BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Products

Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so contains the equipment to service them. The gear changed, the interfaces have changed along with the complexity of setup and make use of.

Early tools

During the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is easily the most common and it is what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 is really a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display screen for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) the actual Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from the same tool, you can Diagnose the issue, research how to switch the component then perform the needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics for the Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units available, adapted to work on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and fasten via an Ethernet port.

Later versions with the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to some separate computer (for storage), but still accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added additional features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for every car (DIAGBUS and quite a few bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Go forward to around 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of kit premiered: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are extremely large, that dedicated servers are installed at the dealership. An internet version is available on the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It could be generate fsc code. Together with the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle a part of ISIS which is used within the shop is termed “ISTA”, which can be further divided into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is found almost anyplace, including eBay for really cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security have been put in the development of ISIS in order to avoid this, both in resident servers and internet-based versions. Labeling will help you harder for non-dealer shops to work around the newer cars. One could believe that considering that the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you can keep by using their for a lot of more years before newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Whenever a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program at night a higher level what Program can recognize. That means, once a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman into it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the software program that’s pre-installed on that module can be newer when compared with Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the vehicle being programmed by ISTA/P.

Precisely what does which means that for the BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners still can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops can also be sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that remain on the surface of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is turned away! When looking for an area to service your BMW, ensure they’re able to do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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