New JB4 install

Originally Posted by PeterC4

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

Peter,

Just FYI, those that have the stage1 tune only need to buy the “upgrade” kit for the stage2. The kit is $150 plus a $20.00 (American) core charge that is refunded when you return the S1 control box.

If one would like to upgrade or buy the stage 2 as a whole, Terry from Burger recommends that you also get the BSM USB cable.
As quoted from an email from him: “The USB cable is a good idea as we expect lots of future software updates for S2.”

I have placed my order today and will update the difference between the two stages when there is sufficient seat time to evaluate between the tunes.

Originally Posted by bighungry618

Peter,

Just FYI, those that have the stage1 tune only need to buy the “upgrade” kit for the stage2. The kit is $150 plus a $20.00 (American) core charge that is refunded when you return the S1 control box.

If one would like to upgrade or buy the stage 2 as a whole, Terry from Burger recommends that you also get the BSM USB cable.
As quoted from an email from him: “The USB cable is a good idea as we expect lots of future software updates for S2.”

I have placed my order today and will update the difference between the two stages when there is sufficient seat time to evaluate between the tunes.

I am looking forward to hearing your feedback on the change from stage 1 to stage 2.
I currently have stage 1 and have gotten used to the power and already need MOAR!

Originally Posted by ModBargains.com

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.

Not true. I am running the Stage 2 in my 535i xDrive right now. The Burger Tunes for the 535 just does not have all the interface options yet through the steering wheel.

Can anyone answer my question about how to get the USB cable inside the car? Do I need to take the cover off the ECU to access the hole that is shown on the N54tech.com? Any help out there?

Originally Posted by RambleJ

I am looking forward to hearing your feedback on the change from stage 1 to stage 2.
I currently have stage 1 and have gotten used to the power and already need MOAR!

Agreed. I have not really heard a lot of feedback (aside from the intial test from ITSCHASE **link**) claiming noticeable power improvements when going from the stage 1 to the 2.

I am looking forward to Irene getting her RedBull

This might be a stupid question, but isn't Stage 1 JB3? Stage 2 is the JB4?

Originally Posted by wildcardz

This might be a stupid question, but isn't Stage 1 JB3? Stage 2 is the JB4?

No, the JB3 was an older tune for the N54 powered cars.
They are basically N55 tune stage 1 and stage 2.

Originally Posted by bighungry618

Peter,

Just FYI, those that have the stage1 tune only need to buy the “upgrade” kit for the stage2. The kit is $150 plus a $20.00 (American) core charge that is refunded when you return the S1 control box.

If one would like to upgrade or buy the stage 2 as a whole, Terry from Burger recommends that you also get the BSM USB cable.
As quoted from an email from him: “The USB cable is a good idea as we expect lots of future software updates for S2.”

I have placed my order today and will update the difference between the two stages when there is sufficient seat time to evaluate between the tunes.

Interesting. I have the cable already, so it would be the control box and the extra wiring that goes near the control box (4 wires I think.)

Update:

Got S2 Friday, installed it that night and drove just a little then and a little today..while I know it isn't twice as powerful as the S1, but oh man does it feel like it. wow! It could be because the S1 wasn't installed for a few days, and my car drives better after the last service visit, but it feels wickedly quick. So far so good.

FYI: start to finish with modifying the harness for the upgrades and reinstalling the whole thing, including disconnecting the battery terminal and removing the electrical cover. 45 minutes. My guess is slightly longer for those less mechanically inclined, but overall if you plan accordingly and remove the air-box cover it's fairly easy.

More to come…..

I am about to pull the trigger for JB4 for my recently purchased 2011 535i.I have noticed that some forum members complain about great difficulties during the installation.Is it more difficult than installing procede on E92(N54),that I have done multiple times with no problems at all ? Are there any installation videos available ?

Awesome update BigHungry. You are making my itch worse!

Did you ever change the boost on your Stage 1 tune? I will wait for your next update after you had some time for the tune and vehicle to marry and mingle. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on power delivery, how smooth it is, and if the turbo pull is more noticeable.

Thanks for the update.

Has anyone actually done before and after dyno on any of these tunes?

Just not that big on the hype...

I mean, exactly 40hp, and exactly 80lbs of torque... Doesn't anyone have a problem with these numbers?

