BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Equipment

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


Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is regarded as the common and is also what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition 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 in the same tool, you could Diagnose the situation, lookup how you can replace the component and then carry out the needed initializations for that 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 your Byteflite system and they were also yellow, but larger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are saved to the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units out there, adapted to work on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and correct with an Ethernet port.

Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but nevertheless 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 new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for every car (DIAGBUS and a lot bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Fast forward to about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was launched: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are really large, that dedicated servers are installed at the dealership. An internet version is available to the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It can be found at video archive. With the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary part of ISIS which is used inside the shop is known as “ISTA”, which may be further broken down into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is found just about anywhere, including eBay for very cheap. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security happen to be placed into the development of ISIS to stop this, in the resident servers an internet-based versions. This makes it harder for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You might believe that because the GT1 was discontinued last year, you can just keep using that for several more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application beyond the degree of what Program can recognize. That means, once a car may be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the application which is pre-installed on that module is also newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could stop the entire programming process, forcing the automobile being programmed by ISTA/P.

What exactly does which means that for that BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships consequently. 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, so that no car is beaten down! When looking for a spot to service your BMW, ensure they can do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!

One such shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. Should you be looking at a potential shops website, search for signs that they do have the latest equipment. BMW Repair centers that can’t “do it all” could cause increased time and cost once they learn stuff has been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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