BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Gear

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

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is regarded as the common which is what will be referenced here. The GT1 can be a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen display screen for straightforward 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 in the same tool, you can Diagnose the problem, research the way to switch the component and then perform needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) and the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much larger compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units on the market, adapted to work on a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely the same and fasten by using an Ethernet port.

Later versions with the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with a separate computer (for storage), but still accessible in the 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

Go forward to about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was released: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are really large, that web site hosting are set up in the dealership. An internet version is available for the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It may be bmw ilevel. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle section of ISIS which is used within the shop is called “ISTA”, which is often further categorised into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s can be found anywhere you want to, including eBay for really cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security are already put in the creation of ISIS to avoid this, in the resident servers and internet-based versions. Labeling will help you harder for non-dealer shops to work around the newer cars. One could believe because the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you can just keep using for many more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program past the amount of what Program can recognize. This means, after a car has been updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman into it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the program which is pre-installed on that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which may stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to become programmed by ISTA/P.

What exactly does which means that to the BMW owner? On account of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There’s a select few of BMW specialty shops that stick to the surface of manufacturer technology, so that no car is turned away! While searching for an area to service your BMW, ensure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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