Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed over the past decade, but so contains the equipment to service them. The device has changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and use.
Early tools
In the 1990’s, the viewers Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There are a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is easily the most common and is also what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 is often a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It features a touchscreen display screen for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing plus had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) which is Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So through the same tool, you may Diagnose the problem, research how to replace the component then perform needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were utilised: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they also were also yellow, but larger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units around, adapted to be effective on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely the same and fasten through an Ethernet port.
Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it into a separate computer (for storage), however accessible through the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added extra features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for every car (DIAGBUS and quite a few bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip ahead to about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was published: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are so large, that hosting are installed at the dealership. A web-based version can be obtained to the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It can be bmw ilevel. With all 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, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The key a part of ISIS that is used in the shop is known as “ISTA”, which may be further categorised into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s is available anywhere you want to, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security have already been put into the growth of ISIS to prevent this, in both resident servers and online versions. Labeling will help you harder for non-dealer shops to be effective for the newer cars. One would think that considering that the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you may keep using for many more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Whenever a car is programmed together with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program at night a higher level what Program can recognize. That means, each car may be updated with ISTA/P, you may never use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the software program which is pre-installed with that module is additionally newer than Program can recognize, which can steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the automobile being programmed by ISTA/P.
What exactly does that mean for your BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. You can find a limited number of BMW specialty shops that stick to the surface of manufacturer technology, so that no car is beaten down! While looking for a spot to service your BMW, make sure they’re able to do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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