Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The gear has evolved, the interfaces have changed as well as the complexity of setup and employ.
Early tools
During the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There was a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is easily the most common and it is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 can be a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So in the same tool, you could Diagnose the issue, lookup how to switch the component and then perform the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they were also yellow, but much larger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units available, adapted to operate over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and connect via an Ethernet port.
Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but nonetheless accessible in the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Fast forward about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was launched: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are so large, that dedicated servers are installed on the dealership. An online version is available to the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It may be found at nav updates. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main section of ISIS that is used within the shop is named “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 are available just about anywhere, including eBay for really cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security have already been put in the development of ISIS to avoid this, both in resident servers an internet-based versions. It is then much harder for non-dealer shops to work around the newer cars. You might believe that since the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you might just keep using that for several more years before newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software past the degree of what Program can recognize. That means, when a car has been updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the application that is pre-installed on that module can be newer than Program can recognize, which may stop the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does which means that for the BMW owner? As a result of the newer systems, many BMW owners can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops may also be sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, don’t assume all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There is a limited number of BMW specialty shops that stick to top of manufacturer technology, so that no car is beaten down! While searching for a location to service your BMW, make sure they could do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
One such shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. Should you be looking at a potential shops website, try to find signs that they will have the newest equipment. BMW Repair centers that can’t “do it all” can frequently cause increased time and cost once they find out stuff has been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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