Driver/Vehicle Information Display: Description and Operation
Central Information Display
Central information display
The Central Information Display (CID) is a graphical display unit for the functions: navigation, radio, climate control, communication, etc.
Depending on the vehicle equipment fitted, the Central Information Display is available in the following versions:
- Basic version:
7 inch liquid crystal display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution, 15:9 format
- High version:
10.25 inch liquid crystal display with 1280 x 480 pixel resolution, 8:3 format
The central information display consists of a printed circuit board and a display module. The control unit function is integrated in the printed circuit board.
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 and data services
- On-board computer, travel computer
- Vehicle information, Owner's Handbook
- Heating and air conditioning
- Personalized areas such as radio station selection
- Vehicle functions such as PDC, DSC, EDC
- BMW Service after-sales
The controller (CON) is the central operating element for the central information display (CID). The controller is connected to the Central Information Display via the body CAN.
The headunit is responsible for the total process control of the user interface.
The Central Information Display (CID) is connected to the headunit via an LVDS data line (Low Voltage Differential Signalling). All image information is transmitted by the headunit via the LVDS data line. Image information is produced in the CID control unit and displayed on the display screen.
The Central Information Display is a bus user on the body CAN. Control and status information is exchanged via the body CAN.
The Central Information Display can be supplied with or without photosensor (depending on the manufacturer). The display brightness control optimizes readability under all ambient brightness conditions. Brightness values are evaluated by the instrument panel and the integrated photosensor. The brightness value calculated in the instrument panel (KOMBI) is issued on the bus system. In the Central Information Display, the brightness value received is compared with the brightness value supplied by the integrated photosensor (the brightness values are pulse-width-modulated). The Central Information Display controls the display brightness according to the evaluation. In the case of the Central Information Display without photosensor, the display brightness is only controlled via the brightness value calculated in the instrument panel.
Structure and inner electrical connection
The Central Information Display (CID) is connected to terminal 30B via the junction box.
The Central Information Display is a bus user on the body CAN.
The Central Information Display is connected to the headunit via an LVDS data line.
Pin assignments
The graphic above shows only the supply and bus connection. The current pin assignment can be found on the BMW ISTA diagnosis system among the wiring diagrams. Click on the component code in the wiring diagram to activate the "Installation location" and "Pin assignment" tabs.
Nominal values
Please note the following nominal values for central information display (CID):
Size Value
Supply voltage 9 to 16 V
Temperature range -40 to 80 °C
Diagnosis instructions
Failure of the component
If communication to the Central Information Display (CID) fails, the standard checks must be carried out (global testing procedure). If there is an internal control unit fault, the following behavior is to be expected:
- Fault entry in the Central Information Display (CID)
Orange-colored display in the event of a fault
Troubleshooting is made easier by a separate display. With the following faults, the display lights "orange": faulty picture signal from the headunit / broken LVDS data line / faulty plug connector. If the signal fails during operation or if a fault occurs after switching on, the orange display lights for approx. 30 seconds. The display then switches to black.
We can assume no liability for printing errors or inaccuracies in this document and reserve the right to introduce technical modifications at any time.