Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed over the past decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The equipment changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and rehearse.

Early tools

During the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), however the GT1 is among the most common and is also what will 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 as well as 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 might Diagnose the issue, search for how you can switch the component and then carry out the needed initializations for that new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, because they carried additional diagnostics for that Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but much wider compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units available, adapted to operate on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical and correct through an Ethernet port.

Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to 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 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 to about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of kit premiered: ISIS. The items in ISIS are really large, that hosting are installed at the dealership. An online version can be obtained on the aftermarket for a fee, called OSS. It could be bmw coding. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary part of ISIS utilized from the shop is called “ISTA”, which may be further separated into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s is available almost anyplace, including eBay for really cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many amounts of security have been put into the development of ISIS in order to avoid this, both in resident servers and online versions. It is then much harder for non-dealer shops to operate around the newer cars. One would think that considering that the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you might just keep using for a lot of more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! When a car is programmed together with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software after dark level of what Program can recognize. Meaning, each car has been updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman into it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, whenever a new module is installed, the software that is certainly pre-installed with that module is additionally newer when compared with Program can recognize, that may steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the car to become programmed by ISTA/P.

Just what exactly does this mean for that BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners still can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops may also be sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. You can find a select few of BMW specialty shops that stay with top of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is rejected! While searching for a spot to service your BMW, ensure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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