BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40 – What's new? PSdZData 4.61.41 & new diagnostic functions

BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40 is now available, featuring updated vehicle and diagnostic data along with new and revised functions within the ISTA 4.61 generation.

Of particular interest are the new test plan calculation based on Check Control messages, updated maintenance and repair information, and new programming data.

The current combination consists of the ISTA+ application 4.61.40 and programming data / PSdZData 4.61.41. Consequently, the version numbers of the ISTA application and the programming data do not have to be identical.

BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40 at a glance

• ISTA+ application: 4.61.40
• ▶ Watch the video tutorial on YouTube now
• Programming data: 4.61.41
• Updated PSdZData
• PSdZData Full and Lite 4.61.41 available
• Updated I-Levels for numerous vehicle platforms
• New Check Control-based test plan calculation
• Improvements in guided troubleshooting
• New maintenance and repair information
• Updated content for new vehicle derivatives

What's new in BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40?

The new features integrated into ISTA 4.61.40 represent several changes and enhancements to the current 4.61 generation.

Among the most notable new features are:

• Check Control messages can be used directly as a starting point for troubleshooting
• ISTA can calculate a suitable test plan based on a selected Check Control message
• Improvements in the speed and reliability of test plan calculation
• Updated maintenance information for new vehicle derivatives
• Updated programming data 4.61.41
• New I-Levels of the 2026.07 generation for numerous platform groups

Not every improvement displayed in ISTA was introduced solely with version 4.61.40. Some notes refer to the entire 4.61.x development. Therefore, in the following, we distinguish between new features and improvements already implemented within the 4.61 generation.

New test plan calculation via Check Control messages

One of the most interesting new features of the ISTA 4.61 generation is the ability to use a Check Control message directly as a starting point for diagnosis.

ISTA describes this function as an option for faster and more precise vehicle diagnostics. Instead of relying solely on the fault memory, a Check Control message reported by the driver or customer can be selected specifically.

According to the integrated ISTA description, the process works as follows:

1. Go to the Check Control messages tab
2. Select the relevant or reported Check Control message
3. Click on Calculate test plan
4. ISTA automatically calculates a suitable diagnostic test plan

This allows diagnostics to be more specifically aligned with the actual customer complaint.

Why is Check Control diagnosis interesting?

In modern BMW vehicles, numerous warnings and status messages can appear as Check Control messages. These messages often describe exactly the problem the driver has perceived.

With this new function, ISTA can incorporate this customer complaint more directly into the diagnostic process and derive a suitable test plan from it.

This can be particularly helpful for vehicles with multiple faults stored at the same time, as the diagnosis can be focused more strongly on the actually relevant complaint.

Improvements to test plan calculation

The information displayed in ISTA 4.61.40 also mentions several bug fixes and improvements within the current ISTA generation.

For the ISTA 4.61.2x series, the following are mentioned, among others:

• Fixed crash with a time value of "-1"
• Performance improvements
• Better handling of missing environmental conditions

Furthermore, ISTA documents improvements over the 4.60.2x series:

• Display of empty test plans improved or fixed
• Improved troubleshooting for driving dynamics faults
• No test plan calculation for overly old Check Control messages
• No test plan calculation in the absence of an assignment to the fault memory

These points should be understood as improvements to the current ISTA 4.61 diagnostic logic and not exclusively as changes introduced only with 4.61.40.

New maintenance and repair information

ISTA 4.61.40 also contains updated content in the area of maintenance and repair literature.

The integrated news section mentions, among others, the following contents:

• New maintenance content for BMW i3 / NA0
• New maintenance content for BMW X5 / G65
• Expanded notes for G65 with B57 engine
• Updated specifications for checking coolant levels during engine oil changes
• New inspection scope for brake fluid service
• Consideration of vehicles with Mobility Set / Tire Repair Kit Plus SA2VD
• New vehicle derivatives from start of production 08/2026

This not only grows the technical database but also the maintenance and repair documentation for newer vehicle platforms.

ISTA 4.61.40 with programming data 4.61.41

An important point regarding the current version is the different version number between the application and the programming data.

• ISTA application: 4.61.40
• Programming data: 4.61.41

This is not an error. The ISTA application and the associated programming data are managed as different components and can therefore have different revision levels.

PSdZData 4.61.41 is currently maintained as both a Full and a Lite data set.

PSdZData Full and Lite 4.61.41

As with previous PSdZData versions, a distinction is made between Lite and Full for the current data status.

