The BMW ISTA/D is a current dealer-level diagnostic software commonly used for all E Series and F Series BMW vehicles. It replaces the older version DIS diagnostic software. The ISTA/D software can be used in diagnosing all BMW models but it can only program BMW F-/I-/G-/Mini/RR series cars and beyond. It does not support programming for E Series models.
How to use the ISTA/D diagnostic software on your BMW vehicle.
ISTA D, ISTA+, and Rheingold are the same and often used interchangeably. ISTA, which stands for Integrated Service Technical Application, developed from a folder file named Rheingold that contains BMW’s main application and data. Rheingold became ISTA/D later on – which D stands for Diagnostics. On the other hand, the P for ISTA/P stands for Programming.
Just like ISTA/P, ISTA/D requires the ICOM interface for the following purpose:
ICOM A: used for the main interface
ICOM B: serves as an adapter for programming multimedia in E series models
ICOM C: serves as adapter for old BMW models that uses the round 20 pin diagnostic plug
ICOM D: serves as an adapter for BMW motorcycles
BMW had categorized the application of ISTA/D into two parts – Programming and Diagnostics. Here’s how it is applied:
For Diagnostics:
Repair of software
Troubleshooting
Information guide for repair and maintenance
Vehicle identification and management.
For Programming:
Update of Software
Conversions and Retrofits
Replacement of Control Unit