Hi there,

I'm starting this thread here on NAM as it seems there are more coding etc. savvy members here then on other forums. This maybe advanced stuff.

I have a 2011 R57 UK model with visual boost radio and all other gadgets (full BT with cradle, Connected etc.. What I'm missing is Nav.

I have already acquired the following bits:

• Nav headunit (2nd hand)
• GPS antenna (with fakra connector for a few pounds, 10x cheaper than the original BMW part)
• Quadlock extension loom (to connect the CIC emulator without messing with the factory loom)

What I'm still missing is the correct CIC emulator to bypass the FSC validation. These are not officially offered for MNIs, only for E6x/E9x, one for E7x and a third model for F2x/F3x.

I am not sure which one to order, chinese suppliers tell me the latter works for MINIs but I'm not entirely convinced yet

The related question is, Am I assuming that the MINI HDD/Flash based CIC is a "Premium" model, as far as map upgrades are concerned? My old 2007 MCS had a Professional DVD-based system.

Does anyone know?

Cheers!
H

 

As this seems to be information hard to get I have ordered multiple emulator types and will share the results so others can get this done in the future without paying ridiculous amounts of money to fitters. There seems to be s weird phenomenon in the retrofitter scene, as soon as someone finds a cheap/free way to do things they get paid off to shut up so others can continue to make a profit...

 

Can't help you with your questions, but good luck. I can assure you it's a very small percentage of folks who even comprehend what you wrote....

Interesting. Wouldn't surprise me though. Just curious, what are you basing that on?

Also curious, where did you source the TE (Quadlock) loom?

 

The electronics on the MINI are E9x generation. Fxx are different in a lot of areas, including different data buses. So the best bet would be to go for the E9x...

 

Check out BMWCoding forum. Particularly the CIC hacking thread. A bloke got close to being able to enable all retrofitted CICs via a startup script on the box, so no more need for emulators or FSC device codes. Stated he was very close. Then suddenly no more posts. Then he came back, saying he has no time to complete it...

For the quad lock extension, a global search on ebay does wonders: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-1-QUADLO...item1c2acd85f7

 

That was my initial thought, too. Guy I sourced the CIC emulator from now told me the E9x box won't work on an Rxx and recommended I try the E7x version which he's confident, should work. Hope both loom extension and CIC box arrive before the weekend, all else is here. I keep you posted.

On a different note, your MCS looks just like the one I had before my R57. Great colour combination, particularly with full redwood red interior!

 

The MINI uses a Navigation system not technically available in the E9x series cars called the CHAMP2.

It also uses different maps than the Exx (at least in the US) called the North America MOVE maps (as opposed to the PREMIUM maps for the Exx CIC).

 

I have retrofitted a 2010 mini navigation system which is the champ2 unit with Nav, apps, voice & mini connected, I am using an e9x emulator which enables all the options, the only issue I have is with the pdc, it shows the car but not the green/yellow/red markers showing you how close you are to an obstacle.
I have had this issue with the e70 CIC retrofits as Bmw integrated the pdc module into the JBE when CIC was introduced.
The weird thing is on the r56 there was no change to the pdc or the SPEG when the LCI was introduced in 08/10 so the only thing I can think is that the emulator is stopping the info somehow.

 

Thanks MCRussel,

This is very helpful information! I had the a different PDC issue (seeing the display for drear and front sensors (they don't exist to my knowledge!) all maxed out to the red) when using the E7x emulator box so whatever happens seems independent from whether FSC request emulation is successful or not.

I had sold my Nav unit after not getting anyehere but just picked up another one for £80 so will try all again.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks,
H

 

I have just received an e7x emulator so will try it & let you know

 

Sorry, I just realised I never posted the results from using a E7x box. It didn't work for me. I had the map for a second before it would jump back to the home screen and grey out navigation. So I don't think the E7x boxes don't anything for us. I just ordered an E9x box.

If you managed to enable navigation with an E9x box this must be the solution. I wonder if the PDC settings are something that can be coded directly on the CHAMP2 or the combox,

 

I have tried coding the SPEG & PDC & CHAMP with both $606 & $6UM & changed the VO build from 0909 to 0911 with no difference, I even got the SPEG from the car the Nav came from & no difference, next I am going to try a pdc module from an e90 to see if that makes a difference

 

Tried using PDC without the FSC box in the loom?

 

I haven't actually, I will do before I try the e70 one & let you know

 

Apart from PDC, does everything else (DAB, Nav, Connected, Bluetooth) work for you?

 

Yes everything works as factory, the only other issue I had was the engine light being replaced by the traction light but after I programmed the kombi it corrected itself.

 

Great. What did you upgrade from? Visual boost or "big fat speedo"?

 

Big speedo

 

Interesting. I'm going from Visual Boost incl. MINI Connected to Nav so it's really just another head unit and GPS aerial.

 

I built the harnesses & got the new centre console & trims etc with the kit

 

Received E9x box and new HU today and will install later.

Did you have to retrofit the glove box USB socket and cable or will the centre console USB port be used for both iOS devices and map data updates?

 

I updated my map on the bench so never put the glovebox port in but that is the port required for maps, the dash port goes to the combox

 

Ok, I'm just confused as all BMW USB ports I have seen have a turquoise cable plug and the only connector that makes sense on the CHAMP2 would be the beige 4-pin socket. Would this be the right port: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-USB-CA...item3cde42c6c1

 

The purple/pink plugs are to the CID monitor, beige ports on the CHAMP are for USB to glovebox, then the comix has black & blue plugs for USB to armrest & USB port under the aircon.
The turquoise cables are universal meaning they will fit into any colour ports.

 

Perfect thanks! Ordered the port now.