BMW Service Technology – The Development of Diagnostic Products

Not just has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so contains the equipment to service them. The device has evolved, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and use.

Early tools

Back in the 1990’s, the viewers Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is among the most common which is what will be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display screen for straightforward use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition 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 might Diagnose the problem, lookup the best way to switch the component then do the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, because they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they also were also yellow, but much wider as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units around, adapted to work with a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and connect by using an Ethernet port.

Later versions in the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to some separate computer (for storage), but still accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming per car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Skip ahead about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of equipment premiered: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are extremely large, that web site hosting are installed at the dealership. A web-based version can be acquired on the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It may be bmw fsc code. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new 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 key a part of ISIS that is utilized within the shop is named “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 are available just about anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security happen to be put into the roll-out of ISIS to prevent this, in resident servers and internet based versions. This will make it more difficult for non-dealer shops to work for the newer cars. You are likely to believe since GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you might just keep using that for a lot of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! When a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program past the degree of what Program can recognize. Meaning, when a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you may never use Progman into it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the software program that is certainly pre-installed with that module is additionally newer compared to what Program can recognize, that may pun intended, the entire programming process, forcing the auto being programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does that mean for your BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners still can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships therefore. However, don’t assume all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There is a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that remain on top of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is rejected! When looking for a location to service your BMW, make certain they can do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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