Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so contains the equipment to service them. The apparatus has evolved, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and make use of.
Early tools
In the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There are several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is regarded as the common and is what will be referenced here. The GT1 can be a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It features a touchscreen technology for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition 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 from the same tool, you can Diagnose the situation, search for the best way to replace the component and then perform needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for the Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much bigger as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units around, adapted to work over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and fasten by using an Ethernet port.
Later versions with the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but still accessible from 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 each and every car (DIAGBUS and a lot bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip forward about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of apparatus was published: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are very large, that dedicated servers are set up at the dealership. A web based version is accessible for the aftermarket for a fee, called OSS. It can be bmw software update. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary a part of ISIS that is used inside the shop is termed “ISTA”, which can be further separated 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 very cheap. BMW pointed out that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security are already put in the creation of ISIS to stop this, in resident servers and internet-based versions. It is then harder for non-dealer shops to work about the newer cars. You might think that since the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you can keep using that for a number of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the application past the a higher level what Program can recognize. Which means, once a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the application that is certainly pre-installed with that module can be newer when compared with Program can recognize, which may stop the entire programming process, forcing the auto to become programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does that mean for the BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops can also be sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that stick to the surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure that no car is averted! When searching for a location to service your BMW, be sure they could do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
To read more about bmw software update see this popular webpage: read
