Not just has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The device has changed, the interfaces have changed as well as the complexity of setup and use.

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the viewers Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is among the most common and is also after that be referenced here. The GT1 is really a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen display for straightforward use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from the same tool, you could Diagnose the problem, lookup how you can switch the component and after that do the needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units out there, adapted to operate over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and connect via an Ethernet port.

Later versions of the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with a separate computer (for storage), but nevertheless accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained every one of the CIP functions and added latest features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming per car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Go forward about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of apparatus was published: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are very large, that dedicated servers are set up with the dealership. An internet version can be acquired towards the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It is usually bmw software update. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS has a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The key section of ISIS that is utilized from the shop is termed “ISTA”, that may be further categorised into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s can be found just about anywhere, including eBay for very cheap. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been place into the roll-out of ISIS to avoid this, in resident servers an internet-based versions. Labeling will help you more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate around the newer cars. One could feel that since GT1 was discontinued last year, you could just keep using for several more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a pace ahead! When a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application beyond the amount of what Program can recognize. Meaning, once a car may be updated with ISTA/P, you may never use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, every time a new module is installed, the application which is pre-installed on that module is additionally newer when compared with Program can recognize, which could stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the auto to get programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does this mean to the BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners still can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a small number of of BMW specialty shops that remain on the surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is averted! While looking for a place to service your BMW, make sure they’re able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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