[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.

DINANTRONICS Sport Performance Tuner


How:
Connects to TMAP sensor only

Pros:

• Easy install
• adjustable boost 0 to 4 psi
• Very reasonable price
• Same tune fits the N20, N26 and N55 F chassis

Cons:

• No datalog feature
• Does not have access to ignition timing
• Does not carry the same warranty as other Dinan tunes

Price:
$299

Burger Tuning F Chassis N20/N26/N55 JB+


How:
JB+ connects to TMAP sensor only.
Pros:

• Install time takes less than 5 minutes
• Adjustable boost ( 0 to +4 psi)
• Costs less than $200
• Not engine specific. Fits on most N20, N26 and N55 cars

Cons:

• Does not have access to ignition timing
• No datalog feature

Price:
$199

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:
Tune Comparison.doc

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
• 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
• 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

[franzzz]

Great review !!!

About A8 :
are you sure about the number of sensor ? (4 : MAP, TMAP, KNOK and MAF ? )

I remember only three....

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by franzzz

Great review !!!

About A8 :
are you sure about the number of sensor ? (4 : MAP, TMAP, KNOK and MAF ? )

I remember only three....

Thank you

N55 A8 has 3 . N20/N26 has 4

[franzzz]

Add another one From UK

http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/TuningB...x?SID=10109621

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by franzzz

Add another one From UK

http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/TuningB...x?SID=10109621

I sent them an email and asked questions about the tune.
Once they reply, i will add the info of this tune as well

[franzzz]

Great!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by franzzz

Great!

Will be adding the TMC info in the next 24 hours

[///WORK-F36]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

Will be adding the TMC info in the next 24 hours

any dyno info for added HP/TQ for these as well??

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by ///WORK-F36

any dyno info for added HP/TQ for these as well??

I dont post dyno numbers because every dyno is different and most companies inflate their numbers so they can sell better,


These pigggybacks work by adding boost. The more boost you add the more power you are going to get . I post boost figures which gives you an idea of how much HP each tune is adding.

[WillyBeamin]

Can you add the dinan piggyback thanks

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by WillyBeamin

Can you add the dinan piggyback thanks

yes I will do that soon . im.adding ESS and TMC this week, hopefully Dinan is next

[mike@x-ph.com]

ESS tuner has been added

[Jchan112]

Can I upgrade my BMS Stage 1 to JB4 Stage 2 with OBD connection? Or do I need to purchase it separate and sell my stage 1?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Jchan112

Can I upgrade my BMS Stage 1 to JB4 Stage 2 with OBD connection? Or do I need to purchase it separate and sell my stage 1?

In order to upgrade to stage 2 you need to purchase the JB4 board

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by Jchan112

Can I upgrade my BMS Stage 1 to JB4 Stage 2 with OBD connection? Or do I need to purchase it separate and sell my stage 1?

Depends..

If its a newer one then no, but the old stage1 from about a year ago (and back) were upgradeable. All depends on the harness you have. If you are unsure send me a pic and I can let you know whether you can upgrade or not.

Mike

[Scoupe]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

ESS tuner has been added

Hi Mike,
Is it possible the ESS is a rebranded racechip, the cases and cabling look very similar, the TMS looks very similar to the A8 also,
Maybe same source technology?
Cheers
Steve

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Stefanovich

Hi Mike,
Is it possible the ESS is a rebranded racechip, the cases and cabling look very similar, the TMS looks very similar to the A8 also,
Maybe same source technology?
Cheers
Steve

hi,
ESS is a much more complicated tune than race chip. it connects to 2 additional sensors and has access to the RPM. race chip is a simple boost adder that connects to TMAP and MAP only. it adds the same amount of boost across the entire rpm range

[Scoupe]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

hi,
ESS is a much more complicated tune than race chip. it connects to 2 additional sensors and has access to the RPM. race chip is a simple boost adder that connects to TMAP and MAP only. it adds the same amount of boost across the entire rpm range

Thanks Mike
Cheers

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Stefanovich

Thanks Mike
Cheers

Happy to help

[E30toF30]

Mike, what's your take on the bms jb1 tune in addition to the mppk on an f30 n55 (2015)?

I've read that the jb1 increases stock boost by 3.5 psi. It's safe to assume this is a 3.5psi increase on a stock n55 with no mppk. What is (if any) the boost increase on a car with mppk?

On a side note, what is the actual stock boost for this car, and what is the boost at with the Mppk?

Look forward to hearing back. Thanks!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by E30toF30

Mike, what's your take on the bms jb1 tune in addition to the mppk on an f30 n55 (2015)?

I've read that the jb1 increases stock boost by 3.5 psi. It's safe to assume this is a 3.5psi increase on a stock n55 with no mppk. What is (if any) the boost increase on a car with mppk?

On a side note, what is the actual stock boost for this car, and what is the boost at with the Mppk?

Look forward to hearing back. Thanks!

Correct the Jb Stage 1 increases boost by 3.5 psi.
MPPK is a flash tune, it probably adjusts ignition timing as well. Comparing boost targets only is not sufficient in this case.

Stock boost is anywhere from 7 - 10 PSI depending on various factors

[franzzz]

Hallo!

Any idea about this product ?

http://www.agency-power.com/catalog/...150786069.html