BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Products

Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so gets the equipment to service them. The device changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and rehearse.

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is among the most common and is also what will be referenced here. The GT1 can be a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen technology for quick use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also 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 could Diagnose the problem, research how you can switch the component and after that perform the needed initializations for that new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) and the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics for that Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units out there, adapted to work on a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and connect by using an Ethernet port.

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

Third Generation equipment

Go forward to about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of it technology was launched: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are very large, that hosting are set up in the dealership. A web based version is available on the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It may be generate fsc code. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The key portion of ISIS that is utilized in the shop is called “ISTA”, which may be further categorised into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is found just about anywhere, including eBay for really cheap. BMW remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security are already put into the development of ISIS to prevent this, in resident servers and internet based versions. Labeling will help you more difficult for non-dealer shops to work for the newer cars. You might think that since the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you could just keep using that for several more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! When a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software past the level of what Program can recognize. Which means, once a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you cant ever use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, every time a new module is installed, the software which is pre-installed with that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which can steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to get programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does which means that for that BMW owner? On account of the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops can also be sending the cars to dealerships therefore. However, don’t assume all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There is a select few of BMW specialty shops that stick to surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is rejected! While searching for a location to service your BMW, be sure they could do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
Check out about generate fsc code visit this website: look at here