Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed during the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The apparatus changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and employ.
Early tools
Within the 1990’s, the viewers Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were several versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), however the GT1 is easily the most common and is what will be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It provides a touchscreen display for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) the actual Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from the same tool, you may Diagnose the issue, research how you can replace the component and after that perform needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they also were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units on the market, adapted to be effective over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and repair with an Ethernet port.
Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but nonetheless accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added additional features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Fast forward to about 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of kit was published: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are extremely large, that hosting are installed at the dealership. A web based version can be obtained for the aftermarket for a fee, called OSS. It may be bmw ista. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, as it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The principle section of ISIS that is used from the shop is called “ISTA”, which can be further separated into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s can be found almost anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security happen to be place into the creation of ISIS in order to avoid this, both in resident servers and internet-based versions. Labeling will help you more difficult for non-dealer shops to be effective around the newer cars. You are likely to think that considering that the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you may keep using that for several more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Every time a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program past the level of what Program can recognize. Which means, each car may be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman into 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 is also newer compared to what Program can recognize, that may stop the entire programming process, forcing the car to be programmed by ISTA/P.
What exactly does which means that for your BMW owner? As a result of the newer systems, many BMW owners can’t 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. You can find a limited number of BMW specialty shops that remain on surface of manufacturer technology, so that no car is turned away! While looking for a place to service your BMW, make certain they’re able to do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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