BMW Service Technology – The Progression of Diagnostic Gear

Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed during the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The apparatus changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and employ.

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the viewers Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There was several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is the most common and is also what will be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It features a touchscreen display for straightforward use. It contained software for Diagnosing as well as 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 could Diagnose the problem, research the best way to switch the component and after that perform needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were used: 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 plus they were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units on the market, adapted to be effective over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely the same and correct by using an Ethernet port.

Later versions with 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 every one of the CIP functions and added additional features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and quite a few bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Go forward to about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of it technology was published: ISIS. The items in ISIS are really large, that hosting are set up in the dealership. A web based version is available towards the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It could be bmw sport gearbox. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle portion of ISIS utilized within the shop is known as “ISTA”, which may be further broken down into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s can be found almost anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security have been place into the growth of ISIS to avoid this, in the resident servers and internet based versions. This will make it more difficult for non-dealer shops to be effective around the newer cars. One could believe that because the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you could just keep using for a number of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a pace ahead! When a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application beyond the amount of what Program can recognize. That means, after a car has been updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the application which is pre-installed on that module is also newer than what Program can recognize, which may stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does this mean for the BMW owner? As a result of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There is a small number of of BMW specialty shops that stay on surface of manufacturer technology, so that no car is rejected! When looking for a spot to service your BMW, make sure they’re able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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