Diagnosis & Information Systems - Overview - E36, E38, E39, E46, E52 & E53: Other BMW 7 series E65/E66

Purpose of the system

The DISplus is the successor to the original DIS (Diagnosis and Information System) introduced in 1994.

The purpose of the DISplus is to provide a technical up-grade over the previous DIS, and meet the challenges for the next generation of BMW group vehicles, e.g. E65.

The functions of the DISplus that are similar to the previous DIS are

Scheme 411

1. Technical Information System (TIS)
2. Diagnosis Program
3. Measurement Techniques
4. Coding Program (Scheme 411): Identifying DISplus

As a further advantage over the DIS, the DISplus has Network capability, along with being prepared for future information media (Internet browser, Acrobat(tm) reader etc.).

Monitor

The DISplus uses a 15" TFT (Thin Film Transistor) monitor. It has a pressure sensitive touch screen controller to direct the cursor movement.

The monitor is attached to the DISplus by a 15' cable that allows it to be used either on the swivel stand or remotely, e.g. inside of a vehicle.

Identifying Monitor. Scheme 412

Main Power Switch

The main power switch is located in the upper right hand side, at the rear of the DISplus.

The main switch is turned on first, before turning the DISplus on from the front panel. The System Status LED on the front panel should illuminate amber when the main power has been turned on (Scheme 414)

Circuit breakers are located below the DISplus computer. If the unit fails to power-up, check the reset of the circuit breakers before calling for service.

Identifying Main Power Switch. Scheme 413

Identifying System Status LED. Scheme 414

Identifying Circuit Breaker. Scheme 415

System Indicators And ON/OFF Button

After the main power switch has been turned on, the DISplus is powered up by pressing the ON/OFF button on the front panel.

During power up, LED 2 will illuminate. When the process is complete, the System Status LED changes from amber to green.

The fault indicator, LED 3, illuminates amber when there is a fault with the DISplus.

Identifying System Indicators ON/OFF Button. Scheme 416

DVD And 3.5" Floppy Drive

The DVD and Floppy drives are located behind a door on the right side of the unit.

The Floppy drive is used for the boot-up disk when loading the Diagnosis Program.

The DVD drive is used to load the Basis and Program CDs for Diagnosis.

The TIS CD is also loaded in the DVD drive and remains in the drive for the computer to access during TIS operation.

Identifying Floppy Drive. Scheme 417

RF Access Point

The access point is the transfer device between the hardwired LAN network and the radio frequency assisted LAN.

The DISplus is connected to the access point via a network LAN cable. The access point then communicates with the Diagnostic Head using a radio frequency LAN link.

See WORKSHOP NETWORK CONNECTION for more details concerning networking.

Identifying RF Access Point. Scheme 418

LAN (Local Area Network) Connection

The LAN connection has the appearance of a large phone receptacle. It provides the connection for the DISplus to the Ethernet wiring for the Service Department Network.

Identifying Test Cables. Scheme 419

TD (RPM Input) Cable

The TD input cable is used for specific Test Modules that require a hard wired RPM input for measurement functions.

Identifying Input Cable. Scheme 420

Identifying TD Cable Connected To Diagnostic Head. Scheme 421

Multi-Function Test Cable-MFK #1 (Two Cable Ends)

MFK 1 is used to measure

Scheme 422

1. Voltage - up to 50 Volts
2. Current - up to 2 Amps
3. Resistance
4. Diode Testing
5. Frequency
6. Period
7. Duty Cycle
8. Pulse Duration
9. Oscilloscope Measurements (Scheme 422): Identifying Multi-Function Test Cable-MFK #1

Multi-Function Test Cable-MFK #2 (Four Cable Ends)

MFK 2 is used to measure

Scheme 423

1. Voltage - up to 500 Volts
2. Frequency
3. Period
4. Duty Cycle
5. Pulse Duration
6. Oscilloscope Measurements (Scheme 423): Identifying Multi-Function Test Cable-MFK #2

Both MFK 1 and MFK 2 can be used for signal outputs from the Stimulate Output function of the Multimeter. On MFK 2, the two large cable ends are for input only (measuring) and the two small ends are for the Stimulate Output function. MFK 1's leads are for both measuring and stimulation.

