Working with protected diagnostic access using ESI[tronic]

With ESI[tronic] and Bosch’s latest diagnostic testers, working with vehicles equipped with protected automotive electronics remains fully possible without any limitations.*

*May require subscription with the vehicle manufacturer.

Modern automotive electronics face increasing risks from data manipulation and hacking. With the implementation of EU Regulation 2018/858 effective since September 2020, new vehicles in Europe are required to have secure diagnostic access. As a result, vehicle manufacturers plan to protect access to automotive electronic systems via the OBD interface. Manufacturers such as the FCA Group (Fiat and Chrysler) and Mercedes-Benz AG have already implemented initial protection measures for their new vehicle models. Other manufacturers are expected to follow suit.

The implementation of various automotive manufacturers' security concepts impacts the diagnostic processes in service centers. Specific manufacturer requirements, such as registration with the manufacturer’s portal, may be necessary.

Without prior authentication or unlocking of the vehicle before active diagnostics, functions such as deletion and parameter adjustments will not be possible for many manufacturers.

Therefore, in the future, only authorized technicians will be able to perform full vehicle diagnostics or calibrate driver assistance systems.

A stable internet connection during the diagnostic session, along with the use of the latest KTS diagnostic testers (KTS 560, KTS 590, KTS 350, or KTS 250), enables, depending on the vehicle manufacturer's security concept, the online exchange of security certificates and the unlocking of protected diagnostic functions.

Unlimited Work on Mercedes-Benz Vehicles with Protected Access

Mercedes-Benz AG implements a two-step process to enforce its security concept. In the first step, the vehicle’s electronic systems are protected using a procedure called Seed & Key.

This relies on a special algorithm required to activate protected functions. The operating mode is similar to

A security gateway, but with Bosch’s solution, registration with the vehicle manufacturer’s portal is not required.

In the second step, Mercedes-Benz AG plans to further expand this security concept within this year. More information on this will be provided later.

With the 2020/01/02 update, ESI[tronic] customers can continue working with Mercedes-Benz vehicles without any restrictions.

Unlimited Work on Mercedes-Benz Vehicles with Protected Access

Press Release about Seed & Key

With Service Packs 2019 | 3, ESI[tronic] provides full functionality to users for complete diagnostics of vehicles with FCA Group’s protected security gateway. Through collaboration with FCA, secure diagnostics are made possible directly with ESI[tronic].

In the case of protected vehicles, ESI[tronic] promptly and specifically notifies and guides the user through secure diagnostics. Via a link within ESI[tronic], users can register on the FCA website and obtain the necessary authentication information. They can then proceed with unlimited diagnostics.

Press Release about Security Gateway

Reliable Diagnostics with Bosch Diagnostic Solutions

For professional service and repair, diagnostics in the workshop are becoming increasingly important.

The globally proven vehicle diagnostic software, ESI[tronic], continues to provide comprehensive support—from troubleshooting to repair. With ESI[tronic], you will always have access to the latest information on new technologies, including maintenance and wiring diagrams, repair and troubleshooting instructions, as well as experience-based repair cases (EBR) for over 150 brands.

Authorized ESI[tronic] customers with access to the "Experience-Based Repair" function can currently access more than 1,000,000 real-world cases/vehicle assemblies.

Bosch’s new automotive diagnostic solutions (KTS 560, KTS 590, KTS 350, KTS 250) support all current vehicle interfaces. With the KTS 560, KTS 590, and KTS 350 diagnostic units, future technologies such as DoIP pose no challenges for service centers.

Developed to meet the needs of professionals — for daily support in service center operations.