BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Products

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

Early tools

Back in the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a few 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 really a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen technology for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing as well as had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) which is the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So through the same tool, you might Diagnose the challenge, search for how you can switch the component and after that carry out the needed initializations for that new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) along with the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, because they carried additional diagnostics for that Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but larger compared to EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are several “cloned” units out there, adapted to work on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and repair by using an Ethernet port.

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

Third Generation equipment

Go forward about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of kit was published: ISIS. The items in ISIS are really large, that web site hosting are set up at the dealership. A web-based version can be acquired on the aftermarket for a small charge, called OSS. It may be bmw connected drive. Together with the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main part of ISIS that is utilized inside the shop is named “ISTA”, which can be further categorised into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is available just about anywhere, including eBay for cheap. BMW seen that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put in the development of ISIS to stop this, in both resident servers and internet based versions. This will make it much harder for non-dealer shops to work for the newer cars. You are likely to believe that because the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you might just keep using that for several more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a pace ahead! Each time a car is programmed using the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program at night degree of what Program can recognize. This means, once a car has become updated with ISTA/P, you cant ever use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the software program that is pre-installed with that module is also newer than what Program can recognize, which could stop the entire programming process, forcing the vehicle to be programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does this mean for that BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops may also be sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a select few of BMW specialty shops that stay on the top of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is beaten down! When looking for a location to service your BMW, ensure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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