Not merely has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The apparatus is different, the interfaces have changed along with the complexity of setup and make use of.
Early tools
Back in the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is regarded as the common and it is what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 can be a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also 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 from the same tool, you can Diagnose the situation, lookup how to replace the component after which perform needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they were also yellow, but much larger compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units on the market, adapted to be effective over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and fasten via an Ethernet port.
Later versions of 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 of the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Fast forward to about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was released: ISIS. The items in ISIS are extremely large, that server colocation are set up at the dealership. An internet version is available to the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It may be available at bmw rheingold 4.01 21 standalone ista p 3.59 4.004. With the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The key a part of ISIS which is used in the shop is named “ISTA”, which can be further divided into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s are available almost anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have already been put into the creation of ISIS to prevent this, in the resident servers an internet-based versions. This will make it more difficult for non-dealer shops to work around the newer cars. One could believe that since the GT1 was discontinued last year, you might keep using for many more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Each time a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software past the degree of what Program can recognize. Which means, when a car may be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the application that’s pre-installed with that module can be newer than what Program can recognize, which can stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the car to become programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does that mean for that BMW owner? As a result of the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, don’t assume all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There’s a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that stick to surface of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is beaten down! When searching for a spot to service your BMW, make sure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
One particular shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. Should you be looking in a potential shops website, look for signs they do have the most recent equipment. BMW Repair centers that can’t “do it all” could cause increased time and expense after they learn things have been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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