Both large positive cable ends of MFK 1 and 2 include a button used to hold the measured value on the display screen.

Identifying Freeze Button. Scheme 424

Trigger Clip (Inductive)

The trigger clip is used when testing ignition or fuel injection systems to establish engine firing order.

Identifying Trigger Clip. Scheme 425

1000 Amp Probe

The 1000 Amp probe measures AC and DC current from 0 to 1000 Amps. It is a self calibrating, inductive pick-up.

Identifying 1000 Amp Probe. Scheme 426

Temperature Sensor

The long temperature probe measures the temperature of liquids and gasses. The measurement range is from -20°C to 200°C.

Identifying Temperature Sensor. Scheme 427

Pressure Sensor

The Pressure Sensor measures from 0 to 25 bar. There are two pressure inputs to the measuring unit that permit two different pressures to be measured simultaneously if two Sensors are used.

Identifying Pressure Sensor. Scheme 428

DC Circuit Breaker Cable

The DC circuit breaker is used in the Stimulate Output function to provide a DC power switch with circuit protection. It is used for testing circuits and components.

Identifying DC Circuit Breaker Cable. Scheme 429

Workshop Network Connection

The DISplus has the ability to be integrated into an existing workshop computer network. Networking allows the DISplus to be connected to the same server as the DCS 2000 system.

Having all of the BMW centers diagnosis equipment on a network, provides BMW with a method of immediate retrieval of data from vehicle systems that are being diagnosed in the workshop.

The benefits are, to provide BMW with a better, more complete and in-depth understanding of diagnostic problems and the conditions of diagnosable systems. Also, this information will be used by the Hotline and by Service Engineering to support BMW centers, as well as for product improvement and development.

In addition to reporting, the DISplus will add a web browser feature. This will enable technicians to toggle over to the internet and view information on the technical website.

The Workshop Network consists of

1. DISplus
2. Ethernet drop from the BMW center's DCS 2000 LAN
3. Switched hub
4. Ethernet Access point with RF transceiver
5. Diagnostic bay(s) wired with 3 Ethernet 10base-T connections
6. Technical Reference PC (located in the workshop)
7. Network Printer: Lexmark M410N post script printer
8. I/P address for each device on the Ethernet

Identifying Workshop Network. Scheme 430

Network Terms Defined

Ethernet

Originally developed by Xerox(tm), Ethernet is the most widely used LAN technology. An Ethernet LAN typically uses coaxial cable or twisted pair wiring. The most common Ethernet systems are called 10 base -T and provide transmission speeds up to 10Mbps.

Internet Protocol (I/P) Address

An Internet Protocol address is a binary number that identifies each sender or receiver of information that is sent across the internet or LAN. The I/P address is usually expressed as four decimal numbers, each representing eight bits, separated by periods i.e. 192.168.68.20. The numbers and their sequence provide information to the Network about which specific device or Host is sending or receiving a message.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A local area network is a group of computers and devices that share a common communications line and may share the resources of a single server within a small geographic area i.e. within a Dealership. Shared programs can be kept on the LAN server and be accessed by individuals on the LAN. Also, for example, users can order printing from one centrally located printer attached to the LAN.

10base-T

Most Ethernet wiring uses ordinary twisted pair phone line to transfer data within a LAN. The designation, 10base-T is an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers shorthand. "10" refers to the transmission speed of 10Mbps (megabits per second). Base means that only Ethernet signals are carried on the line. "T" represents twisted pair. There are other media used to transfer Ethernet signals that can use coaxial cable or fiber optical cable.

