OnlineTool Programming preparation requires the vehicle's software integration level. E-Sys calls it I-Step; BMW service documents also use I-level. These data help compare the vehicle state with repair or update requirements.
This guide explains shipment, current and target levels, then shows how to read stored records in E-Sys 25.10.01.
What I-Step means
I-Step identifies the vehicle's software integration level. An example is S15A-15-07-500. Keep the complete value when recording it.
Each unit has its own software components and versions. Read unit information to identify the software installed in a particular unit. E-Sys displays it in SVT Actual, the table of current units and their components.
Use I-Step and SVT Actual together: I-Step identifies the vehicle integration level, while SVT Actual provides individual unit data. This is useful after replacing a unit, when the installed equipment and software need checking.
Shipment, current and target levels
| Label | Meaning | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| I-Step (shipment) | Software level at vehicle production | Original vehicle state |
| I-Step (current) | Stored current vehicle software level | Comparison with repair or update requirements |
| I-Step (target) | Target level selected during programming preparation | Intended state after the work |
Shipment and current levels may differ after updates. Choose the target for the particular job according to its procedure and available software data.
VCM can read stored vehicle records. I-Step (target) appears when preparing the target state in TAL-Calculating. Selecting it is part of programming preparation.
Reading I-Step in E-Sys
Reading requires a connection to the relevant vehicle.
- Open Expert Mode → VCM. VCM means Vehicle Configuration Management and works with stored vehicle data.
- Select Master in the lower part of the window.
- Find I-Steps and select Read within that section.
- In the upper Integration steps area, find I-Step (current) and I-Step (shipment).
- Capture the window or record the full values. Add VIN and the read date to identify the vehicle and check later.
If reading fails or the values do not appear, save the program message and investigate first. Further work needs records read from this vehicle.
Read retrieves stored VCM records. To check the software of an installed unit, also read its data and save SVT Actual.
I-Step and the TAL plan
Programming preparation uses the current and intended unit configuration. SVT Actual describes the current configuration; SVT Target describes the intended one. E-Sys uses them to calculate TAL, the operation plan.
In TAL-Calculating, the selected I-Step and vehicle data are used to calculate SVT Target.
Before execution, inspect the TAL: affected units, planned actions and software versions. Afterwards, check the program report and vehicle functions.
Example
Before programming a replacement unit, collect vehicle and software information. Read I-Step in VCM and record current and shipment levels with VIN. Read the installed unit data and save SVT Actual.
Compare the replacement unit's information with the repair procedure. If programming to a particular target level is required, prepare the appropriate data and calculate the plan for that job.
Review the TAL's units and operations before starting.
Save installed unit data
After reading I-Step, save appropriate SVT Actual. The level recorded in VCM and individual unit versions have different roles in preparing the job.