F Chassis Tune Comparison N20/N26/N55/S55 - LAST UPDATE 02/12/2018 ** Active Added **

[mike@x-ph.com]

This post is copied from Extreme Power House's Blog

Today, I would like to write about the different piggyback options available for the BMW new F chassis cars. This market is oversaturated with tunes priced from a couple hundred dollars up to a couple thousands. Not all piggybacks are equal, which ones are worth it and which ones are not? Read this post and decide for yourself.

Active Autowerke Active 8 Tune

How:
A8 tune works by connecting to the Manifold air pressure sensor, boost pressure sensor, camshaft sensor and air mass sensor.
Pros:
•Since the A8 connects to the camshaft sensor, it controls boost by RPM. The ability to do so offers a smoother / more linear power delivery.
•9 different maps (Compatible with catted downpipe cars only and pump gas).
•A8 is offered standard with a waterproof enclosure.
Cons:
•Install process is the most time consuming for a stage 1 tune (although it has quick detach button to uninstall the module, but not the wires).
Price:
$699 for Non-M models / $999 for M models.

AFE Module Scorcher

How:
AFE scorcher connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors of the car. It alters the pressure sensor signal to increase turbo pressure.
Pros:
•AFE is easy to install with only 2 sensors. It offers a clean solution for more power.
Cons:
•AFE Scorcher offers no flexibility for the user. It is available with 1 map only and no option to adjust boost.
• It does not have the ability to control boost by RPM, the Scorcher adds a constant boost value across the RPM range.
Price:
$473 for Non M Models / $627 for M Models

Burger Tuning JB Stage 1:

How:
The BMS JB stage 1 connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors and works by altering the boost pressure signal (identical to AFE and Race chip ultimate).
Pros:
•Easy install, takes less than 10 minutes.
•BMS JB stage 1 gives its users the ability to increase boost if he / she is looking for a more aggressive map (will need an optional $35 BMS Data Cable).
•Weather proof box is optional and will cost an additional $59.
Cons:
•JB stage 1 does not have the ability to control boost by RPM. It adds 3.5 psi across the RPM range over stock boost (value can be changed using the USB cable).
Price:
$379 for M and Non-M models

Burger Tuning JB4 Stage 2:

How:
The JB4 stage 2 connects to the MAP sensor, TMAP sensor and Canbus. It is also offered with flex fuel wires for E85 users.
Pros:
•Pre-loaded with 7 maps each optimized based on the car’s modifications and fuel. The Jb4 is also offered with a custom map allowing the user to set his / her own boost targets.
•The Jb4 controls boost by RPM. It also controls boost by gear and can set a max boost limit for the first 3 gears in order to achieve better traction control.
•The JB4 stage 2 can read / delete codes and auto clear the CEL code in case car has catless downpipes installed.
•The JB4 is compatible with E85 fuel as long as the mix does not exceed the fuel pumps maximum capacity.
•The JB4 is capable of gauge hijack and can control the exhaust valves for a louder exhaust sound.
•Ability to get free firmware upgrades from the user’s laptop without the need to ship the module back every time an upgrade is available.
•Option to get the Jb4 with a weather proof case; it will cost the user an extra $59 for the aluminum enclosure (No additional cost for M cars).
Cons:
•In order to achieve all these pros mentioned above, user will need to purchase the optional USB data cable and / or OBD cable ($17 for the OBD cable and $35 for the USB cable).
•Install time takes around 45 minutes because of all the extra connections that the JB4 needs.
•If user does not purchase the OBD cable, JB4 will need POSI-Tap wires to connect to the Canbus.
Price: $529 for Non-M Models / $799 for M models (Aluminum enclosure and OBD cable is offered with the M series JB4 at no extra cost).

