BMW E90 Combox Upgrade DIY + Coding (E91, E92, E93) 

Hey bro, I have 2010 328xi e92, Can I upgrade and do I still need to code?

Thanks for the comment, but I find backup cameras to be overrated. I think the parking sensors along with the rear view mirror and shoulder checking to be more than sufficient 👌

@@bmwdiy I wish I had parking sensors ;-;

I wote for a camera 👌

where you able to get it to work

@@mariorosales4321 yes

DId you get it working?

@@TolaKtv i actually did yes, only had to run 2 extra wires from the mic in front to the combox

Got the Bluetooth working thanks so much man!

Did you solve the issue?

It worked without doing that. I simply coded the car's vehicle order to the Combox ECU at 18:05.

any updates?

Not sure if you got it working but when he said go back, he simply click on the back button on the lower right side on ncs, For your second point, sg_codieren is restarting you cic and applying the newly added vehicle order(or changes, not 100% sure how it works) . To do it, open ncsexpert, select factory coding profile, click start, choose écu, cas, then go back (bottom right button), select ecu, choose CIC, then select job, choose SG_codieren, and then execute job. You probably got it working but for anyone else wondering :)

www.amazon.ca/MASO-AUX-Switch-Connector-Charging/dp/B07V7F4FK6/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1GQUEMYLSK3RP&keywords=bmw+usb+port&qid=1680517553&sprefix=bmw+usb+port%2Caps%2C290&sr=8-7

The connected drive app is gone, but Spotify still works as well as Audible, Amazon Music, and M-lap timer

Nope... I've tried various Android versions on various brands of phones and BMW apps will not work with any of them! A solution to this is buy a cheap beat up iphone on ebay & use your Android device as a hotspot to connect it to. It will absolutely work. I used an old ipod 5 for a couple years using this method & it worked fine. I would suggest nothing older than an iPhone 6S at this point due to on-going updates & speed.

Did you figure it out?

@@TolaKtvdid you do it also? 😅 I have cic, phone option, but my Bluetooth it’s not enables.. anyways it won’t play music from phone

@@hypebeast5686 No, I considered upgrading it since my Maulf 2 went out. But I found a new one for $50, which solved my issue. Would I do this upgrade if I knew how to do it myself easily? Yes, it is only CAD 200. But again, you can get a whole Android screen for CIC for about 350 CAD XD, so yeah

@@TolaKtv I will do the upgrade, it’s around the same as the Android option, but I prefer stock. Thanks for answering

@@hypebeast5686 Let us all know how it went! This is an awesome upgrade

I just used Spotify on my CIC through my iPhone 11 Pro on my ride home today. It's the only app you need and it's really nice to be able to navigate your Spotify music on the Idrive screen while your iPhone is charging :) There is also no glare, unlike the newer BMWs.

rfsupplier.com/hsd-cable-assembly-b-code-straight-jack-to-b-code-straight-pulg-120cm_p0941.html

as an FYI there are a couple options. First off you do not need that cable. He installed the combox with the MOST port + 54 pin facing towards the front of the car and the USB + antenna connectors facing the rear. The combox fits both ways. You can just rotate it 180 degrees from what he did and install it it with the antenna ports and the USB port facing the front of the car and the MOST port + 54 pin facing the rear. This saves the need for the USB extension cable. But this will only work if you use a harness (like he did) for the wiring. If you repin your old harness, then those cables wont reach. The second option you have is to buy a universal 4 pole (535 DACAR) fakra z male to fakra z female. FAKRA Z is the universal plug and fits into any FAKRA terminal. You just need to make sure you are buying the correct cable, it is called a 4 core because it has 4 wires and is known as a DACAR 535. Easy way to think about it is FAKRA = the connector type (like ethernet) DACAR = the cable type (like CAT 6)

@@angelsolis7277thanks for the clarification and tip regarding flipping the combox 180. I don't know if I need the MOST diagnostic loop as my car only had the TCU installed. I bought one just in case.

