigation model, the CCC, has 2 disk slots
• By the label on the unit. Check out the figures 4 and 5 above. Notice that the labels displays the text M-ASK or M-ASKII
• By your car model (see the list above).
• By your VIN number.
  Enter the last 7 digits of your VIN number (chasis number) here. You will get a list of options your car has from factory. Look for one of the following two:
  606A Navigation system Business – M-ASK / M-ASKII with navigation
  663 RADIO BMW PROFESSIONAL* – M-ASK / M-ASKII without navigation function
  *If you have a BMW 1 Series or a 3 Series and you see a 663 option listed, it is also possible you have a Radio CD module (which does not have an external display like the one in the picture below and lacks an iDrive controller). Therefore, for these two car models make sure you take into account all aspects in this list.
• By the size of your LCD display in the dashboard. The M-ASK has a small, 6.6” display. The subsequent model, the CCC, comes with a large, wide, 8.8” display (see figure 7 below)

Below is a picture of a M-ASK and a CCC navigation screen back to back. See how the menu looks the same, but the display size and aspect ratio differs ? This is the quickest way to tell the difference between a M-ASK and a CCC iDrive. Furthermore, the M-ASK (left) only has one disk slot, while the CCC (right) has two disk slots, marked in Figure 5 below with the blue arrows.

iDrive 2nd Generation: Professional Navigation CCC

CCC is the short name for Car Communication Computer. The CCC was introduced in 2003.

CCC iDrive characteristics

• It uses a larger CID (8.8”)
• It has 2 disk slots: one for CDs and one dedicated DVD slot for maps DVDs.
• Can play music from CD/DVD or AUX input only. If you are using the navigation function, which requires the map DVD, then you will not be able to play music from DVD at the same time.

CCC iDrive models
There are three versions of the CCC navigation:

• CCC iDrive
  Available for the following cars:
  • 1-Series E81/E82/E87/E88 – 06/2004 – 09/2008
  • 3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 – 03/2005 – 09/2008
  • 5-Series E60/E61 – 12/2003 – 11/2008
  • 6-Series E63/E64 – 12/2003 – 11/2008
  • X5 E70 – 03/2007 – 10/2009
  • X6 E72 – 05/2008 – 10/2009
• CCC iDrive Update 1
  • introduced in 2007
  • it features programmable buttons in the dashboard, which can be mapped to frequently used functions

  Available for:

  • 1 Series E81/E82/E87/E88 manufactured between March 2007 and September 2008
  • 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 manufactured between March 2007 and August 2008
  • 5 Series E60/E61 manufactured between March 2007 and August 2008
  • 6 Series E63/E64 manufactured between March 2007 and August 2008
  • X5 E70 manufactured until 2010
  • X6 E71
• CCC iDrive Update 2
  • The main and possibly the only difference from the previous version is that it comes with the same iDrive controller used by the CIC iDrive navigation.
  • the haptic feedback (the vibrations that were fed back to the user through the rotary controller) was discontinued in the CCC Update 2.
  • This CCC version is also called a CCC LCI (facelift)

  Available on the following cars manufactured in 2008 and 2009:

  • BMW 5 Series E60/E61
  • BMW 6 Series E63/E64

How to tell if you have a CCC or other iDrive model
Here is how you can recognize a CCC navigation:

• By its iDrive controller. See the three common iDrive controllers for the CCC navigation below (Figures 8, 9, and 10)
• By the look of the home menu on the display (Figure 11). Also check Figure 7 above for differences between a CCC and a M-ASK navigation.
• By the label stuck on the unit (Figure 12 below)
• By the number of disk slots visible on the front of the module. In figure 7 above, notice that the CCC unit has two disk slots, while the M-ASK iDrive model only has one slot. The CIC iDrive
  model, the next generation after the CCC, also has 1 disk slot only (see Figure 12)

The CCC iDrive controller
Here are the 3 most common iDrive controllers that come with the CCC navigation.

If you have this last type of iDrive controller, you either have a CCC iDrive Update 2 navigation (also known as CCC LCI or ‘facelift’) or a CIC iDrive.

The CCC home menu
You can easily tell the difference between a CCC and a CIC navigation by the home menu. The CCC menu home looks like the image below. Also check Figure 7 above for differences between a CCC and a M-ASK navigation.

The CCC label and disk slots
Below you can see a CIC navigation (top) and a CCC (bottom).
First, you can see that the CCC unit has 2 disk slot and the CIC has 1 disk slots. This is also how you can spot the difference between a CCC and a M-ASK (check again image 7 above)
Notice on the CCC label the is a clear mentioning of the CCC name (”CCC PL2 Modul 1CD”)

The top unit, a CIC navigation, has the iDrive model mentioned in small print in the upper right corner: ”Type: HU CIC”.

