Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so gets the equipment to service them. The gear has changed, 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 are a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is regarded as the common and is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is really a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It features a touchscreen display for quick use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition had software called TIS (Technical Information Display) which is the Service & Repair Information. Early versions of Diagnostics also contained software called Coding, Programming & Individualization (CIP). So from the same tool, you can Diagnose the situation, lookup the way to switch the component after which carry out the needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were chosen: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, given that they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system plus they were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are numerous “cloned” units available, adapted to be effective on the PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and repair by using an Ethernet port.
Later versions in the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), however accessible from 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 every car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip forward to around 2008 if the Third Generation (3G) of it technology premiered: ISIS. The belongings in ISIS are extremely large, that dedicated servers are installed on the dealership. A web based version is accessible on the aftermarket for their fee, called OSS. It may be bmw kombi coding. With the introduction of ISIS comes a new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, mainly because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The key portion of ISIS utilized inside the shop is named “ISTA”, which can be further broken down into a double edged sword: 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 remarked that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security are already put in the development 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 for the newer cars. One could feel that because the GT1 was discontinued during 2009, you can just keep by using their for a lot of more years prior to the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! When a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software program after dark amount of what Program can recognize. That means, each car has been updated with ISTA/P, you cant ever use Progman on it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless on that particular car. Also, each time a new module is installed, the software program that’s pre-installed on that module can be newer compared to what Program can recognize, that may steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the automobile being programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does this mean to the BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners can’t repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships because of this. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a select few of BMW specialty shops that stay with the top of manufacturer technology, in order that no car is rejected! When looking for an area to service your BMW, make sure they are able to do ALL aspects of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
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