Scheme 431

Scheme 432

Scheme 433

1. Attach the diagnostic cable to the head. The cable will only fit in the correct socket. NOTE: Use the correct cable according to the type of diagnosis socket that the vehicle has (16 pin OBD II or BMW 20 pin under the hood). (Scheme 431): Attaching Diagnostic Cable To Head
2. Connect the diagnostic cable to the vehicle.
3. Turn on the ignition.
4. As a test, all three LEDs will illuminate. The green LED should stay illuminated to indicate that the head is receiving operating power.
5. The amber LED will flash until a connection to the DISplus can be established. (Scheme 432): Connecting Diagnostic Cable To Vehicle
6. As soon as the LAN connection with the DISplus is established, the flashing amber LED will change to a steady light.
7. Connection to the Diagnostic Head of the DISplus can be confirmed and created from the "Connection Setup" screen of the Administration page.
8. If Radio-LAN communication with the Diagnostic Head is not possible, a hardwire cable connection may be made.
9. Connect the DK LAN cable as shown in the illustration (orange connector).
10. On the DISplus, disconnect the SE LAN cable (the one connecting the DISplus to the network). Connect the other end of the DK LAN cable (that looks like a phone connector) to the DISplus LAN receptacle. (Scheme 433): Connecting DK LAN Cable
11. Restart the Head by briefly disconnecting and connecting it to the vehicle to initialize communication.

Connection Setup (Administration)

When a Diagnostic Head is first introduced to the DISplus or a connection has been lost, the LAN link may be established using the Connection Setup screen from the Administration menu. To enter the Administration page, select the "Administration" button from the main start screen.

Identifying Administration Display. Scheme 434

Scheme 435

1. Diagnosis and Information Systems Once inside the connection setup page there will be a box on the left side called "Free diagnostic heads"
2. Any Heads that are powered up and not currently assigned to a DISplus will be found and listed in the box. Each head has its own I/P address for identification to the DISplus. (Scheme 435): Identifying Administration Menu Display
3. With the correct Diagnostic Head identified, press the "Connecting" button to establish the connection.
4. Once the radio LAN link is established, the DISplus will only be able to communicate with that head. If the use of another head is desired, press the "Quit Connecting" button from the same page. This breaks the link. Repeat the process for selecting and connecting as previously described.

DIS Start Screen

The first steps to troubleshooting and diagnosis using the DISplus begin at the DIS start screen.

Identifying DIS Start Screen. Scheme 436

Function Buttons (Pull Down Menus)

The Print button allows the user to pull down a menu of print options.

Scheme 437

Scheme 438

Scheme 439

Scheme 440

Scheme 441

Scheme 442

Scheme 443

Scheme 444

1. Shield prints the entire screen as it is being displayed. (Scheme 437): Identifying Print (Scheme 438): Identifying Shield
2. Diagnosis report prints the diagnosis report at any time while it is being compiled by the diagnosis program. (Scheme 439): Identifying Diagnosis Report
3. Feedback prints the report entered using the technician feedback report entry screen. (Scheme 440): Identifying Feedback
4. Label permits printing a test code or vehicle coding label. The correct adhesive labels or paper must be used in the network printer. The label printer in the top drawer of the DISplus is no longer used. (Scheme 441): Identifying Label
5. Documents prints the entire reference document (i.e. ETM, Pin Assignment, etc). (Scheme 442): Identifying Document
6. Printer reset clears the printer spool of unprinted documents. This helps to speed up the print process by deleting unwanted documents. (Scheme 443): Identifying Printer Reset
7. Test code prints the stored test code on a full sheet of paper. (Scheme 444): Identifying Test Code
8. Stored diagnosis report prints any diagnosis reports that have been stored but not printed. Once printed, the reports are deleted from memory.

Identifying Stored Diagnosis Report. Scheme 445

Note. Most of the print menu items do not function until data has been stored during the diagnosis process.

Change allows the user to switch to other programs installed in the DISplus without returning to the DIS start screen.

Identifying Change. Scheme 446

Some programs cannot be entered until the task in the current program is finished (i.e. coding completed before returning to diagnosis).

Identifying TIS. Scheme 447

Identifying Diagnosis. Scheme 448

Identifying Measuring System. Scheme 449

Identifying Coding/Program. Scheme 450

The End function offers the user several options for stopping a current running program.

Identifying End. Scheme 451

Scheme 452

Scheme 453

1. Break allows the program to be paused or interrupted without losing any information or stored data about the currently running test module. The data may be stored on a floppy disc or the hard drive and can be recalled by selecting the Job button from the Diagnosis start menu. (Scheme 452): Identifying Break
2. Cancel terminates the running program and returns to the currently running programs start screen i.e. TIS or Diagnosis. (Scheme 453): Identifying Cancel
3. Quit terminates the current running program and returns to the DIS start screen.

