Not simply has BMW electrical architecture changed over the past decade, but so contains the equipment to service them. The apparatus has changed, the interfaces have changed along with the complexity of setup and use.
Early tools
In the 1990’s, the gang Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There have been a couple of versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), even so the GT1 is among the most common and is also what’s going to be referenced here. The GT1 is really a portable device which contained a chargeable battery. It has a touchscreen technology for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing and in addition 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 through the same tool, you might Diagnose the situation, research how to switch the component after which do the needed initializations to the new part. Two interfaces were used: EDIC (yellow interface) and also the OPS (orange interface). Later versions in the OPS were called OPPS, simply because they carried additional diagnostics to the Byteflite system and so they were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are stored on the portable touchscreen unit. There are lots of “cloned” units around, adapted to operate over a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the identical 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 through the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained each of the CIP functions and added extra features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming per car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously).
Third Generation equipment
Fast forward to about 2008 once the Third Generation (3G) of apparatus was published: ISIS. The contents of ISIS are extremely large, that web site hosting are installed with the dealership. A web-based version is accessible for the aftermarket for a small fee, called OSS. It could be generate fsc code. With all the introduction of ISIS comes a brand new interface, called ICOM. Previous interfaces (EDIC & OPS) will not work with ISIS. ISIS includes a few parts, since it completely replaced GT1 & Progman. The main a part of ISIS that is used in the shop is termed “ISTA”, which can be further divided into two parts: ISTA/D for Diagnosing vehicles and ISTA/P for Coding, Programming & Individualization.
Comparison
GT1s is available just about anyplace, including eBay for very cheap. BMW seen that the tool was easily cloned and sold worldwide. Many levels of security have been put in the creation of ISIS to stop this, in both resident servers and internet-based versions. Labeling will help you more difficult for non-dealer shops to operate on the newer cars. You are likely to believe since the GT1 was discontinued in ’09, you might just keep using that for a lot of more years until the newer system became more available, however, BMW stayed a measure ahead! Whenever a car is programmed with all the new ISTA/P, it upgrades the software after dark level of what Program can recognize. That means, each car has been updated with ISTA/P, you cant ever use Progman onto it again, rendering the “cloned” versions useless with that particular car. Also, when a new module is installed, the software which is pre-installed with that module can also be newer compared to what Program can recognize, which could steer clear of the entire programming process, forcing the automobile to be programmed by ISTA/P.
So what does which means that to the BMW owner? Due to the newer systems, many BMW owners cannot repair the cars themselves. Many aftermarket shops may also be sending the cars to dealerships as a result. However, not every aftermarket shops have fallen behind. There are a select few of BMW specialty shops that stick to the top of manufacturer technology, to ensure that no car is averted! While searching for a location to service your BMW, be sure they can do Every aspect of repair, including Diagnostics and CIP!
For additional information about generate fsc code see this popular net page: web link