Archive for category BMW
BMW Service Technology – The Evolution of Diagnostic Equipment
Not only has BMW electrical architecture changed over the last decade, but so has the equipment to service them. The equipment has changed, the interfaces have changed and also the complexity of setup and use.
Early tools
Back in the 1990′s, the Group Tester One (GT1) was introduced. There were a few versions, like DIS Plus (stationary setup), however the GT1 is the most common and is what will be referenced here. The GT1 is a portable device which contained a rechargeable battery. It has a touchscreen display for easy use. It contained software for Diagnosing and also 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 could Diagnose the problem, look up how to replace the component and then perform 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 they were also yellow, but much bigger than the EDIC. Authentic GT1s are on the portable touchscreen unit. There are many “cloned” units out there, adapted to work on a PC. Either genuine or cloned, the interfaces work the same and connect via an Ethernet port.
Later versions of the GT1 software removed CIP, and moved it to a separate computer (for storage), but still accessible from the GT1. This new software was called Progman (short for Program Manager). This new software contained all of the CIP functions and added new features like multiple car programming and dual channel programming for each car (DIAGBUS and MOST bus simultaneously). Read the rest of this entry »
Revolution Or Evolution? The New BMW 5 Series
It is better to be talked about than ignored, they say. If that’s true then the last update to the BMW 5 Series, the E60, certainly delivered. Few cars have excited such debate. Some loved it, some hated it. Everyone talked about it. So as we gear up for the sixth generation F10, everyone will be wondering what to expect.
The answer, at first sight, seems to be surprisingly low key. While the E60 was bold, brash and revolutionary, this is smooth, sleek and elegant. Gone are the bold styling updates, such as the eye catching wing headlights, replaced by a something traditionalists will recognise and admire.
It has a classic hunkered down look about it and looks every inch the executive car. In fact, according to several of the major car hire manufacturers, it looks set to become the high level hire car of choice.
However, don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a step back to the past. Instead it is simply a continuation of revolution followed by evolution that has served The BMW 5 Series so well for so long. Read the rest of this entry »