Race Chip Ultimate:

How:
Similar to AFE and JB stage 1, the RCU connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors and work by changing boost pressure signal and tricking the ECU into making more power.
Pros:
•Easy install
•Weather proof box (standard)
•3 different maps
Cons:
•Cannot control boost by RPM
Price:
$679 for M and non-M models

ESS E-tronic Tuner

How: The ESS tuner connects to 4 sensors. Intake Cam shaft, Map, TMAP and MAF.
Pros:
• Control boost by RPM for a smoother power delivery
• 3 different maps
• Standard weather proof enclosure
Cons:
• One of the hardest stage 1 tunes to install
Price: $995 for all models

Dinan Tune




How: Dinan connects directly to the ECU to cover as many sensors as possible. It adds a constant boost value to the car across the RPM range (3.0 psi for stage 1 and 4.0 psi for stage 2).
Pros:
• If BMW denies your warranty claim, Dinan will cover any damages caused or related to any of Dinan tunes or parts
• Weatherproof box
• CARB certified
• Tune monitors and adjust AFR / ignition timing for a smoother power delivery
• Increases water pump pressure for better cooling
Cons:
• You get 1 map with each tune only
• Install time takes from 1.5 to 2 hours


Price: $1999 for the stage 1 and $2250 for the stage 2

Summary Table:

Active Autowerke OBD Flash Tune


How: Connect Simon Cable to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Smooth stock like power delivery
• unlimited number of maps (2 off the shelf maps, 4 free custom maps included with the tune, additional custom map $50 each)
• No hardware installation needed
• Ability to load stock map at any time
• Locks flash counter until stock map has been re-uploaded

Price: Starts at $800

Bootmod3 By PTF



How: Connect Enet cable to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Datalogging over 200 diagnostic channels, up to 40 channels concurrently
• Datalog sharing and charting without a need to upload to 3rd party websites or apps using the mobile app or web browser
• Cloud based storage for map data and datalogs
• Reverting back to stock performance map and re-locking the DME to stock programming
• Live Dash - realtime vehicle parameter monitoring via in-app guages
• Read and clear trouble codes in all vehicle modules
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Custom tuning available
• flash time (map switch) is 30 seconds
• first flash to unlock is just 3.5 minutes long
• no special hardware to ship, instant activation at time of checkout
• boost by gear
• transmission flashing

Cons:

• 1 OTS map is included with the license. it costs extra to unlock all the OTS maps.
• similar to all flash tunes, on the fly map adjustment not available
• Raising and lowering boost requires tuning knowledge

Price: Starts at $595

Open Flash Tablet

How: Connect Tablet to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Maps can be read and edited
• Real-time vehicle parameter monitoring and graphing
• Datalogging
• Revert back to stock performance map and re-lock the DME to stock programming anytime
• Read and clear Manufacturer specific, and OBD generic and trouble codes
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Exhaust Flap Controller - Override and Control your Exhaust Flap (OPEN, CLOSED, or AUTO)

Cons:

• similar to all flash tunes, on the fly map adjustment not available
• Raising and lowering boost requires tuning knowledge

Price: Starts at $499

[AM4ZING]

Nice post! I personally use JB4 and have had no issues to date

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by AM4ZING

Nice post! I personally use JB4 and have had no issues to date

Thank you !!
The Jb4 is the most popular choice for the M3 / M4

[mike@x-ph.com]

Dinan tune added to the first post and to the summary table

[mike@x-ph.com]

I will be adding Agency Power tune to this list very soon

[VF-Engineering]

Feel free to let us know what information you need to add our HEX Tuning Flash to the list!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by VF-Engineering

Feel free to let us know what information you need to add our HEX Tuning Flash to the list!

email the info you think would be relevant to this thread

[M4 CSL]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Dinan tune added to the first post and to the summary table

Great post Mike, very informative. Quick question....If Dinan adds a constant boost i.e. Stage 2 adding 4 PSI, then I should be able to run that in conjunction with a flash tune?

A perfectly tuned car (at 22psi) and then add 4 PSi. What could possibly go wrong.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by M4 CSL

Great post Mike, very informative. Quick question....If Dinan adds a constant boost i.e. Stage 2 adding 4 PSI, then I should be able to run that in conjunction with a flash tune?

A perfectly tuned car (at 22psi) and then add 4 PSi. What could possibly go wrong.

Before stacking you need to contact your tuner and let them know about the extra boost.

[M4 CSL]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Before stacking you need to contact your tuner and let them know about the extra boost.

Hahaha, Of course I will ask his opinion, but I wanted yours. More than one opinion would be nice.