​@@angelsolis7277 On the E93, if you flip the Combox the other way, then you won't be able to easily access the Blue USB connection in case you want a second USB port. I am curious, how long does it take for the album art to load if you flip the Combox the other way like you suggest? It loads fine with Spotify, but if you are playing music directly from the iPhone's music app it can take up to 14 seconds to load the album art. It only does this with the iPhone. With a USB stick, the album art loads quickly. On the E60, I found the solution to this is to bypass the USB hub and connect the armrest USB port directly to the Combox. It is easy to do this on the E60 since the USB hub is located right beside the TCU unit, but where is it on the E90? Have you been able to bypass it? I am wondering if it is the USB extension cable or the USB hub that is causing the bottleneck?

Did you ever figure it out

It is difficult to retrofit the armrest USB port since you have to remove the center console and rear seat, an easier solution is to just buy this cable to connect to the blue or black port on the combox so you can have the USB port in the trunk www.amazon.ca/Qiilu-Switch-Socket-Harness-Adapter/dp/B071FB4L6Y/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?crid=2UV8IIQYE56O1&keywords=usb+aux+socket+switch&qid=1648992366&sprefix=usb+aux+socket+switch%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-5

@@bmwdiy Thanks 🙏🏻

You first need to retrofit the CIC Idrive, ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AhwvlACXag8.html

Do everything in this video. My E93 also came with Bluetooth from factory but it was only for phone calls. Bluetooth Audio first appeared on 2011 models.

@@bmwdiy same, only for phones, so I must change that blue tooth with one from 2011-13

Those 2 fakra cables were provisions for a cellular antenna connection if you got the mobile phone option in the armrest which I think was only available in Europe. As you can see, those connections are present on the Combox and are meant to connect the Combox to a cellular network via its built in IMEI number and SIM card so you can use the internet apps on the Idrive. You would have to pay BMW monthly for this service back in 2011. However, it was much more practical to use data streaming via Bluetooth via your iPhone which the Combox also offered but sadly BMW has shut all of this down in 2017. In reality, Bluetooth Audio and Spotify are all you really need while driving and any other internet app can wait until you park the car but then it would be more practical to just load your internet apps on your actual iPhone to save your car's battery. If you don't have the USB port in the armrest that's ok since you can just order this fakra cable and USB port from amazon and connect it to the blue port on the Combox. Then you can just connect a large USB stick with all your music and album art to it and leave it in the trunk and then bring new music to your car through Bluetooth Audio. www.amazon.ca/Switch-Connecting-Harness-Compatible-Vehicle/dp/B0843C323S/ref=pd_vtp_1/136-1375287-3081224?pd_rd_w=spZGK&pf_rd_p=42ad2502-0d93-40f9-bcf4-49a0657bb461&pf_rd_r=Y87C0K25M3JHYFDFAY87&pd_rd_r=bf3a9ea2-69fe-4d11-9870-ffa0b2c4fa27&pd_rd_wg=AEDeK&pd_rd_i=B0843C323S&psc=1

@@bmwdiy i already purchased the combox for 120$. The guy i purchased it from gave me the whole wiring from combox to cic incuding the usb in the armrest. thank's for the info. I'll start next week. I hope it works.

Just got a combox too will be installing it later

A really long cable like the one in the link below. It connects to the blue or black port on the Combox. It’s a lot of work to bring it to the armrest. I would just leave it in the trunk and a connect a USB stick with all your music to it. You also need to add $6FL to the vehicle order when coding the Combox which is the option code for USB audio. www.amazon.com/Switch-Connecting-Harness-Compatible-Vehicle/dp/B0843C323S

@@bmwdiy thanks man! I was super surprised when I got the price on the combox at a local parts yard for $11! I’ll be going back because i forgot to get these nice leather wrapped sun visors to replace my fabric ones. I might just buy the cable though and leave it it that back like you said, too much work to pull it off another car. Thanks again though its been too long with my faulty CCC unit!

You will be able to navigate the iPhone's music app and Spotify on the Idrive screen. Watch the last few minutes of the video.

You will need all the parts I mention in the video. Your TCU unit in the trunk will be the same as what I had before. All the part numbers and links to the software you will need are in the description. Good luck!

Unfortunately standard tools no longer available 😬

The internet apps were shut down in 2017. All you really need is Bluetooth Audio and Spotify while driving.

