BMW Service Technology – The Development of Diagnostic Products
Not just has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The equipment is different, the interfaces have changed plus the complexity of setup and use.
Early tools
Back in the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There was a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), however the GT1 is regarded as the common and it is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display screen for straightforward use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) the actual Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So through the same tool, you could Diagnose the situation, research the way to replace the component after which do the needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were utilised: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but much bigger as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are saved to the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units available, adapted to operate with a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and fasten with an Ethernet port.
Later versions in the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with 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 new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for every car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip ahead to around 2008 in the event the Third Generation (3G) of kit was launched: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are very large, that dedicated servers are set up on the dealership. A web based version can be obtained on the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It may be bmw vin decoder. Together with the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main part of ISIS utilized from the shop is termed “ISTA”, which can 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 inexpensive. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security happen to be put into the development of ISIS to avoid this, in resident servers and online versions. This will make it more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate for the newer cars. You might believe that since the GT1 was discontinued last year, you could just keep using for a number of more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Each time a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application past the amount of what Program can recognize. This means, when a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you may 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 with that module is also newer than what Program can recognize, which can pun intended, the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.
Just what exactly does this mean to the BMW owner? As a result of 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 is a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that stay on the top of manufacturer technology, so that no car is turned away! While searching for a place to service your BMW, be sure they’re able to do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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