AA tune or JB STAGE 1 or JB4? *Help*

[Stitch626]

Hey everyone,

So just picked up our M4 yesterday and have been trying to decide on a tune since we ordered the car. Yes, I know there are various threads on tunes and what not. The car will not be getting any type of exhaust/DP modifications other than BMC drop in filters and maybe an Intake down the road. Simply looking for a safe and easy tune to add some more power. Please help me decide!

[CaryTheLabelGuy]

At this point, probably either Dinan Stage 1 or JB Stage 1 or JB4 map 1 (if you want the added features of data logging, valve control...etc).

I wouldn't trust any of the bench flashes at this point.

[Stitch626]

Originally Posted by CaryTheLabelGuy

At this point, probably either Dinan Stage 1 or JB Stage 1 or JB4 map 1 (if you want the added features of data logging, valve control...etc).

I wouldn't trust any of the bench flashes at this point.

$2500 for stage 1 Dinan is absurd just because it's covered under dealer warranty lol

[E92LNGCGY]

For a simple tune go with JB4 stage 1 ($380 USD??) I have the JB4 running on map 1 (which is same as JB4 stage 1) because I wanted the additional functions. Don't know much about AA tune but seems like people really like it.

In your case maybe JB4 stage 1 would be best and most cost effective.

[E92LNGCGY]

OP, just to add to my reply take out the charcoal filters. The intake sound is definately worth doing it.

[Stitch626]

Originally Posted by E92LNGCGY

OP, just to add to my reply take out the charcoal filters. The intake sound is definately worth doing it.

I am I'm installing the BMC filters today lol. Thanks!

[Revartr]

Surprised no one has mentioned the ESS tune. That's what I believe I'll be going with. Safe tune that puts out pretty good numbers. Under a grand, as well.

[Stitch626]

Originally Posted by Revartr

Surprised no one has mentioned the ESS. That's what I believe I'll be going with. Safe tune that puts out pretty good numbers. Under a grand, as well.

Gonna check it out now as well thanks!

[Revartr]

Originally Posted by Stitch626

Gonna check it out now as well thanks!

It's available from iND's site here. And you can check GOLFFRR's write-up on it here.

[parky1215]

Don't get ESS tune if you don't drive car at least 3-4 times a week.
This module drains small amount of battery even when car is off when you follow installation instruction provided by manual.
Other than battery drain, tune is excellent.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by Revartr

Surprised no one has mentioned the ESS tune. That's what I believe I'll be going with. Safe tune that puts out pretty good numbers. Under a grand, as well.

We're running it now, very impressed.

Originally Posted by parky1215

Don't get ESS tune if you don't drive car at least 3-4 times a week.
This module drains small amount of battery even when car is off when you follow installation instruction provided by manual.
Other than battery drain, tune is excellent.

There is a updated control unit that allows the module to properly enter sleep move to prevent excessive drain. Contact ESS directly and they can swap the module our for you (harness is same).

[dmk08]

BMS Stg 1 or JB4 IMO.

[///M Leistung]

I have the BMS stage 1 tune on my F82. At $380, it's pretty good bang for the buck. Easy 4 wire, plug & play install.

It wakes the the car up a little bit more, without out being unmanageable for the street. It's all the "go juice" you need for a DD.

[CaryTheLabelGuy]

Originally Posted by Stitch626

$2500 for stage 1 Dinan is absurd just because it's covered under dealer warranty lol

You asked a general question, I gave a general answer. I agree with you completely, however. Way too expensive for what it was. But some people also spend 6k on an exshsust the does zero for performance. Who am I to judge?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Stitch626

Hey everyone,

So just picked up our M4 yesterday and have been trying to decide on a tune since we ordered the car. Yes, I know there are various threads on tunes and what not. The car will not be getting any type of exhaust/DP modifications other than BMC drop in filters and maybe an Intake down the road. Simply looking for a safe and easy tune to add some more power. Please help me decide!

Jb4 is different than the stage 1 or Active 8. It is a complete piggyback tune that provides datalogging, code reading and deleting, better boost control and smoother power delivery, more safety features,etc...