Does your car have Bluetooth for calling? Does it have the USB in the armrest?

@@bmwdiy Thanks for your reply, My car have USB in the armrest and no bluetooth option for calling. So, I don't know what I need for this retrofit.

@@zitexjp1296 Have you checked if there is a bluetooth antenna connection in your trunk?

no bluetooth antenna and telephone mic installed in my car. Here is some information about my car from my VIN Type M3 Series E93 (M Series) Body Type Convertible Steering Right Hand Drive Engine S65 Displacement 3.999 Power 309kw / 420hp Drive rwd Transmission Manual Colour Black 2 (668) Upholstery Leather "Novillo"/fuchs-red (NCH2) Comfort And Interior Equipment S423 Floor Mats Velours S493 Storage Compartment Package S4MY Int.Trim,Leather,Carbon Struct.,Black S490 Adjustment, Seat-Backrest Width S431 Interior Mirror With Automatic-Dip S441 Smoker Package S459 Seat Adjustment, Electric, With Memory S4AE Armrest Front, Retractable Multimedia S699 Area-Code 3 For DVD S609 Navigation System Professional S672 CD Changer For 6 CDs S688 Harman/Kardon Surround Sound System S6FL USB/Audio Interface Driver Assistance And Lightning S548 Kilometre Speedo S522 Xenon Light S540 Cruise Control S524 Adaptive Headlights S521 Rain Sensor S563 Light Package S534 Automatic Air Conditioning S508 Park Distance Control (PDC) S502 Headlight Cleaning System S5AH Decoding, Dynamic Brake Light Wheels And Drive S2MT BMW LA Wheel, M Double Spoke 220 S2MK M Twin-Clutch Transm. With Drivelogic Environment And Safety S864 Dealer List Overseas S3AW Spray Nozzles Without Heating S880 On-Board Literature, English S866 Language Version, Chinese Simpl. S8SP Control Unit COP S8S3 Automatic Locking During Starting S818 Battery Master Switch S322 Comfort Access S8S1 Decoding, Daytime Running Lamps S876 Radio Frequency 315 MHz S302 Alarm System S8LH Country Control Hong Kong 04142 S313 Fold-In Outside Mirror Other Equipment S1CB CO2 Equipment S988 Maintenance Interval Encoding S1CC Auto Start/Stop Function S925 Dummy-SALAPA S161 Exhaust Emissions Standards EU5 S1CA Selection Of COP-Relevant Vehicles S9AA Outer Skin Protection S1CD Brake Energy Regeneration

Are you ok ?

You need windows. I’m running windows on my Mac

I was stuck on this step too for about a week! I think what finally made it work is I went to SWT Functions and I clicked Activate Upgrade and then tried it. Tell me if that works.

You don't need bmw connected app. After you do the coding in the video, just plug in iPhone to armrest usb and load Spotify app on iPhone.

@@bmwdiy thanks now its working but only with my iphone 8. It didnt work with galaxy s22. Its only for ios?

@@tomitom630 Spotify only with IOS but your galaxy will still work with Bluetooth Audio

mega.nz/file/8kB3mThQ#oxUOsUqD-nBOLcfZc00GlA8pvxpFcfaY_7On2-3U27U Make sure you also have Java working

Yes, because the e82 was built until the 2013 model year and the combox was introduced as an option for the 2011 model year for all models that had the navigation option (CIC IDrive)

Hi, thanks for the comment. No, there is no separate cable, you use the same K+DCAN cable that goes in the OBD2 port. Just follow the instructions at 18:55. The links to the software are in the description. To get Spotify, you need to apply the FSC codes (which you would have normally had to buy from the dealer, but with the patcher file it removes the restriction so you can apply your own). After you apply the patch like I show you, you have to use FSTool to apply the FSC code for BMW Apps (which includes Spotify). Just go through it slowly step by step like I show in the video. You can see at 21:38 the code for BMW Apps is 009C0001.fsc. You can also use this process to activate navigation if you have a retrofitted CIC (the file is 00170001.fsc), and for voice control (00190001.fsc), and for free maps updates via USB in the glovebox (001B0001.fsc).

