Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed throughout the last decade, but so has got the equipment to service them. The gear has changed, the interfaces have changed along with the complexity of setup and employ.
Early tools
Back in the 1990’s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), though the GT1 is easily the most common and is what is going to be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display screen for simple use. It contained software for Diagnosing as well as 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 your same tool, you might Diagnose the issue, research how to switch the component then carry out the needed initializations for your new part. Two interfaces were utilized: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions with the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics for that Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but larger compared to the EDIC. Authentic GT1s take presctiption the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units available, adapted to be effective on a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work exactly the same and correct by using an Ethernet port.
Later versions from the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to some separate computer (for storage), but nonetheless accessible in the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all the CIP functions and added extra features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each car (DIAGBUS and many bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Skip forward to about 2008 when the Third Generation (3G) of kit premiered: ISIS. The valuables in ISIS are so large, that dedicated servers are set up in the dealership. A web-based version can be obtained for the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It may be bought at bmw rheingold ista 40713 standalone sdp 4.07 11 ista p 3.62 3.001. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) won’t work with ISIS. ISIS consists of a few parts, because it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The primary section of ISIS which is used inside the shop is named “ISTA”, which can be further broken down into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s is found almost anyplace, including eBay for inexpensive. BMW realized that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many degrees of security have already been put in the development of ISIS to avoid this, both in resident servers an internet-based versions. This will make it much harder for non-dealer shops to operate around the newer cars. One could think that since the GT1 was discontinued in 2009, you can keep using that for a number of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a stride ahead! Each time a car is programmed with the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software past the amount of what Program can recognize. Which means, when a car may be updated with ISTA/P, you can NEVER use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the software that’s pre-installed with that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could stop the entire programming process, forcing the vehicle to be programmed by ISTA/P.
Just what exactly does this mean for that BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners can no longer repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops will also be sending the cars to dealerships consequently. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There’s a small selection of of BMW specialty shops that remain on the surface of manufacturer technology, so that no car is averted! While searching for a location to service your BMW, make certain they can do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
One shop is Auto Specialties of Lake Norman: Auto Specialties of Lake Norman. If you are searching with a potential shops website, search for signs that they will have the latest equipment. BMW Repair Shops that can’t “do it all” could cause increased time and cost when they find out things have been incorrectly diagnosed or parts installed now need programmed or initialized.
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