BMW 7 Series: System Components

This section describes the audio systems in F01/F02 vehicles.

It is subdivided into the following subsections:

• Head unit, Car Information Computer CIC
• Amplifiers and speakers
• Antennas
• Digital tuners
• Peripherals
  • DVD changer
  • USB/audio interface
  • Smartphone integration option

The new head unit (CIC) replaces the CCC head unit and is standard equipment on the F01/F02.

The IBOC digital tuner is now integrated into the CIC.

The navigation system is also integrated into the CIC. The navigation software and navigation map material are stored on the CIC internal hard disk.

The Car Information Computer can be combined with the following speaker and amplifier systems:

• HiFi system (676)
• TOP-Hifi system (677)

With the F01/F02 the antenna reception has been enhanced.

The satellite tuner "SIRIUS satellite radio" and IBOC digital radio for HD radio reception are optionally available.

A CD changer is no longer offered for the F01/F02.

The single-slot DVD changer is offered on the F01 and F02. The DVD changer can accept up to six disks. The disks are inserted in the unit without the use of a magazine.

A USB/audio interface is also available as an optional extra. External audio and storage media are incorporated in the vehicle entertainment system via this USB/audio interface.

Devices such as the iPhone can now be integrated in the vehicle network by means of the Smartphone Integration Option. With the mobile phone cradle it possible to navigate in the device menu and play back selected audio files. Although the device can also be connected with the USB Y-cable it is no longer necessary for this function.

Car Information Computer (CIC)

The IHKA control unit is integrated into the IHKA/audio control panel.

The faceplate of the CIC is the common control panel for the main entertainment functions as well as for the heating and air conditioning functions.

The CIC and the IHKA/audio control panel are connected to the center console unit carrier.

Fig. 82: Side View Of IHKA/Audio Control Panel

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. IHKA/audio control panel
2. Center console unit carrier
3. Car Information Computer

Fig. 83: Front View Of IHKA/Audio Control Panel (F01/F02)

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Selector button for FM and AM
2. MODE button for selecting audio sources
3. CD/DVD slot
4. Eject button for DVD/CD player
5. Station search/track "forward and back"
6. Eight freely selectable Favorites buttons

Similar to a personal computer, the Car Information Computer contains a processor, RAM modules (= main memory) and extra peripheral components.

The following applications of the CIC are stored on the integrated hard disk:

• Music collection
• Music track database (Gracenote)
• Navigation software (application)
• Navigation map material
• iSpeech (voice recognition system)
• Contacts (database with address book data)

The CIC is the central control unit for the listed applications. It is linked to the central information display (CID) for the purpose of transmitting and displaying information.

The Car Information Computer is also connected to the controller. The controller serves as a selection and input device for the user interface.

The CIC is based on a modular design. The most important systems of the communication network are integrated in the CIC board as solid state components.

The CIC combines the following control units in one enclosure:

• Navigation computer, HIP module and yaw rate sensor
• Tuner (FM)
• Tuner (AM)
• Tuner (FM-RTTI)
• IBOC decoder
• Audio system controller, and music search database
• MOST-CAN gateway
• Interface to control display (LVDS)

The upper half of the CIC consists of the optical drive player where CDs and DVDs of digital audio media can be played. The player also has ability to playback video DVDs on the front CID. The video signal is only displayed when the vehicle is stationary with the gear selection in the "Park" position.

For the navigation system, the optical drive can be used for updating the map material stored on the hard disk.

The processors for the main board and application board are located in the lower half of the CIC. This section also contains the main memory, the individual modules as well as the hard disk drive. The CIC together with the controller and CID, make up the iDrive system.

Advantages of the Car Information Computer

Combining several modules in one enclosure provides the following advantages:

• The combination of several systems enhances the functionality
• Outstanding software expansion options through suitable software interfaces
• Fewer plug connections increases reliability
• Less overall package space required for control units

Fig. 84: Front View Of IHKA/Audio Control Panel (F01/F02)

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. LVDS signal for the CID; violet connector
2. USB connection for glove compartment beige connector
3. Ethernet connection (future expansion for rear seat entertainment) orange connector
4. MOST connection
5. 12-pin connector; right-hand chamber (Ethernet, TEL_AF, AUX-In)
6. 12-pin connector; left-hand chamber (video input signals - CVBS)
7. 16-pin connector (K-CAN, audio output AF; power supply, Rad-on signal)
8. GPS antenna signal Blue connector
9. Not for US
10. Not for US
11. AM/FM tuner signal black connector

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