Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Description and Operation

Central Information Display

Central information display
The Central Information Display (CID) is a graphic display unit.
The Central Information Display is a display with combined technology from the LCD and TFT (LCD = liquid crystal display, TFT = thin-film transistor). The CID has backlighting through LEDs.
The CID is connected to the headunit through an APIX data line. The CID represents image data supplied by the headunit. With this technology the CID no longer has a CAN connection. Thus the CID is no longer a control unit in the diagnostic range.
The CID is available in the following versions, depending on the vehicle equipment level:
- Basic version:
6.5 inch LC display with a resolution of 800x480 pixels, format 16 to 9

- High version:
8.8 inch LC display with a resolution of 1280x480 pixels, format 8 to 3

Functional description

The central information display (CID) is an integrated display and operating facility for the following functions:
- Audio systems such as radio, CD player, MP3 player
- Telephone
- On-board computer, journey computer
- Information on the vehicle, owner's handbook
- Heating/air conditioning system
- Personalized range, e.g. selection of radio station
- Vehicle functions such as parking aid, dynamic stability, Electronic Damper Control, for example
- BMW Online Service

The controller (CON) is the central operating element for the central information display (CID). The controller is connected via the K-CAN with the headunit.
The headunit is responsible for the total process control of the user interface.
The central information display has an integrated photosensor. The display brightness control optimizes readability under all ambient brightness conditions.







Structure and inner electrical connection
The Central Information Display is supplied with voltage via the headunit. The positive connection (9.5 volt) is switched via the headunit.
The Central Information Display is connected to the headunit via the APIX data line (automotive pixel link).
What is APIX?
APIX was developed especially for the demands by digital video mode in the vehicle. The data line meets the toughest demands with regard to EMC interference (EMC), among others. The data line can be used repeatedly in the vehicle. Here digital video signals are transmitted uncompressed with a bandwidth of up to 1 Gbit/s via a single pair of copper wires.







Nominal values

Please note the following setpoint values for the central information display:

Size Value
Supply voltage 7.5 to 9 V
Temperature range -40 to 80 deg C

Diagnosis instructions

Failure of the component
If communication to the Central Information Display fails, the standard checks must be carried out (global procedure). The diagnosis communication is effected via the headunit. If there is an internal control unit fault, the following behavior is to be expected:
- Fault entry in the headunit

Display for a fault
Troubleshooting is made easier by a separate display.
In the event of the following faults {NO SIGNAL} is faded in on the display:
- Defective picture signal from the headunit
- Interrupted APIX data line
- Defective plug connection







We can assume no liability for printing errors or inaccuracies in this document and reserve the right to introduce technical modifications at any time.