ICOM A2 is a later legacy ICOM A-family vehicle interface. It occupies the same place in the system as the earlier A: the communication device between a BMW diagnostic or programming application and the vehicle. BMW's ICOM Next guide explicitly lists ICOM A/A2 as legacy equipment.
Use with adapters
BMW's Next hardware guide states that the legacy B, C, D and E adapters are functionally compatible with Next A, and that Next B, C and D can also be used with legacy A/A2. The B adapter covers the applicable MOST route; C connects to a supported round 20-pin vehicle socket. This adapter statement is not a promise that every software release supports every legacy main unit.
Checking a used interface
Record the hardware identification, connector condition, software version and firmware, and check support for the actual service operation. A2 is also a common marketplace name for replicas, so a seller's photograph or case label alone is insufficient evidence that an example is genuine. This seller's A2-labelled photograph illustrates an example offered as A2; its authenticity is unverified. BMW's hardware compatibility table is a useful starting point; compare with ICOM A1 and ICOM Next.
Sources
Curated reference notes. Applicability follows the cited sources; hardware testing by this wiki is not implied.
- BMW ICOM Next hardware family user guide. ACTIA I+ME hardware family user guide, BMW-hosted copy; components, connections and legacy adapter compatibility. Source revision Guide version 1.00, 2015, especially printed pages 8–9 and 26; accessed 2026-11-10.
- BMW Group Techinfo website and AOS user guide. BMW of North America; AOS, ISTA, ICOM, pass-through, connectors and programming preparation; regional requirements may vary. Source revision BMW Techinfo system requirements and user guide, 2022; accessed 2026-11-10.