[Mandi90TT]

What's stock boost on an M3/4?

[M4 CSL]

Originally Posted by Dave 90TT

What's stock boost on an M3/4?

I believe stock is around 17 PSi ? Flashed is 22PSI.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by M4 CSL

I believe stock is around 17 PSi ? Flashed is 22PSI.

BMW ECU works with load table not boost ... Your boost will vary based on numerous factors

Stock boost value is around 18 psi, tuned will be different depending on the map you have

[Intensemojo]

Is there a negative going with the bms stage 1? Seems like an easy install.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Intensemojo

Is there a negative going with the bms stage 1? Seems like an easy install.

On a stock car stage 1 JB is a really good option ... Only negative I can think of is the lack of control it offers compared to a tune like the stage 2 JB4

[Intensemojo]

I've got a rear section Eisenmann - still a good option?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Intensemojo

I've got a rear section Eisenmann - still a good option?

Exhaust will not make any difference.
JB stage 1 will be the way to if you are not going to add downpipes, E85, Methanol or upgraded turbos

[mike@x-ph.com]

Correction about my last post.

Active Autowerke OBD tune does reset the flash counter until stock map has been re-uploaded
It also give the user the ability to upload stock map at any time

[mike@x-ph.com]

Bootmod3 By PTF



How: Connect Enet cable to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Datalogging over 200 diagnostic channels, up to 40 channels concurrently
• atalog sharing and charting without a need to upload to 3rd party websites or apps using the mobile app or web browser
• Cloud based storage for map data and datalogs
• Reverting back to stock performance map and re-locking the DME to stock programming
• Live Dash - realtime vehicle parameter monitoring via in-app guages
• Read and clear trouble codes in all vehicle modules
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Custom tuning available

Cons:

• 1 OTS map is included with the license. it costs extra to unlock all the OTS maps.
• similar to all flash tunes, on the fly map adjustment not available
• Raising and lowering boost requires tuning knowledge

Price: Starts at $595

[OpenFlash]

OpenFlash Tablet

Pros:

• Free Off-The-Shelf Maps are NOT locked. OTS maps are viewable, and editable by anyone. Use them as a basemap for your own custom tune.
• OEM Enhanced and Generic OBDII Datalogging on-board - Save logs to OFT for download and review later.
• Revert back to stock performance map and re-lock the DME to stock programming anytime
• Flash-counter reset at the time of ORIGINAL map re-flash when going back to stock
• Live Data Stream - Real-time vehicle parameter monitoring
• Live Data Graphing on OFT screen
• Read and clear Manufacturer specific, and OBD generic and trouble codes
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Self and Custom tuning available
• Exhaust Flap Controller - Override and Control your Exhaust Flap (OPEN, CLOSED, or AUTO)
  

To-be-released:

• In-Dash Gauge Hijacking and Display
• On the fly ASD muting/un-muting
• ABS pump actuation (~5 seconds) - for brake service work/bleeding
• DCT ECU Reset
• ABS ECU Reset
• Cooling fan override activation

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by OpenFlash

OpenFlash Tablet

Pros:

• Free Off-The-Shelf Maps are NOT locked. OTS maps are viewable, and editable by anyone. Use them as a basemap for your own custom tune.
• OEM Enhanced and Generic OBDII Datalogging on-board - Save logs to OFT for download and review later.
• Revert back to stock performance map and re-lock the DME to stock programming anytime
• Flash-counter reset at the time of ORIGINAL map re-flash when going back to stock
• Live Data Stream - Real-time vehicle parameter monitoring
• Live Data Graphing on OFT screen
• Read and clear Manufacturer specific, and OBD generic and trouble codes
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Self and Custom tuning available
• Exhaust Flap Controller - Override and Control your Exhaust Flap (OPEN, CLOSED, or AUTO)
  

To-be-released:

• In-Dash Gauge Hijacking and Display
• On the fly ASD muting/un-muting
• ABS pump actuation (~5 seconds) - for brake service work/bleeding
• DCT ECU Reset
• ABS ECU Reset
• Cooling fan override activation

Yours will be posted soon dont worry

[mike@x-ph.com]

[*]-40 seconds flash time[*]transmission flashing

added to BM3