Identifying Quit. Scheme 454

The Services button offers administration functions as follows

Identifying Services. Scheme 455

Scheme 456

Scheme 457

Scheme 458

Scheme 459

1. Version displays the current operating software. (Scheme 456): Identifying Version
2. The feedback function allows the user to report back on problems concerning the diagnosis program. An electronic keyboard on the screen is used to type in what the problem is. This information can be printed out and sent to BMW. (Scheme 457): Identifying Feedback
3. News presents a summary of new features or functions available on the installed software version. (Scheme 458): Identifying News
4. Setting up a connection is a shortcut to the administration feature used to connect and disconnect communication with the radio frequency Diagnosis Head. (Scheme 459): Identifying Setting Up A Connection

The Help function is available in all screens and provides the user with help information on the currently running program or function.

Identifying Help. Scheme 460

Navigation Buttons: These buttons serve different functions in the various programs. However, they generally allow the user to page forward or backward in the currently running program.

Identifying Navigation Button. Scheme 461

Identifying DISplus Programs. Scheme 462

Pressing the TIS button from the DIS Start Screen will launch the TIS application and allow access to all of the available TIS functions.

Identifying TIS. Scheme 463

Pressing the Diagnosis button will call up the diagnosis program. The functions available in the program are

Identifying Diagnosis. Scheme 464

Scheme 465

1. Expert Mode diagnosis for models prior to the E38 introduction.
2. Diagnosis with the E38 diagnostic concept program. (Scheme 465): Identifying Diagnosis Program
3. Diagnosis with the E46 diagnostic concept program.
4. ETMs in the Diagnosis Program.

Pressing the Coding Program button will bring up a menu of different coding applications. The programs contained are

Scheme 466

Scheme 467

1. Car Memory
2. Key Memory
3. ZCS Coding
4. Programming (drivetrain modules)
5. EWS Alignment (Scheme 466): Identifying Coding Program (Scheme 467): Identifying Coding/Programming Selection Display

Identifying Measurement System. Scheme 468

Pressing the Measurement system button from the DIS start screen will call up the Multimeter function.

Identifying BMW Test System Multimeter Display. Scheme 469

The following programs are available through the multimeter function buttons along the bottom edge of the screen

Identifying Multimeter Display Area. Scheme 470

All of the multimeter functions are displayed in the display area of the screen. Both numerical and bar-graph test results are shown.

Identifying Multimeter. Scheme 471

Once a function is selected, only the available test leads for that function remain highlighted.

Identifying Function Display. Scheme 472

Identifying Test Connections (MFK1). Scheme 473

Multifunction cable 1 (with two leads) is used to test all multimeter functions not requiring special sensors. MFK 1 is used to measure

Scheme 474

1. Voltage - up to 50 Volts
2. Current - up to 2 Amps
3. Resistance
4. Diode Testing
5. Frequency
6. Period
7. Duty Cycle
8. Pulse Duration (Scheme 474): Identifying Test Connections (MFK2)

Multifunction cable 2 (with four leads) MFK 2 is used to measure

1. Voltage - up to 500 Volts
2. Frequency
3. Period
4. Duty Cycle
5. Pulse Duration

When selecting the 1000A current measurement function, the current probe will be the default test connection. The current probe is self calibrating.

Identifying Current Probe. Scheme 475

When selecting the pressure measurement function, the pressure sensor will be the default test connection. The reading will begin at approximately 1 Bar (the reading cannot be zeroed).

Identifying Pressure Sensor. Scheme 476

When selecting the temperature measurement function, the temperature sensor will be the default test connection. The reading is only provided in degrees Celsius.

Identifying Temperature Sensor. Scheme 477

Type of measurement: Various measurements require defining the type of signal measured.

DC: Set to test a direct current signal.

Identifying DC. Scheme 478

AC: Set to test for an alternating current signal.

Identifying AC. Scheme 479

Displays a measured AC wave form as the RMS (root-mean-square) value. The RMS value is the DC equivalent of the voltage or current produced by an AC wave form.

Identifying Effective Value. Scheme 480

Measuring Range: Sets scale range for selected measurement.

Scale will automatically range to the best suitable range.

Identifying Automatic. Scheme 481

Arrows are provided for the user to manually set range of measurement.

