ICOM diagnostic and programming scanner for BMW, MINI Cooper and Rolls Royce has upgraded to third generation-ICOM A3.
What’s difference Between ICOM A1, ICOM A2 and ICOM A3 ?
Many customers asked us like that, following with us and find the answer :
ICOM A1 ; ICOM A2 ; ICOM A3
obd2tool.co.uk Engineers find 6 major differences are listed below:
1 Appearance:
2 ICOM Firmware/Hardware :
ICOM A and ICOM A2 share the same firmware. Four firmware version optional: V1.1.8, V1.33 and V1.36, and new V1.38.
Best quality BMW ICOM A2 PCB display
ICOM A3 comes with firmware version: V1.37
The new BMW ICOM A3 has a better built firmware which supports better heat dissipation feature and able to receive a significantly more powerful processor and more storage capacity. A3 comes with robust aluminum box will help to avoid damage in harsh environments when using.
3 ICOM Software:
ICOM A and ICOM A1 software: ISIS (ISTA-P) and ISID (ISTA-D), the latest version is: 2013.01.
ICOM A2 and ICOM A3 software: ISTA-D ISTA-P (or Rheingold version).
There will be newer software version released continually in the future.
ISIS/ISTA-D=diagnostic software
ISIS/ISTA-P= programming software
4 Function:
ICOM A and ICOM A2 perform same function. But due to the old ICOM A module have problem in the cooling and protection design, ICOM A2 adopts the whole aluminum shell body, using aerial explosion-proof connector; and it use the joint connection line which similar to the Mercedes-Benz SDCONNECT COMPACT 4.
BWM ICOM A2 comes with Network cable, can do Fiber optical programming, but ICOM A3 does not contain Network cable, can not do Fiber optical programming.
5 Operating system :
ICOM A: support Win XP O/S only.
ICOM A1: Win XP and Win 7 64 bit O/S
ICOM A2: Win XP and Win 7 O/S
ICOM A3: Professional Win7 64 bit (NO Win XP)
6 Vehicle support:
ICOM A2 and ICOM A3 cover the same BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce models.
In conclusion:
The newest version ICOM A2 works better in cooling, runs faster and works more stable, not easier broken than older ICOM.
ICOM A3 can program all units for all BMW series expect media system.
ICOM A3 work more stable and has stronger compatibility than ICOM A2, A1.
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