TIS offline. BMW AG moving legally to close down access to its diagnostics tools

[genphreak]

over at www.spagehtticoder.org

Really sucks that they don't choose to lead their industry by providing full access to vehicle diagnostics for customers and service providers alike.

After all, everyone has a computer. For years now consumers could have been able to access online or download an app that helps to diagnose issues with the car via USB or WiFi link, its not as if they don't couldn't do it easily and help to prevent serious problems, enhance resale prices, reduce TCO, improve reliability and reduce waste. They could even collect the data and know what happens to the cars (when the customer allows it).

Instead they unleash their lawyers on the enthusiast communities. Talk about 0/10 for vision, opportunity response and customer focus!

[shogun]

and these would probably also be down if not located somewhere in former Eastern block countries
RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do)
Welcome, BMW fans! (http://bmwfans.info/)
in my opinion these online parts lists save a lot of money for the dealer shops, as the customer prepares himself with part number and item description before he vists the parts shop at the dealer, so it is more like at Mac where you get the money back if not served within 60 seconds.
If a customer has no clue what he actually needs, the parts counter guy has to ask for the VIN, then search in the parts catalog, tell the customer the price and then he can sell or not.

[genphreak]

and these would probably also be down if not located somewhere in former Eastern block countries
RealOEM.com * Online BMW Parts Catalog (http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do)
Welcome, BMW fans! (http://bmwfans.info/)
in my opinion these online parts lists save a lot of money for the dealer shops, as...

Too right. Not to mention the customers that don't buy things because the parts guy cannot find the right thing, or enough info about it, or weigh up the project cost, have to go to a dealer or do it over the phone... etc.

If the community-based help and info was not as available as it is now (which is not sponsored by BMW AG one bit), I'd never have bought any of my Bimmers (I've had nothing else for over a decade now and have 6 at present). It is soooo much easier and cheaper to own a commodity yoghurt carton with a big engine than a complicated, cantankerous Princess that comes without any diagnostics assistance.

Seriously, I helped my neighbor change his door on a Corolla last week. 10 min job. 2 bolts one plug. Interior parts pulled away by hand (no clips). With years of experience doing BMWs, I know a door would take me >30 mins to do and require torx heads and numerous other tools and even special knowledge (those wretched door connectors, for example), let alone the production differences in lock electronics... etc.

On top of all that, dealerships are not setup to cater for cars >7 years old. They are not interested either, so their present action will only result in decreased resale values, customer loyalty and increased waste and risk of damaging brand equity, etc. etc. etc.