Identifying +/-200mV. Scheme 482

Special Functions

Freezes the display with the current test results. Serves the same function as the buttons on the large MFK1 and 2 test leads.

Identifying Hold Screen. Scheme 483

The current measured value is constantly monitored. The highest and lowest measured value since the activation of the function is displayed below the actual display.

Identifying Minimum/Maximum. Scheme 484

System voltage and engine speed adds an additional field to the display that measures system voltage and engine RPM along with the original measurement. This feature requires that the diagnostic head be connected.

Identifying System Voltage Engine Speed. Scheme 485

2nd measurement splits the main display field into two separate displays. This permits two measurements from separate test leads to be displayed at the same time.

Identifying 2nd Measurement. Scheme 486

Note. only one of the special functions may be enabled and displayed at a time.

Stimulate allows the user to turn on or off the stimulate output function while in the multimeter. This is useful when applying an output signal to a vehicle circuit for testing purposes.

Identifying Stimulate. Scheme 487

Identifying Counter Display. Scheme 488

The counter function of the DISplus measurement system allows the user to measure time based signals. The measurements are

1. Frequency
2. Period
3. Pulse duration
4. Pulse duty factor

The desired measurement is set-up from the screen by selecting from the following

1. Measurement function
2. Test cable
3. Measurement range
4. Trigger level (default is set at 5 Volts)
5. Trigger slope (determines which portion of the signal will be used as the trigger point)

Oscilloscope Function

The oscilloscope function of the DISplus uses a digital dual trace display screen. There are two methods for setting up the scope to display a pattern: manual setup or preset measurements.

The oscilloscope setting screen is used to manually select how the measured signal will be displayed.

Identifying Two Channel Set Up Panels For Dual Trace Oscilloscope. Scheme 489

Once the settings are complete and the test connections are made the oscilloscope graph may be viewed by selecting the "Oscilloscope display" button.

The oscilloscope signal pattern may be adjusted by manipulating the voltage level and the trigger level (voltage) from within the display screen. If the displayed pattern is still unreadable or incorrectly setup, the oscilloscope settings can be further adjusted by returning to the settings screen.

Oscilloscope Display Screen Features

Once the signal pattern is displayed, the pattern may be locked on the screen with the "Hold screen" button or with the freeze image buttons on the test cable leads.

Holding the image will activate the "Cursor", "Zoom" and "Memory" features. Holding the image also allows the signal pattern to be visible when printing the screen.

Cursor 1 And 2

This feature is used to measure the amplitude and time differential of the signal pattern. Activate the feature by pressing the Cursor 1 button first. A vertical line will appear. Roughly position the line by touching the desired measurement point on the screen.

Anywhere the cursor line intersects the signal pattern, the amplitude value at that point will be displayed in a box on the right of the display screen. If both traces of the scope are being used, (both channel A and B) each value will be shown in its own box. A fine adjustment may be made to the cursor line by using the arrow buttons to the left and right of the cursor buttons.

The time differential between two points may be measured if cursor 2 is used. Place the second cursor at the desired measurement point. The time difference between the two cursors will be displayed in the "Time value" box on the right side of the screen.

Identifying Cursor 1 And 2 Display. Scheme 490

Zoom

By selecting the "Zoom" button, a section of the signal pattern may be enlarged to show greater detail. The desired section of the display is called up by touching the screen at the desired spot.

Memory

Memory pages are stored every time the Hold Screen is activated. The DISplus stores the last 10 trigger pulses at the time the screen is held. To recall the memory pages, press the "Memory" button and use the left arrow button to scroll through the previous 9 pages (page 10 is already displayed). The cursor and zoom features may be used on the stored pages.

Preset Measurements

The preset measurements provide an easy method of testing several commonly measured signals. To enter the presets: Press the "Preset measurements" button on the bottom of the screen. A pop up window will provide several signals to choose from. Selecting the signal and pressing the OK button will automatically configure the oscilloscope to the settings needed to provide the best trace pattern. Many tests also have specialized boxes with additional readings( i.e RPM, system voltage).

For instructions on which cables to use for the preset test, follow the instructions in the "Preset measurements" selection of the "Help" menu.