If in doubt whether your iDrive navigation is a CCC or a CIC navigation, when you remove it from the dashboard, you can definitely tell from the label on the unit. The CCC label will say CCC and the CIC label will say CIC. Just look carefully and you will see the model on the label.

iDrive 2nd Generation: Navigation CHAMP

This model is extremely rare. Unfortunately, we do not have a picture of the unit. Just keep in mind that it does not have a plastic front face (unlike most other iDrive models for the E series).

iDrive 2nd Generation: iDrive BMW Professional CD

This iDrive model does not come with a display. It only has the small orange screen where it displays two lines of text, as you can see in figure 14 below. The typical problem with these units consists of dead pixels on the display, which can be solved by purchasing and installing an aftermarket replacement LCD (identical to the original one).

 

iDrive 3rd Generation: CIC, CIC MID, Alpine and HU ENTRY (CHAMP2)

iDrive 3rd Generation: Professional Navigation CIC

The CIC iDrive was introduced in 2008. The name CIC comes from Car Information Computer.
CIC iDrive chararcteristics

• it has a harddisk on which it stores the maps information – the CIC iDrive does not use map DVDs or CDs, like the previous iDrive models.
• to upload music files to the HDD, there is a USB connector in the glove box. You can also import music files from a CD/DVD.
• the user interface looks more modern than on its predecessors
• it has a new version of iDrive controller, with more buttons that the CCC controller
• higher resolution display than the CCC display
• can stream music over Bluetooth from your phone
• can play DVDs (movies, music)

CIC iDrive versions
There are two versions of the CIC iDrive:

• iDrive Professional Navigation CIC – option 609A Navigation system Professional*
• iDrive Business Navigation CIC MID – option 606A Navigation system Business*

*The option number mentioend above refers to the encoding that BMW uses for options chosen and activated for your car. To get a list of the options on your car which were enabled from factory, when the car was purchase, enter the last 7 characters of your VIN (chassis) number here.

The CIC navigation is available on the following cars:

• 1-Series F20/F21 – 09/2011 – 03/2013
• 3-Series E90/E91/E92/E93 – 09/2008 – 10/2013
• 3-Series F30/F31/F34/F80 – 02/2012 – 11/2012
• 5-Series E60/E61 – 11/2008 – 05/2010
• 5-Series F07 – 10/2009 – 07/2012
• 5-Series F10 – 03/2010 – 09/2012
• 5-Series F11 – 09/2010 – 09/2012
• 6-Series E63/E64 – 11/2008 – 07/2010
• 6-Series F06 – 03/2012 – 03/2013
• 6-Series F12/F13 – 12/2010 – 03/2013
• 7-Series F01/F02/F03 – 11/2008 – 07/2013
• 7-Series F04 – 11/2008 – 06/2015
• X1 E84 – 10/2009 – 06/2015
• X3 F25 – 10/2010 – 04/2013
• X5 E70 – 10/2009 – 06/2013
• X6 E71 – 10/2009 – 08/2014
• Z4 E89 – 04/2009 – present

How to tell if you have a CIC or a CIC MID

• By the label on the unit. The CIC label will have ‘Type: HU CIC‘ on it – HU stands for head unit (see figure 13 above). The CIC MID label will say ‘Type: HU CIC MID‘ (Figure 15 below)
• From the difference in size between the two. The CIC almost twice as tall as the CIC MID. Hence some people refer to them as the large navigation (CIC) and the small navigation model (CIC MID) – see Figure 16 below

When comparing your module to the image above, keep in mind that:

• If your car is an E series, the CIC will have an integrated front face with buttons. That means that the plastic from face in the picture above is an integral part of the CIC module. If you have an F series, on the other hand, the plastic front face with buttons is not part of the CIC unit , but is part of the trim that you remove when trying to access and remove the unit from the car.
• Depending on regional settings (where your car was produced) and other options on the car, the connectors on the back of the unit might differ slightly from the image above. But the overall look of the unit should be the same.

How to tell if you have a CIC or other iDrive model:

• From the iDrive controller, as it has more buttons than the usual CCC controller (figure 10 above). Mind that this controller is also used with the CCC LCI version, but it is typically a CIC controller
• From the label on the unit, which states the name ‘CIC’ (see Figures 13 and 15 above)
• From the home menu displayed on the CID (figure 17 below)

iDrive 3rd Generation: Alpine Head unit

Alpine head unit characteristics

• This model of iDrive is quite rare.
• There are two versions:
  • Alpine with navigation function – option 606A (Navigation System Business) | Manufacturer: Alpine
  • Alpine without navigation function – option 663A (BMW Professional Radio) | Manufacturer: Alpine

To tell if you have the Alpine head unit with of without navigation function you can:

• Look for the navigation function in the menu
• Check your VIN number and see if you get option 606A or 663A.
• The Alpine head unit with navigation function has a GPS antenna connector

How to tell if you have the Alpine head unit or other iDrive model

• The shape and size of the module is extremely similar to the HU ENTRY (the model which we discuss next, right below). But you will recognize the Alpine iDrive head unit by the label on the module, which will state the producer, Alpine (figure 18 below)

iDrive 3rd Generation: HU ENTRY (CHAMP2)

HU ENTRY Characteristics

• Will show up as: option 663A (BMW Professional Radio)

How to tell if you have HU ENTRY or other iDrive model

• from the shape and size of the module (Figure 19)
• from the label on the CHAMP unit, which displays the text: ”ENTRY”, as highlighted in the Figure 19 below

When comparing your module to the image above, keep in mind that:

• Depending on regional settings (where your car was produced) and other options on the car, the connectors on the back of the unit might differ slightly from the image above. But the overall look of the unit should be the same.

