New JB4 install

Installed the Stage 2 N55 JB4 tuner today. Not as easy as it is presented to do, but I got it done. I would have liked to see about 3" more cable as the last connector is pretty tight even with the cable run as well as I could get it. I don't think I will be removing it either for service. The dang connectors are a PITA to get apart to remove the wiring. Next step will be to get the USB connector into the glove box.

I would not have minded paying more for a Dinan tune or even getting a Cobb tuner. Too bad neither has any tunes for our F10 535i yet.

Now the fun, noticeably more "go" to the 535i xDrive. No comparison to my missed 2008 335xi with the Dinan Stage 2 tuning though. I will update a bit more as I drive around, but expect to have the same reaction as others that have done the Burger Stage 2 on their 535i.

Interested to hear some feedback on how it performs. I have the Stage 1 tune.

Congrats. The 535 guys are long overdue for getting some tunes

Was it that hard to install?
Interested to hear result as well.

Congrats! I'm about to install mine this week.

Not what I would say a hard install, just those dang connectors are all difficult to take apart and you can expect some hand scraping to happen....

Very noticeable acceleration increase. I think drivability is better and my wife does as well. So far, I would still put it in.

Originally Posted by Ionic202

So far, I would still put it in.

Well said

Enjoying the resonse of the JB4 still. I will keep it in there until I go either Cobb or Dinan with ECU tuning if either of those is ever released.
Questions for other JB4 users:
Do you think Map 5 is better than Map 1?
Have you been able to run the USB cable into the glove box easily? I have not found the easy way into the interior that is posted over on N54tech for a 2011. Do I need to open up the ECU to find that hole?

According to Terry F10 owners should only use Map 1 unless something changed recently

Alan

Congrats!! I am looking forward in hearing your thoughts after the tune and vehicle have gotten past the honeymoon period .

I should know the answer to this, but what is the boost with Map 1 on the JB4?

I am still debating if it is even worth getting the stage 2 over the stage 1. There is no need or real use with switching to different maps on the F10 n55. I can bump up the boost on the Stage 1.

Originally Posted by BigDeep1

Congrats!! I am looking forward in hearing your thoughts after the tune and vehicle have gotten past the honeymoon period .

I should know the answer to this, but what is the boost with Map 1 on the JB4?

I am still debating if it is even worth getting the stage 2 over the stage 1.

MORE HORSES! MORE TORQUE!

I have the Stage one, and I want MORE, ordering the stage two upgrade kit as soon as she's back from service. (and yes I unistalled it for service) It really only takes about 10 minutes if you have the right tools.

FYI: If you already have the stage one, the stage two is only $150 plus a $20 core charge refunded when you return the stage one control box. IMHO the upgrade is a no brainer.

For those of you who are looking to tune your N55 535i/xi, you might want to also check out the new Scorcher module from aFe. It works as a piggy back system as well and it is much easier to install vs the BMS product. The aFe Scorcher module will put out 40hp and 80lbs x ft torque on the N55. It's relatively easy to install and uninstall and can be done in 30 mins. You can check out the (installation guide here).

The install looks 100% identical to the BMS stage 1 setup. Curious to see customer dynos on this since i wasn't aware Afe had the capacity to tune engines...

Alan

Originally Posted by Alan L.

The install looks 100% identical to the BMS stage 1 setup. Curious to see customer dynos on this since i wasn't aware Afe had the capacity to tune engines...

Alan

Indeed it does look mostly identical and from what I can tell about from only looking at it online is that it looks like a sealed unit, without the capacity for future upgrades (without removing the harness) and doesn’t have the interface features of the JB4.

I couldn’t find a price on ModBargains to do a HP and torque to $ value.

FYI: ModBargains has both the stage 1 and stage 2 BMS JB4 tunes as well, although I could find no info about core charges/refunds,

aFe does make performance parts from intakes, downpipes, exhausts, and now to tunes! The aFe scorcher module is pretty affordable at and are listed for $475 + shipping.

Originally Posted by ModBargains.com

aFe does make performance parts from intakes, downpipes, exhausts, and now to tunes! The aFe scorcher module is pretty affordable at and are listed for $475 + shipping.

Dyno:

Yikes: 69.69 Tq and 9.4 hp to the wheels.....for $479
Maybe my math is wrong but it seems for the money and flexibility the JB4 stage one with 30hp and 60tq is a better deal.
Although thats a beefy torque increase for the AFE tune!

Originally Posted by ModBargains.com

For those of you who are looking to tune your N55 535i/xi, you might want to also check out the new Scorcher module from aFe. It works as a piggy back system as well and it is much easier to install vs the BMS product. The aFe Scorcher module will put out 40hp and 80lbs x ft torque on the N55. It's relatively easy to install and uninstall and can be done in 30 mins. You can check out the (installation guide here).

Maybe it's me, but I think jumping in the middle of a member's thread about his install to advertise a competing system sold by the interloper (A.K.A. hijacking for commercial purposes) is pretty crass behavior. No?

Originally Posted by Quacker

Maybe it's me, but I think jumping in the middle of a member's thread about his install to advertise a competing system sold by the interloper (A.K.A. hijacking for commercial purposes) is pretty crass behavior. No?

Actually Q,

ModBargains is forum sponsor. I don't see their post as a hijack per se. They are just offering a different option to those who may be considering a JB4.

Incidentally they also sell the JB4 stage 1 and stage 2 on their site, cheaper (slightly) to boot.... Innocent post IMO.

Hi BH,

My opinion differs from yours on this matter. I would be interested to hear from the tread starter on this. I would be happy to honor his opinion since it's his thread.

Regards -

Originally Posted by Quacker

Hi BH,

My opinion differs from yours on this matter. I would be interested to hear from the tread starter on this. I would be happy to honor his opinion since it's his thread.

Regards -

Hello Q,

You do realize of course that we have now hijacked this thread.... I was just pointing out that they also sell the competitors tune. I think we are more guilty of thread takeover than ModBargains. Agree to disagree,

My apologies to the OP and to you for any perceived slight.

I agree with Q. This thread is about my install of the JB4 and questions and experiences I and others have about the install and use. But, in the end whatever floats your boat. It is an open forum I guess.

Just installed the jb4 and it's great.

Do you have Stage 2? If so did you go from Stage 1 up?

We carry both the BMS and aFe products and this is an open forum for discussion. The OP mentioned other tunes such as the Dinan and Cobb and I'd just thought I'd point out at there are other options out there for you N55 535 owners.

The BMS stage 1 tune is the only option that currently works on the N55 535i/xi models. From what I know, the stage 2 is not officially released for the N55 535i/xi models and is currently in testing. I'm sure that it will be officially released soon.

Originally Posted by PeterC4

Do you have Stage 2? If so did you go from Stage 1 up?

Went straight to stage 2 skipped stage 1