Car Information Computer (CIC): Notes
The Car Information Computer was introduced in the BMW 1 Series and 3 Series during the second half of 2008. All other model series then followed except for the E7x models. As part of the 10/2009 model year updates the CIC is now also offered on E7x vehicles.
The E70/E71 M are the first X models to be launched with the Car Information Computer (CIC) including the M Drive menu. The CIC represents a consistent progression of the route laid down by the Car Communication Computer (CCC).
The main feature of the iDrive operating concept is the newly designed controller which now features short cut buttons. In addition, the complete layout of the user interface has been changed. Compared to the CCC, the number of drives in the CIC has been reduced to one DVD player.
| Index | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Favorite buttons 1-8 |
| 2 | Rotary/pushbutton for controlling the volume of the audio system (On/Off switch) |
| 3 | Eject button for the DVD player |
| 4 | DVD drive slot |
| 5 | Station search/track "forward-back" |
| 6 | Favorite buttons 7 and 8 (Not for US) |
| 7 | US version with FM/AM buttons (frequency selection) and MODE (audio sources) |
The navigation system of the CIC has been enhanced with many additional functions. Examples include full screen mode, night view and the 3D models in the perspective map view. This was realized by means of a hard disk that is capable of storing map data. Formerly, the map data had to be read separately from a DVD for each destination entry.
The hard disk in the CIC also makes it possible to create a play list for music data and a music track database (Gracenote®) to facilitate searching for music. A USB connection is provided and located in the glove compartment to import and export/back up data.
Several external receivers (e.g. IBOC, SDARS) and their functions have been realized in the CIC either by way of hardware or software, thus greatly expanding its functionality. An address database has been created in the "Contacts" submenu which can be accessed also from the telephone and navigation menu.
This innovation offers a wide range of options for future models. The communication service BMW Assist has been adapted to the new layout of the user interface and many additional services have been added (e.g. BMW Search and My Info [Google send to car]). The voice recognition system has been further developed to ensure voice input takes place even more smoothly.
The innovations introduced to the CIC system at the launch of the E7x models are listed in the following pages.