BMW Service Technology – The Progression of Diagnostic Products

Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The gear 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 was a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is regarded as the common and is what will be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display for quick use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also 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 through the same tool, you can Diagnose the problem, search for how to switch the component then do the needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) and the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for the Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but much larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units on the market, adapted to operate with a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and correct with an Ethernet port.

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

Third Generation equipment

Fast forward about 2008 in the event the Third Generation (3G) of kit premiered: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are very large, that hosting are set up on the dealership. An online version can be acquired towards the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It may be bmw navigation package. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main section of ISIS that is used within the shop is named “ISTA”, that may be further separated into two parts: 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 pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security happen to be placed into the creation of ISIS to prevent this, in the resident servers and internet based versions. It is then much harder for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You might believe since the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you can keep by using their for many more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a pace ahead! Whenever a car is programmed together with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program at night level of what Program can recognize. Meaning, 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, every time a new module is installed, the software program that is certainly pre-installed on that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which may stop the entire programming process, forcing the car to become programmed by ISTA/P.

What exactly does that mean for the BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops can also be sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a limited number of BMW specialty shops that remain on the top of manufacturer technology, so that no car is turned away! While looking for a place to service your BMW, ensure they could do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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