BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Equipment

Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The gear is different, the interfaces have changed as well as the complexity of setup and use.


Early tools

During the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There was a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), however the GT1 is the most common and is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is really a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It features a touchscreen display for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing as well as 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 in the same tool, you might Diagnose the situation, research how to switch the component and then perform needed initializations for that new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units out there, adapted to be effective on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and connect by using an Ethernet port.

Later versions with the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with a separate computer (for storage), but nevertheless accessible in the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all of the CIP functions and added additional features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Fast forward about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of apparatus was launched: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are really large, that server colocation are set up on the dealership. A web-based version can be obtained to the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It can be bought at bmw wallpapers. With the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary part of ISIS which is used within the shop is known as “ISTA”, which can be further divided into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s are available just about anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security have been put in the creation of ISIS to stop this, in both resident servers and internet based versions. This makes it more difficult for non-dealer shops to work on the newer cars. You might think that considering that the GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you might keep by using their for many more years before newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program at night amount of what Program can recognize. That means, when a car may be updated with ISTA/P, you cant ever use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the software that’s pre-installed with that module is also newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does this mean for the BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot 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. There’s a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that remain on surface of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is turned away! When looking for a location to service your BMW, ensure they can do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!

One such shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. If you are looking with a potential shops website, look for signs that they will have the most recent equipment. BMW Repair Shops that can’t “do it all” could cause increased time and cost after they find out things have been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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