BMW Service Technology – The Development of Diagnostic Gear

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

Early tools

Within the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There was a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is easily the most common which is after that be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display screen for quick 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 through the same tool, you can Diagnose the challenge, search for how you can switch the component and after that do the needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, because they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system and they also were also yellow, but larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units on the market, adapted to operate with a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely 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), however accessible through the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained each of the CIP functions and added extra features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Skip forward about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of apparatus was released: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are extremely large, that server colocation are set up on the dealership. A web based version can be obtained for the aftermarket for a fee, called OSS. It could be bmw fsc code. Together with 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, because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main section of ISIS that is used from the shop is termed “ISTA”, which is often further separated into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is available just about anywhere, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security are already put into the development of ISIS in order to avoid this, in both resident servers and online versions. This makes it harder for non-dealer shops to operate for the newer cars. One could feel that because the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you can keep using that for a number of more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! When a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software after dark a higher level what Program can recognize. Which means, once a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, every time a new module is installed, the software that is certainly pre-installed on that module is additionally newer than what Program can recognize, that may stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the car being programmed by ISTA/P.

Precisely what does this mean to the BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops may also be sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There’s a limited number of BMW specialty shops that remain on the top of manufacturer technology, to ensure that no car is turned away! While looking for a location to service your BMW, ensure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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