• PSdZData Lite: mainly for coding and vehicle configuration
• PSdZData Full: additionally with extensive firmware and programming data

For pure ISTA diagnostics, the complete Full data set is usually not required. Those who work with supported programming or flashing processes, however, require the corresponding complete data.

Updated I-Levels with PSdZData 4.61.41

The current PSdZData 4.61.41 overview shows I-Levels of the 2026.07 generation for numerous BMW vehicle platforms.

The specific I-Levels differ depending on the vehicle platform. A new PSdZData data set therefore does not automatically mean that every vehicle is updated to the same I-Level.

What do the 2026.07 I-Levels mean?

The I-Level or I-Step describes an integration or software status of a BMW vehicle platform.

The PSdZData 4.61.41 overview shows data statuses from the 2026.07 generation for many platforms.

For coding and especially programming work, it is important that the data set used supports the required software statuses of the vehicle.

Which vehicle platforms are included in the current data status?

The current overview contains numerous older and new Series Groups.

These include, among others:

• F001
• F010
• F020
• F025
• F056
• G045
• G065
• G070
• I001
• I020
• J001
• K001
• KE01
• KS01
• NA00
• NA05
• RR21
• S15A
• S15C
• S18A
• U006
• X001
• XS01

The inclusion of a Series Group in the data overview does not automatically mean that every diagnostic or programming function is available for every single vehicle. The actual scope of functions still depends on the vehicle, control unit, software status, and environment used.

ISTA 4.61.40 vs. ISTA 4.61.30

ISTA 4.61.40 is the newer application status within the 4.61 generation.

Compared to our previous 4.61.30 data status, the following points are particularly relevant:

• Newer ISTA application 4.61.40
• Programming data 4.61.41
• Updated PSdZData Full and Lite data
• Updated I-Level overview
• New and updated maintenance information
• Check Control-based test plan calculation within the current 4.61 generation

A complete publicly accessible BMW list of all individual changes between 4.61.30 and 4.61.40 is currently not available. Therefore, no additional bug fixes or functional changes that are not documented in the available ISTA information should be claimed.

Do I need PSdZData Full for ISTA 4.61.40?

For pure diagnostics, usually not.

For typical diagnostic tasks such as:

• Reading error memory
• Clearing error memory
• Vehicle test
• Live data
• Service functions
• Test plans
• Repair information

the full firmware database is not strictly necessary.

PSdZData Full is primarily required for supported programming and flashing operations.

Which diagnostic interfaces can be used?

The suitable diagnostic interface depends on the vehicle and the intended use case.

• K+DCAN: primarily older BMW models
• ENET: many F, G, and I platforms
• BMW ICOM: professional diagnostics and supported programming environments

Regardless of the ISTA version, the interface must be correctly set up in Windows or the diagnostic environment being used.

Do I need to switch from ISTA 4.61.30 to 4.61.40?

Not necessarily. Anyone working without issues using their current installation and vehicle does not automatically need every new interim version.

ISTA 4.61.40 is particularly interesting for users who:

• work with current vehicles
• need current maintenance information
• want to use PSdZData 4.61.41
• require new or updated I-Levels
• want to work with current diagnostic content

Frequently asked questions about ISTA 4.61.40

Is ISTA 4.61.40 the same version as PSdZData 4.61.41?

No. 4.61.40 refers to the ISTA application, while 4.61.41 refers to the current programming data status.

Is PSdZData 4.61.41 available as Full and Lite?

Yes. The current data status is maintained as both a Full and a Lite database.

What is the most important new diagnostic function?

The check-control-based test plan calculation is particularly interesting, as it allows a check-control message to be used directly as a starting point for a suitable diagnostic test plan.

Is Full PSdZData necessary for error memory and service functions?

For pure diagnostics, usually not. Full is mainly required for supported programming and flash functions.

What is new regarding maintenance information?

ISTA includes, among other things, new content for NA0 and G65, as well as updated maintenance information for G65/B57 and vehicles with the Mobility Set SA2VD.

Conclusion – BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40

BMW ISTA+ 4.61.40 continues the 4.61 generation with current diagnostic, maintenance, and vehicle data.

The new check-control-based test plan calculation, updated maintenance information, and the new programming data / PSdZData 4.61.41 are particularly interesting.

With the updated I-Levels of the 2026.07 generation, the current data set is aimed at both users of current vehicle platforms and workshops and BMW specialists working with different vehicle generations.

 

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