BMW Service Technology – The Development of Diagnostic Products

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

Early tools

During the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is easily the most common which is after that be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen display for quick 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 challenge, search for how to switch the component and after that carry out the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but larger as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units around, adapted to function over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and fasten by using an Ethernet port.

Later versions of the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with a separate computer (for storage), but nonetheless 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 every car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Fast forward to around 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of kit premiered: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are very large, that hosting are installed in the dealership. An internet version is available for the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It could be bmw software update. With the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS has a few parts, because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle section of ISIS which is used within the shop is termed “ISTA”, which may be further divided into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s can be found just about anywhere, including eBay for cheap. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many numbers of security have been put in the growth of ISIS to prevent this, in resident servers and online versions. It is then harder for non-dealer shops to function about the newer cars. You might believe that since GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you could just keep by using their for a lot of more years prior to 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 application at night level of what Program can recognize. Which means, when a car has become updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman into it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the application which is pre-installed on that module is also newer than what Program can recognize, that may steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the auto to get programmed by ISTA/P.

Precisely what does which means that for your BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. You can find a limited number of BMW specialty shops that remain on top of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is rejected! When looking for an area to service your BMW, make sure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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