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Diagnostics
Car computers or ECU's (Engine Control Unit) are high tech devices that store faults and other useful codes. Having them diagnosed on a regular basis can prevent problems from occuring in the future.
Your German automobile has a communications bus inside of it which enables different modules to communicate faults to a central module, (the ECU), which then stores the faults and can communicate them to an off-board diagnostic tool.
This can make it easier for technicians to diagnose problems with the car, especially intermittent problems, which are notorious for disappearing as soon as you bring the car in for repairs.
Believe it or not, a car's ECU is very vital. If a car's computer is down or doesn't work right, the car won't work. That's because all major functions of an automobile are controlled, and monitored, by the ECU. If something goes wrong with the car, the computer will know and record a fault code long before a light comes on on the dashboard (the automotive industry calls that a MIL, or Malfunction Indicator Light) alerting us that something is wrong. Some of those problems are simple and will be taken care of next time you go in for a service. Others are not and, if unchecked, can damage or destroy the engine.
However, there is a way to peek inside your car's computer. By using a high tech scanner tool called the 'GT1' or 'Group Tester One'. The GT1 completely covers all BMW systems. This advanced, hand-held device connects directly to your car's diagnostic system. Using digital information processing technology, the GT1 can pinpoint complex electronic or operational problems in a variety of areas, quickly and accurately.
One very important function that can only be done using the GT1 is call ECU programming and configuration. Many of the original electronic systems on a modern veehicle can now be re-programmed using software; historically any changes to rectify software problems would involve a new ECU.
Diagnosing a car's ECU is a great step in Preventative Maintence!
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