 

iDrive 4th Generation: NBT and HU ENTRY NAV

iDrive 4th Generation: Professional Navigation NBT

NBT stands for “Next Big Thing” (NBT) and was introduced in 2012.

NBT iDrive characteristics

• a new iDrive controller (figure 20 below)
• larger HDD, more memory, increased processing speed
• optional touch capabilities for the iDrive controller
• NBT unit handles USB media and bluetooth and removes the need for a separate module (the Combox)
• BMW Online (from previous iDrive versions) is replaced with Connected Drive

NBT iDrive is available on the following car models:

• 1-Series F20/F21 – 03/2013 – 03/2015
• 2-Series F22 – 11/2013 – 03/2015
• 3-Series F30/F31 – 11/2012 – 07/2015
• 3-Series F34 – 03/2013 – 07/2015
• 3-Series F80 – 03/2014 – 07/2015
• 4-Series F32 – 07/2013 – 07/2015
• 4-Series F33 – 11/2013 – 07/2015
• 4-Series F36 – 03/2014 – 07/2015
• 5-Series F07 – 07/2012 – present
• 5-Series F10/F11/F18 – 09/2012 – present
• 6-Series F06/F12/F13 – 03/2013 – present
• 7-Series F01/F02/F03 – 07/2012 – 06/2015
• X3 F25 – 04/2013 – 03/2016
• X4 F26 – 04/2014 – 03/2016
• X5 F15 – 08/2014 – 07/2016
• X5 F85 – 12/2014 – 07/2016
• X6 F16 – 08/2014 – 07/2016
• X6 F86 – 12/2014 – 07/2016
• i3 – 09/2013 – present
• i8 – 04/2014 – present

Hot to tell if you have NBT or other iDrive model

• From the NBT controller (figure 20 above)
• From the label on the unit, which states the name ‘NBT’ (figure 21 below)
• From the home menu displayed on the CID (figure 22 below)

iDrive 4th Generation: Business Navigation HU ENTRY NAV

HU ENTRY NAV characteristics

• manufactured by Magneti Marelli
• smaller size than a NBT iDrive module

HU ENTRY NAV is available on the following car models:

• BMW manufactured between August 2014 – May 2017

How to tell if you have a NBT or HU ENTRY NAV

• from the manufacturer: HU ENTRY NAV is manufactured by Magneti Marelli (see figure 23 below) and NBT by Harman Kardon (see figure 21 above). The label on the unit will clearly mention the manufacturer.
• from the model type displayed on the label of the unit. See figure 21 above for the NBT label and figure 24 below for the HU ENTRY NAV label.
• from its size: the NBT module is larger (taller) than the HU ENTRY NAV (see figure 25 below)

When comparing your module to the image above, keep in mind that:

• Depending on regional settings (where your car was produced) and other options on the car, the connectors on the back of the unit might differ slightly from the image above. But the overall look of the unit should be the same.

 

iDrive 5th Generation: Professional Navigation NBT EVO ID4 and HU ENTRY NAV 2

iDrive 5th Generation: Professional Navigation NBT EVO ID4

There are 3 versions of the NBT EVO iDrive:

• NBT EVO ID4
• NBT EVO ID5
• NBT EVO ID6

We classify NBT EVO ID4 as generation 5 because there is a considerable change in user interface after this model.
NBT EVO ID4 characteristics

• the functionality and user interface is quite similar to NBT iDrive
• the screen resolution is higher than in NBT

iDrive 5th Generation: HU ENTRY NAV2

This is a relatively new and rare unit. We will update this article with more information on this module as we get to know more about them. If you would like to contribute to this section, please use the comment section below. We monitor incoming messages and regularly update our articles based on our readers’ input.

 

iDrive 6h Generation: Professional Navigation NBT EVO ID5 and NBT EVO ID6

NBT EVO ID5 and NBT EVO ID6 characteristics

• thre is a drastic change in user interface aesthetics
• new screen allows for full screen zoom (no black edges on sides)
• CarPlay feature available
• phone mirroring available
• NBT EVO ID5 and NBT EVO ID6 need different screen, head unit and iDrive controller when upgrading from previous iDrive versions

How to tell which NBT EVO iDrive version you have
The quickest way to recognize your particular NBT EVO model is by looking at the menu home on the screen. See the figure 26, 27 and 28 below.

Wrapping it up

For getting getting help with figuring out what iDrive navigation you have, reach out to us through the contact form here.

If you need our help with the iDrive repair or another module, please check out:

• our CCC repair page
• our CIC iDrive repair page, if you have the CIC version of the iDrive navigation
• our MULF / MULF 2 bluetooth repair page
• our Logic 7 amplifier repair page

Would you like to add something on this topic ? Please use the comments form below, we monitor all incoming messages. Our readers will apreciate your help with making this article more informative.