Since the oscilloscope settings are pre-determined, no changes to the oscilloscope are possible.

Identifying Preset Measurements Display. Scheme 491

Output Stimulator

The stimulation function of the multimeter can be used to provide an output signal from the DISplus to test various components or vehicle wiring. MFK 1 and the small leads of MFK 2 are used to conduct the output signal. After selecting the cable, press the Stimulate button in the right lower corner to activate.

The following signal types may be simulated with this function

Scheme 492

1. DC Voltage from 0 to 15 Volts
2. AC Voltage from 1Hz to 1KHz and 0 to 15 Volts
3. Digital frequency from 1Hz to 5KHZ and 0 to 100% duty cycle
4. Resistance from 0 to 10Kohm (MFK 1 only)
5. DC voltage using on/off switch (Scheme 492): Identifying Output Stimulator Display

Administration

The Administration page is used to access various installation, test and house keeping functions for the TIS, DIS system programs. The Administration menu offers the following options

Identifying Administration Display. Scheme 493

TIS Administration Functions

Update is used to add additional information to the existing TIS program loaded in the hard drive.

Identifying Update. Scheme 494

Installation is used to initially load the TIS program. To load: The TIS CD must be inserted in the DVD drive and activated by pressing the "Activate CD" button. Once the CD is mounted and the installation button is pressed, loading takes place automatically.

Identifying Installing. Scheme 495

Data update, Password, KDS, Disc copy and Country code are currently not used for the U.S. market.

DIS Administration Functions

Update is used to add additional information in the form of an update floppy or CD ROM to the existing DIS program loaded in the hard drive.

Identifying Update. Scheme 496

Installation is used to initially load the diagnosis programs. To load: The Basis Program must already have been installed. The Programs CD is inserted into the DVD drive and activated by pressing the "activate CD" button.

Identifying Installation. Scheme 497

Once the CD is mounted and the installation button is pressed, loading takes place automatically. Always follow the loading instructions provided in the S.I.B. that accompanies the new DIS software.

Feedback statistics provides a record of all of the reports entered using the "Feedback" feature under the "Services" menu. The report may be downloaded onto a floppy at the end of the reporting period.

Identifying Feedback Statistics. Scheme 498

The Date and Time may be corrected using the on screen arrows. Once the values are set, an internal battery maintains the running clock and date when the DISplus is powered off.

Identifying Date And Time. Scheme 499

The Self test function is used to test the integrity of the internal components, the drives, the measurement system and the external measuring cables. Once selected, the self test function offers the following possible tests to be performed.

Identifying Self Test. Scheme 500

1. Technical System - Individual tests may be carried out on various hardware components of the DISplus computer.
2. Measuring System - This test checks the integrity of the measurement system and all of the external cable connections. The test may be carried out on the complete system or individual cables.

Calibrating Touchshield is used to calibrate the position of the cursor. Follow the on screen instructions for touching the target areas. The DISplus will acknowledge the calibration if completed properly.

Identifying Calibration Touchshield. Scheme 501

Language selection is not used for the U.S. market.

General Administration Functions

The Update button in the Admin. column, allows loading a CD ROM or floppy to update the Basis System.

Identifying Update. Scheme 502

Paper format is used to configure the printer output for DIN paper (21x30cm) or U.S. letter (8.5x11inch)

Identifying Paper Format. Scheme 503

Identifying Network Configuration. Scheme 504

Identifying Administration Network Configuration Display. Scheme 505

The Network configuration screen is used to assign and change the I/P addresses of the DISPlus, Diagnostic Heads and Network printer.

In order to make all of the components above communicate with each other when connected to the workshop network, each device must have a defined I/P address, otherwise no communication can take place.

The individual I/P addresses are assigned by the Network Installer (ADP or Reynolds & Reynolds). Only the Network Coordinator for your site should enter or change the addresses for any devices on the Network.

Identifying Connection Setup Button. Scheme 506

The Connection Setup screen is used to

Scheme 507

1. Establish Radio/hardwire communication with the Diagnostic Head.
2. Terminate Radio/hardwire communication with the Diagnostic Head.
3. Test the communication with the Diagnostic Head. (Scheme 507): Identifying Connection Set Up
4. Assign a colored band to the Diagnostic Head for identification.