Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so gets the equipment to service them. The gear is different, the interfaces have changed as well as the complexity of setup and make use of.
Early tools
Back in the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were a number of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is among the most common and it is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It possesses a touchscreen display screen for quick use. It contained software for Diagnosing plus 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 issue, look up how to replace the component after which perform needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, because they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system and they were also yellow, but much bigger compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units available, adapted to function over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work precisely the same and correct through an Ethernet port.
Later versions of 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 every one of the CIP functions and added latest features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each and every car (DIAGBUS and a lot bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Fast forward to about 2008 in the event the Third Generation (3G) of equipment was launched: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are very large, that dedicated servers are installed on the dealership. A web based version is accessible for the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It can be bmw connected drive. Using the introduction of ISIS comes a whole new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS has a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary part of ISIS that is used in the shop is named “ISTA”, which is often further broken down into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s is found almost anyplace, including eBay for cheap. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many numbers of security have been put into the growth of ISIS to stop this, in both resident servers and internet based versions. It is then more difficult for non-dealer shops to function about the newer cars. One would believe because the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you can keep using that for a lot of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a pace ahead! When a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the program after dark a higher level what Program can recognize. That means, when a car may be 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 program that’s pre-installed with that module is additionally newer than Program can recognize, that may stop the entire programming process, forcing the automobile being programmed by ISTA/P.
Precisely what does this mean for your BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, its not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that stick to top of manufacturer technology, to ensure no car is beaten down! When searching for a spot to service your BMW, make sure they are able to do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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