The Evolution of Diagnostic Equipment

Not has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so comes with the equipment to service the whole bunch. The equipment has changed, the interfaces have changed likewise the complexity of setup and use.

Early tools

Back in the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. Have been a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), or even GT1 is the most common and precisely what will be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable duracell. It has a touchscreen display for easy purposes. It contained software for Diagnosing and also had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) which may be the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from the same tool, you could Diagnose the problem, look up the right way to replace the component and then carry out the needed initializations for the new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and the OPS (orange interface). Later versions of the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics for the Byteflite system and these people also yellow, but much bigger as compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen item. There are many “cloned” units out there, adapted to have a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and fasten via an Ethernet port.

Later versions of the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a distinct computer (for storage), but still accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained every one the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each car (DIAGBUS and most bus simultaneously).

Third Generation equipment

Fast toward about 2008 when 3rd workout Generation (3G) of equipment was released: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are large, that dedicated servers are installed at the dealership. An online version is available to the aftermarket to put together a fee, called OSS. Could be available at BMW’s tech website. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t along with ISIS. ISIS consists regarding a few parts, since it entirely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main part of ISIS that is used planet shop is named a “ISTA”, which may be be further broken into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.

Comparison

GT1s could be found such as anywhere, including eBay lengthy cheap. BMW realized how the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put into the creation of ISIS to stop this, in the resident servers and online versions. This makes it more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer passenger cars. One would find that since the GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you could just keep using that for several more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Every car is programmed but now new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software beyond amount of what Program can recognize. That means, examination actually car recently been updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman on the cover again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that exact car. Also, when a whole new module is installed, application that is pre-installed on that module is also newer than what Program can recognize, can easily be stop the actual programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.

So what does that mean for the BMW proprietor? As a reaction to the newer systems, many BMW owners can lengthier repair merely themselves. Many aftermarket shops are also sending just to dealerships as an effect. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a small group of BMW specialty shops that adhere to top of manufacturer technology, so that no car is averted! When in search of a place to service your BMW, make sure they can make ALL facets of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!

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