SAE 2002-21-0022

The increase in complexity of the control unit network can be only managed in modern vehicles, in production as well as in service, when the diagnostic processes are simultaneously developed.
With the introduction of the new BMW 7 series, there is no fixed mileage per service but a condition based service scheme (CBS). New methods in the area of programming/ configuration/ diagnostics of the SW network, were introduced with special emphasis on guaranteeing the consistency of the overall system. The system is also designed to allow further diagnostic functions, for example via telephone. The onboard diagnostics features of the ECU's were enhanced as well as the functionality of the diagnostics computer. The speed of the „vehicle to diagnostics computer“ interface was increased and new protocols were introduced. Relevant vehicle- as well as ECU-data, are stored in the vehicle key; these data can be read via a special key reader at the dealer for correlation with other dealer data. For further diagnostics the data can be transported back to BMW (FASTA).