BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Equipment

Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed during the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The gear has evolved, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and use.


Early tools

Back in the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), nevertheless the GT1 is regarded as the common and it is what will be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It features a touchscreen technology 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 from your same tool, you could Diagnose the issue, lookup how to switch the component after which carry out the needed initializations for that new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics for that Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but larger compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units available, adapted to work on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and connect by using an Ethernet port.

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

Third Generation equipment

Go forward about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was launched: ISIS. The items in ISIS are extremely large, that dedicated servers are set up on the dealership. An online version is accessible towards the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It may be found at bmw m. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary section of ISIS which is used in the shop is called “ISTA”, which is often further separated into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s can be found just about anywhere, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put into the development of ISIS to stop this, in the resident servers and internet based versions. It is then more difficult for non-dealer shops to be effective about the newer cars. You might believe that because the GT1 was discontinued last year, you might just keep by using their for many more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Every time a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program past the level of what Program can recognize. Which means, after a car has been updated with ISTA/P, you’ll never use Progman about it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the application that’s pre-installed with that module can be newer than what Program can recognize, which can stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the vehicle to be programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does which means that for the 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 consequently. However, don’t assume 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 turned away! When looking for a place to service your BMW, make certain they can do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!

One particular shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. Should you be looking at a potential shops website, search for signs that they do have the most recent equipment. BMW Repair Shops that can’t “do it all” can frequently cause increased time and expense when they find out things have been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
For details about bmw rheingold ista 40313 standalone sdp 4.02 31 ista p 3.60 2.001 go to this popular web site

Leave a Reply