If you are looking for a simple tune that adds noticeable power on your stock car and can be removed quickly Jb stage 1 or Active is your best bet. The JB comes at an unbeatable price and is manufactured by Burger Tuning ( the most successful BMW piggyback tuning company at this point). The active even though more expensive, is a very good option and offers some advantages over the Jb. More power gains, waterproof box and a free return warranty in case you did not like the tune.

You can't go wrong with either tune. They will both make you smile when you go WOT

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Stitch626

$2500 for stage 1 Dinan is absurd just because it's covered under dealer warranty lol

No it's covered under Dinan warranty not BMW. Read the fine print!

[Hobbination]

I 4th or 5th the JB1, been in for a month now, stupid power. WOT in 2nd gear was crazy before now it's unusable. 3rd gear is like Brian Earl Spilner added 2 NOS bottles and 4-6th (or 7th) are 15% awesomer

[BPe90M3]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Jb4 is different than the stage 1 or Active 8. It is a complete piggyback tune that provides datalogging, code reading and deleting, better boost control and smoother power delivery, more safety features,etc...

If you are looking for a simple tune that adds noticeable power on your stock car and can be removed quickly Jb stage 1 or Active is your best bet. The JB comes at an unbeatable price and is manufactured by Burger Tuning ( the most successful BMW piggyback tuning company at this point). The active even though more expensive, is a very good option and offers some advantages over the Jb. More power gains, waterproof box and a free return warranty in case you did not like the tune.

You can't go wrong with either tune. They will both make you smile when you go WOT

Really? I didn't know the active made more power than the jb4

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BPe90M3

Really? I didn't know the active made more power than the jb4

Jb4 is adjustable, so it can be adjusted to make the same power or more if you want to go really aggressive. But out of the box Burger Tuning claims JB4 map 1 stock is adding ~40whp . Active claim their Active 8 is adding ~76 WHP .

JB4


Active 8

[parky1215]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

We're running it now, very impressed.



There is a updated control unit that allows the module to properly enter sleep move to prevent excessive drain. Contact ESS directly and they can swap the module our for you (harness is same).

That's great news!

Thanks for this info.

[schnazzy]

Originally Posted by dmk08

No it's covered under Dinan warranty not BMW. Read the fine print!

Exactly. I assume Dinan is being upfront about this. They have never been factory warranty approved (or at least for the last 15 years). BMW will not warranty a part or labor if they can prove an aftermarket product contributed to the failure no matter what company we are talking about. What Dinan has done and has been misquoted many times, is that for a period of time (based on the part) they will backup the factory warranty. In other words if BMW says they won't fix the broken parts due to Dinan parts that contributed to the failure, you can send a claim into Dinan and they may/should/might cover the cost.

Dinan has never been close to any edge on performance from my experience. Their products work well and usually well within the limits of the BMWs. You will find less expensive tunes that will give you more horsepower but from my experience their products are not likely to cause failures. I currently use BMS Stage 2 in my 550ix. I have had Dinan supercharger kits and other parts in my BMWs.

[schnazzy]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Jb4 is adjustable, so it can be adjusted to make the same power or more if you want to go really aggressive. But out of the box Burger Tuning claims JB4 map 1 stock is adding ~40whp . Active claim their Active 8 is adding ~76 WHP .

In reality nothing will make more horsepower than a JB4 but this statement is misleading. Active used to or still does use a mustang dyno instead of a dynojet. They also used to or still do publish estimated BHP and not RWHP. This is neither good nor bad. Aggressive can be dangerous to your pocket book unless you have another 20k for a new M motor.

Over the last few cars I have yet to have a car be close to the stock numbers posted by BMS. They must get the pick of the liter but having said that, the gains in HP (by %) is usually spot on.

The JB4 Map 1 or BMS Stage 1 are allegedly the same and will give you 40 +/- solid RWHP. The JB4 can do better on Map 2 with 93 octane and a full exhaust. (maybe another 20 +/-).

Reviewing Active's site it looks like they are quoting RWHP on a mustang dyno (based on the baseline numbers). Note they are also using 93 octane.

The Active tune is compelling. It is like the Map2 power from JB4 but in a stage 1 kind of packaging. The JB4 is more "adjustable" and that could be good or bad

In the end there really should be no material difference between what a JB4 can do and the Active. You might be able to eek out more HP from the JB4 with dyno time and adjusting to fit your car's specific configuration. Or just leave it in Stage 2 or the Active system.