Head Unit High, 4th generation

The central information display is connected via a APIX data cable to the head unit. The instrument cluster (KOMBI) is connected via a APIX data cable with the head unit.

The Head Unit High (HU-H) is connected by means of a new version of the Ethernet with the Telematic Communication Box (TCB). These are two single-core, twisted together and unshielded wires for data transfer via Ethernet. For BMW this special, OABR Ethernet-Ethernet customized for the automotive sector is called ("OABR" stands for "OPEN Alliance BroadR-Reach").

The Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) is also connected via Ethernet OABR on the head unit.

NOTE: If the Telematic Communication Box is installed in the latest generation: Then the GPS aerial is connected to the control unit Telematic Communication Box. Also the SDARS aerial and the DAB aerial.

The following functional enhancements are new for the head unit:

Optimized three-dimensional representation of the iDrive.
APIX data cable to the instrument cluster and from there to the Head-Up Display. This means seamless integration of navigation.
Optimized rendering of videos.
Advanced approach to the split screen display
WLAN connectivity for the BMW Touch Command and other CE devices (e.g. smartphones)
Automated updating of map data for navigation on the BMW portal
Ability for SDARS-XM (SIRIUS)

The headunit of the 4th generation has a radio DIN housing 1.5. The Headunit High is externally distinguishable by the smaller housing with respect to the 3rd generation (radio DIN housing 2).

Through the new housing and extended functions, the plug connections on the rear side of the Headunit High have also changed.

Fig 1: Identifying Headunit And DVD Drive

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Item	Explanation
1	Headunit High (HU-H)
2	DVD drive

Rear side with plug connections:

Fig 2: Identifying Headunit, USB Connection And Port

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The plug connections are country-dependent! Refer to SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAM .

Item	Explanation
1	Headunit High (HU-H)
2	Wiring harness connection with video channels and bus connections
3	DAB III connection (US version: SDARS)
4	DAB L connection
5	ConnectionFM2
6	ConnectionFM1
7	GPS connection
8	Ethernet connection
9	WLAN connection
10	Bluetooth connection
11	USB 2 connection
12	USB port
13	APIX 2 connection
14	APIX connection

Comparison of some technical data

	Head unit 3rd generation	Head unit 4th generation
Housing	2 DIN	1.5 DIN
Main processor	Intel TC@1.3 GHz	TI OMAP5@1.5
Processor Network/Audio	JacintoHR++@336MHz	Jacinto5@720MHz
Working memory	1 GByte DDR2	ID4++ 2 GByte DDR3/ID5 4 GByte
Graphics card	nVidiaEMP9	SGX544MP2RC3
APIX data cable	1	2
OABR-Ethernet	-	BroadR-Reach® Switch (4 ports)