Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The gear has changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and employ.
Early tools
Within the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is among the most common and is also what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen technology for quick 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 challenge, look up the best way to replace the component then perform needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were utilised: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much larger as opposed to EDIC. Authentic GT1s are saved to the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units around, adapted to operate over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and fasten via an Ethernet port.
Later versions with the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to some separate computer (for storage), however 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 latest features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip ahead about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of kit was launched: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are so large, that web site hosting are installed on the dealership. A web based version is accessible towards the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It could be bmw videos. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS is made up of few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle a part of ISIS that is used within the shop is termed “ISTA”, that may be further categorised into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s is found just about anyplace, including eBay for cheap. BMW seen that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security have been put in the creation of ISIS to prevent this, both in resident servers and internet-based versions. It is then more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You might think that since the GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you can just keep using for a lot of more years before newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! Each time a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program after dark a higher level what Program can recognize. Which means, each car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the program that’s pre-installed with that module can be newer compared to what Program can recognize, that may stay away from the entire programming process, forcing the car to get programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does this mean to 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 because of this. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a limited number of BMW specialty shops that stay with surface of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is turned away! When looking for a place to service your BMW, make certain they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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