@@bmwdiy 🙏🙏🙏🍀

Only the Spotify app and the iPhone's music app. You can play music from RU-vid through Bluetooth audio.

@@bmwdiy yhe I know that..but can you change the song from steering wheel when playing RU-vid on the phone.

Coding for E60 is the same, just select E60 instead of E89 in NCSexpert

@@bmwdiy I was told it was not the same. Because the e60 never had an original combox. It was necessary to go through an SSD file of e90 ☹️

@@p0uhLydid you do it?

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-MaiNTdUwWf0.html

yes

ebay, it's the same for all e9x models

That's what happened to me as well. What I did was cut both sides of the black adaptor down with a razor so that the white stripes can slide in all the way. Make sure you don't damage the pins when doing this. The only function this adaptor has is for the microphone for the voice control and Bluetooth calling. I think there should be a better supplier that offers a more compatible adaptor where you don't have to cut anything.

@@bmwdiy yeah i cut it too now just Codingis missing, and yeah i locked everywhere These Guys are the only Ones. Quick question did Bluetooth mobile Work for you before coding or was it just trying to load?

The Spotify, Audible, and M lap timer apps all work fine with the latest iPhones, iOS, and android. You don’t need the connected drive app, it is not required. Spotify is by far the most useful app that you can get with the Combox. You don’t really need CarPlay once you have this setup. Keep in mind, if you choose the MMI android units for CarPlay, the sound quality will be through AUX which is far interior to the USB audio and Bluetooth audio that you get via the Combox MOST connection.

​@@bmwdiy I cant find the Bmw Connected in play store...whats the corect name of the app ??

@@650ie63 It's discontinued sadly, not available anymore.

​@@bmwdiyjust one question, those it allow you to change the songs from the steering wheel?

@@dawidsobierski2422 Yes, songs from bluetooth audio, usb stick, or Spotify can be changed with steering wheel control. Volume too.

Yes and it’s better because the paint on the buttons doesn’t peel off like on the cic controller

@@bmwdiy brilliant, I actually put on the metal m3 controller knob, so I'd be keen to keep it. And a piano black centre console trim wouldn't be cheap.

@@bmwdiy So I installed the cic thanks to your last video :) And I am going to do the combox next. But my car has the mulf2hi wiring/ module but I could never find out what i need to do to get bluetooth phone working. And it still doesnt. Any advice, will the combox solve this too?

Update thanks again, and got bluetooth working by retrofitting a bluetooth antenna and mic. Now I just need to switch to iphone to take advantage of the spotify app lol

@@bmwdiy Update I got the combox installed thanks again , and got bluetooth working by retrofitting a bluetooth antenna and mic. Now I just need to switch to iphone to take advantage of the spotify app lol

No, you are not coding any modules related to the engine

@@bmwdiy thanks for the quick answer 💪

yes, it will, you can attach another usb cable and port to it if you want another USB port in the trunk

@@bmwdiy dang I should’ve done more research but I was an hour from home at the only yard that has cic bmws, I had it taken off and e everything but oh well I got the cic parts so I’ll wait for another nearby later on. I can’t wait to get it working

For Spotify or Bluetooth?

@@bmwdiy on bluetooth

@@bmwdiy haven't been able to get the fcs to work

All of them, but you need the Combox too.

@@bmwdiy i heard that only iphone 4 work with it. I need to buy one mabye iphone 5 is cheap

@@ryszard6687 You heard wrong. Watch the last few minutes of the video and you can see me using iPhone 7 Plus with Spotify no problem. I am now using iPhone 11 with this setup no problem. I just plug my iPhone into the USB armrest port and Spotify menu will appear on Idrive screen. Bluetooth audio will work with any phone. You only need iPhone 4/4s if you want video to show from the iPhone on the Idrive screen, but you need to install an additional cable for that.

@@bmwdiy thats cool i want to buy iphone and keep it in armrest only to play music thanks for info

Of course. I used the Spotify app in my E93 yesterday

@@bmwdiy awesome! Where can i find the wiring for this because i found the combox already

@@carfeen links are in the description

@@bmwdiy thanks man!