Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The gear has changed, the interfaces have changed along with the complexity of setup and use.
Early tools
Back in the 1990’s, the audience Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is the most common and is also what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It features a touchscreen display for simple 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 problem, look up the way to switch the component after which carry out the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) as well as the OPS (orange interface). Later versions from the OPS were called OPPS, since they carried additional diagnostics for your Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much larger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units available, adapted to operate on a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and fasten via an Ethernet port.
Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it with a separate computer (for storage), but still accessible in the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all of the CIP functions and added additional features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for every car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip forward to around 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of kit was released: ISIS. The items in ISIS are really large, that hosting are set up in the dealership. A web-based version is accessible for the aftermarket for a fee, called OSS. It can be bought at bmw diagnostics software rheingold ista+. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a fresh 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 primary part of ISIS that is used within the shop is named “ISTA”, which can be further divided into a double edged sword: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s are available just about anyplace, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put into the development of ISIS to avoid this, both in resident servers and online versions. This makes it harder for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You might believe that considering that the GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you might just keep using that for several more years before the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed one step ahead! Every time a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software at night degree of what Program can recognize. Meaning, after a car continues to be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the program that’s pre-installed on that module is also newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the vehicle being programmed by ISTA/P.
Just what exactly does this mean for the BMW owner? Because of the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, not all aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There’s a limited number of BMW specialty shops that stick to the surface of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is averted! When searching for a place to service your BMW, make certain they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
One particular shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. If you are looking with a potential shops website, search for signs they do have the newest equipment. BMW Repair centers that can’t “do it all” can frequently cause increased time and cost when they discover everything has been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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