Not just has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The device has evolved, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and employ.

Early tools

During the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There are a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is easily the most common and is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display screen for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) which is the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from your same tool, you could Diagnose the situation, look up the best way to switch the component after which perform needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for the Byteflite system and they were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units out there, adapted to operate over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely the same and fasten with an Ethernet port.

Later versions in the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it into a separate computer (for storage), but nonetheless accessible from your GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained each of the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming per car (DIAGBUS and quite a few bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Skip forward to around 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of equipment premiered: ISIS. The belongings in ISIS are very large, that web site hosting are set up at the dealership. A web based version is available for the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It may be bmw connected drive. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle a part of ISIS that is utilized from the shop is termed “ISTA”, which may be further broken down into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is found almost anyplace, including eBay for cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put in the roll-out of ISIS to stop this, both in resident servers an internet-based versions. This will make it more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You might feel that since the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you could keep by using their for a lot of more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! When a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application at night degree of what Program can recognize. Which means, after a car has become updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the application which is pre-installed with that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the car being programmed by ISTA/P.

Precisely what does this mean for the BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners still can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships therefore. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. You can find a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that stay with surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is rejected! When looking for a place to service your BMW, be sure they could do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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