BMW Service Technology – The Development of Diagnostic Gear

Not just has BMW electrical architecture changed during the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The apparatus has evolved, the interfaces have changed as well as the complexity of setup and rehearse.

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There are several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is regarded as the common and it is after that be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen technology for quick use. It contained software for Diagnosing plus 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 can Diagnose the situation, research how to replace the component then carry out the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but much larger as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units around, adapted to function on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and connect with an Ethernet port.

Later versions in the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but still 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 MOST bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Fast forward to around 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was published: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are very large, that server colocation are set up with the dealership. A web based version can be acquired towards the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It could be top 10 bmw videos. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle part of ISIS that is used in the shop is known as “ISTA”, which may be further divided into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s are available anywhere you want to, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many numbers of security happen to be placed into the development of ISIS to stop this, both in resident servers and internet-based versions. It is then more difficult for non-dealer shops to function for the newer cars. You are likely to believe that considering that the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you can keep by using their for several more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! Each time a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program at night level of what Program can recognize. This means, each car has become updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the software program that is certainly pre-installed with that module can also be newer when compared with Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the car being programmed by ISTA/P.

Just what exactly does this mean for your BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There is a limited number of BMW specialty shops that stick to the surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is rejected! When looking for a location to service your BMW, be sure they can do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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