Computers - ISTA Diagnosis On Vehicles Prior To E46
SI B07 01 11Workshop Environment Systems
May 2011
Technical Service
SUBJECT
ISTA Diagnosis on Older Vehicles (Prior to E46)
MODEL
E30, E36 (3 Series)
E28, E34, E39 (5 Series)
E24 (6 Series)
E23, E32, E38 (7 Series)
E31 (8 Series)
E53 (X5)
Z3
SITUATION
Diagnosis of older vehicles (prior to the E46 3 Series) using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) takes place using the BST (BMW Service Tester) mode. BST mode is the older diagnosis mode and was migrated into ISTA. Because of this, the diagnosis of these vehicles has to be handled differently than diagnosis on current vehicles.
There are currently two types of BST modes available, depending on the model of the vehicle.
1. Full BST mode: E30, E28, E34, E24, E23, E32, E31 vehicles
^ The vehicle can be identified by "VIN" or "Basic Feature" only.
^ The following tabs are not used in ISTA:
"Fault memory"
"Guided Troubleshooting"
"Service functions"
"Function structure"
Components and signals"
"Call up ECU functions"
^ Selecting "Vehicle test" initiates BST mode and brings you to the "Brief test" screen in order to perform diagnosis. BST mode offers the following functions:
"Read fault memory"
"Status Requests"
"Activate Components"
"Test Sequence"
"Special Functions"
"Output test code"
"Clear fault memory"
^ Wiring diagrams can only be found on the TIS website or in CD/paper format.
^ Repair Instructions (REP), Technical Data (TED), Tightening Torque "AZD" and Functional Description (FUB) can be found in ISTA under "Product Structure".
2. Embedded BST mode: E36, E39, E53, E38, Z3 vehicles
^ The vehicle is automatically identified.
^ Selecting "Vehicle test" starts a vehicle test in ISTA with the familiar "Control unit tree" or Control unit list".
^ Faults are displayed in the ISTA "Fault memory" list.
^ Most test plans are listed in ISTA, but some are linked to the BST interface and can only be accessed from the "Function structure" tab. These test modules are indicated by 3 letters. For example, diagnosis of the General Module would use the test module "ZKE". Once in BST mode for that particular control unit, the following functions are available:
"Fault symptoms"
"Function test"
Service functions"
"Expert mode"
1. "Diagnosis requests"
2. "Component activation"
3. "Test modules"
4. "Read fault memory"
5. "Clear fault memory"
^ Diagnosis requests and component activation are only available in BST mode. (These tabs are grayed out in the control unit "Call up ECU functions" tab.)
^ Wiring diagrams are integrated into ISTA (except the E36 and Z4, which are on the TIS web site or in CD/paper format).
WARRANTY INFORMATION
This service information bulletin is intended to provide technical, diagnostic and/or repair process information only.
If an eligible warranty claim results that includes this process, it should be submitted following the regular warranty claim procedures that apply.
Please refer to the Warranty Policy and Procedures Manual regarding proper support, documentation and archiving required for claims, as applicable.