The BMW OSS and the Integrated Service Technical Application (ISTA) are developed specifically for independent automotive workshops to provide full diagnostic and coding/programming functions, in addition to multiple technical resources.
Web ISTA has been developed to provide an information only application for users that do not need to diagnose or code/program the vehicle in service. This application requires a laptop or desktop connected to BMW via the internet. This application requires subscription to the BMW Technical Information Service website at www.bmwtis.com.
ISTA Diagnosis provides full vehicle diagnostics starting with the E36/Z3 platform with the BMW ICOM interface, or from 1996 with a J2534 pass-thru device. In addition to the interface device, you will need a laptop or desktop computer connected to BMW via the internet. This application requires subscription to the BMW Technical Information Service website at www.bmwtis.com.
With ISTA P you can reprogram onboard control modules that are capable of software revision/installation. This includes update programming and replacement programming. In most cases, it is NOT possible to erase and reassign previously used control units to a new application. For ISTA P, a vehicle interface, supplemental power supply and a desktop or laptop connected to BMW via internet are required. The data interface can be the BMW ICOM interface or a J2534 pass-thru device. This application requires subscription to the BMW Technical Information Service website at www.bmwtis.com.
The ICOM is the interface for BMW and MINI vehicles recommended by BMW. The ICOM incorporates processors and a high storage capacity that allows it to be faster than a PTT (pass-thru tool).There are three different ICOM components available to interface with BMW and MINI vehicles.
If a PTT is used, it must meet the SAE J2534 standard. It must be hard-wired (not wireless) to the PC. When utilizing a PTT, two drivers are required: the BMW PTT driver and the PTT manufacturer specific driver. The BMW PTT driver is in the OSS download area at the BMW Service website.
The following vehicles cannot communicate via PTT:
Vehicles from Series E65 (11/2001) cannot be programmed without an approved external power supply. Power supplies are strongly suggested for all programming events, but mandatory on the above mentioned vehicles.
Programming faults can occur with an unstable internet connection. All work using the OSS requires a stable internet connection. Some sessions can last several hours and transfer several hundred megabytes. Stable programming requires:
Coverage begins with E36/Z3 Platform using BMW ICOM. If a J2534 device is utilized coverage begins with 1996 MY
To use the BMW OSS, a PC needs to meet the following requirements:
Operating system and additional software
One of the following browsers is required
The following port must be enabled: Port 443 TCP outgoing and a default routing must exist in the direction of the internet.
In the event that your local proxy setting does not permit access to a name server, you must manually enable the IP addresses for OSS. To do so, open the file C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc\hosts and insert the information below at the end of the file:
The following ports must be activated in the firewall for the network card for the ICOM:
Otherwise the ICOM connection will fail.
PC power scheme must be set to always on – no automatic sleep mode.
Once you have determined that your PC meets the system requirements, and you have made the needed browser setting changes, you can start downloading the OSS software. The installation consists of two steps. The first step is to download the following required software, in the order listed:
*Not required for ICOM users
** Only for ICOM users
All OSS software is found under the OSS menu at www.bmwtis.com
BMW ICOM, approved power supplies and communication ready computers are available through BMW’s tool vendor:
API International
512.280.4391
Store.apinet.com
Web ISTA | ISTA D | ISTA P | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Database Functionality | ||||
Repair Instructions | X | |||
Technical Data | X | |||
Tightening Torques | X | |||
Wiring Diagrams | X | |||
Pin Assignments | X | |||
Connector Views | X | |||
Component Locations | X | |||
Functional Descriptions | X | |||
Labor Times | X | |||
Special Tool Resource | X | |||
Diagnostic Functionality | ||||
OE DTC Retrieval | X | X | ||
DTC Clearing | X | X | ||
OE DTC Definition | X | X | ||
Automated Test Plans | X | X | ||
Vehicle Self Diagnosis | X | X | ||
DTC Linked to Service Bulletin | X | X | ||
Vehicle Option List | X | X | ||
Bus Testing | X | X | ||
Component Activations and Self tests | X | X | ||
Adaptation Data and Resets | X | X | ||
Key and Car Memory Enabling | X | X | ||
Coding and Programming Functionality | ||||
Feature Related Coding and Retrofit | X | X | X | |
Software Update Programming | X | X | X | |
Replacement Part Coding | X | X | X | |
Replacement Part Programming | X | X | X |