Originally Posted by ms535

I am about to pull the trigger for JB4 for my recently purchased 2011 535i.I have noticed that some forum members complain about great difficulties during the installation.Is it more difficult than installing procede on E92(N54),that I have done multiple times with no problems at all ? Are there any installation videos available ?

If you could install a tune on the E9x N54's then the F10 is a walk in the park. No worries.

Alan

Originally Posted by ms535

I am about to pull the trigger for JB4 for my recently purchased 2011 535i.I have noticed that some forum members complain about great difficulties during the installation.Is it more difficult than installing procede on E92(N54),that I have done multiple times with no problems at all ? Are there any installation videos available ?

I wouldn't say great difficulties. Just that a couple of my connectors were not easy to separate.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get my USB cable into the glove box too. Since the install is completely different on my 2013 than in the pictures here: http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14667 for a 2011. Anyone with a 2012 or 2013 have the USB inside yet?

Originally Posted by miamiboyca

Has anyone actually done before and after dyno on any of these tunes?

Just not that big on the hype...

I mean, exactly 40hp, and exactly 80lbs of torque... Doesn't anyone have a problem with these numbers?

Agreed. It would be nice to have a stock F10 n55 with straight before and after. It is tricky to fully judge the tune based on this type of testing because the ECU and the tune need some time together to really achieve peak performance (vs pop in tune and dyno).

You may have seen these already Tony:

This is a great dyno where the Stage 1 is used, and it is a straight before and after:
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540199

Another dude from UAE:
http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=736053

same stuff, different forum: http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16897

I agree, that I would love to see before and after dyno numbers going from Stage 1 to Stage 2. Regardless, this mod is going to be the most power for the dolla.

If I decide to do it, you definitely will.

Originally Posted by BigDeep1

Awesome update BigHungry. You are making my itch worse!

Did you ever change the boost on your Stage 1 tune? I will wait for your next update after you had some time for the tune and vehicle to marry and mingle. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on power delivery, how smooth it is, and if the turbo pull is more noticeable.

Thanks for the update.

No, I never changed the boost, I didnt have the cable when the S1 arrived, but ordered it with the S2.
I can tell you thus far that for what I can feel in the difference between stock-S1-S2, negates any potential for feeling bad about the money.
Bang for buck it’s pretty sweet, simple to install, 45 minutes if you have the right tools.
There have been no warning lights, error codes or change in vehicle status to this point.

Driving impressions:

Power in lower gears is more evident but shifts are still a bit jerky 1-2.
The car holds gears longer even in comfort/normal mode.
Where the power band was before with S1 or stock is where you will feel the brunt of the increase.
Right from 2k to 6k rpm, the thing just hauls ass. Literally it holds you back in the seat for WOT stomps
The turbo spools faster and you can for sure hear more turbo whine, as well as hear the intake (stock) sucking in air. (at slower speeds) That’s pretty awesome.

It’s very nearly how the car should feel power-wise (still could use more...always more) and its more BMWish.
I can honestly say that the car has tons more torque and you can feel it. As for hp to the wheels; it’s less evident than the torque but it is quicker to get up and go for sure and normal mode isn’t bad to drive in anymore.
It has faster throttle response, revs higher and quicker between shifts in any mode and is more fun to drive.

The transmission is still a tiny bit wishy-washy especially during aggressive cornering and braking, it still seems to fish for gears.
After the service visit I was expecting improvement there but it is still noticeable with the added power and torque.
Wheel slippage is easy off the line now even without DSC turned off.

Ate a Mustang GT 0-85 saturday morning. No big Deal...but fun (save your street racing is bad comments...I know this already...One time thing).

Bang for buck it gets a thumbs up from me.

I've had my S2 for a few hundred miles now and plenty of WOT sprints and so far zero check engine lights or issues. Car hauls ass from standstill to triple digits. The only time i feel like i want more power is when I am already on the highway traveling at a decent rate (60-80) of speed and you romp it. The difference is less dramatic then.

The only thing i could complain about is during part throttle cruising and you give it more throttle without flooring it you can sometimes feel the boost build up (more power) then go down (boost oscillating) ever so slightly. I can only feel this if the car is staying in the same gear and you give it a certain amount of throttle.

I don't have the S2 but have the S1. This thing is exceptionally good There is a "push you in the back of your seat sensation" in first gear and I surprised the heck out of a 2003-5 M3 today from a standing start. There is so much wonderful potential in this set-up. I can't imagine not trying at least the S1.