F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > N20, N26, B46, B48 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications > Just installed BMS Stage 1 - Impressions and Install Tips! Must Read - UPDATED!
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-09-2014, 10:55 AM   #1
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Just installed BMS Stage 1 - Impressions and Install Tips! Must Read - UPDATED!

So I got my BMS Stage 1 yesterday, got home from Manhattan at 9:30 and immediately went to install it last night. It took a while but doing it a second time I am confident things would go a lot faster (as most people say)

Getting the connectors off was quite literally impossible without using the screw driver for assistance. No matter how hard I pressed they just did not want to come lose. Once I figured out how to get them out with the driver it took all of about 3 seconds.

Here's the next thing. At some point BMW added a cover to the place that I have so eloquently put some red marks around in paint. This cover requires a T20 torx bit to remove.




Here's another tip: When removing the plastic cover that covers the brake fluid reservoir (and the place where you will put the jb4), make sure to turn those little plastic nuts, this is release the clips holding it in and makes it come out a lot easier. Just turn them back when you put the cover back on. There are markers indicating that its in the proper spot.

Now, as for the tune itself:

I noticed an immediate power increase. The tune has woke up the car to where it really should be from the factory. The power delivery is smooooooth. Unfortunately I couldn't open up too much on the highway today but driving around town last night I was able to easily feel the improvement in acceleration.

I will update this as time goes on and after I get a chance to do some proper pulls with it in.


UPDATE (4 days with tune):

I finally had some time to push the car yesterday and really experience what this tune is doing for me. I have to say I'm extremely impressed.

My main issue with this car is that the power feels like its gone once you hit 5th gear and higher, there's just no power to accelerate. If you were on the highway and wanted to pass someone the car would always have to downshift because it simply doesn't have the power in the higher gears. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ANYMORE! I tested by driving in in manual mode and now when in 5th, 6th, and even 7th gear I do not need to downshift any more to get power from the car. There is now a noticeable pull in 5th and 6th and even some pull in 7th. I did not have to downshift to accelerate or pass anymore.

I also had a few BMW Genius friends of mine drive the car and they were extremely impressed, he said it felt damn near close to a 335 which he drives almost daily.

All in all this tune is definitely worth the $379 brand new, it breathes new life into your 328.
__________________

Last edited by smithf80; 01-20-2016 at 10:45 AM..
Appreciate 1
      12-09-2014, 12:01 PM   #2
mike@x-ph.com
BimmerPost Supporting Vendor
mike@x-ph.com's Avatar
United_States
23794
Rep
190,150
Posts


Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Las Vegas

iTrader: (23)

the JB makes this car a lot more fun to drive
Appreciate 0
      12-09-2014, 12:04 PM   #3
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com View Post
the JB makes this car a lot more fun to drive
Definitely can agree with that
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-09-2014, 10:21 PM   #4
XenaBimmer
Captain
XenaBimmer's Avatar
United_States
61
Rep
702
Posts

Drives: '14 328i, '14 320i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Sarasota, FL

iTrader: (0)

Its such a great mod, loving mine after a month or more!
__________________
2014 BMW 328i Sportline--Arctic White/Black, 8 speed
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 12:22 PM   #5
S4NoMore
Major
S4NoMore's Avatar
United_States
252
Rep
1,003
Posts

Drives: 16 340i, 15 X3d, 91 318i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Philly suburbs

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
2015 BMW X3 28d  [0.00]
1991 BMW 318i  [8.66]
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithe90 View Post
The next issue: You can't just slip the main connector underneath the front strut brace, there isn't enough room. You need to loosen the E-Torx bolt holding in the OEM strut brace and then slip the connector underneath. I'm not sure what the proper torque is for this so I just tightened it well since I know its important. I'll get the proper spec from my BMW tech friend later.
I don't know how necessary it is to route the wiring under the strut brace. Looking at page 15 of the install document (see here) the wire bundle is shown over the brace.

Looking at page 14 it does appear that the wires are underneath the weather seal, as opposed to passing through the overlapping section. Hmm..
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 12:27 PM   #6
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by S4NoMore View Post
I don't know how necessary it is to route the wiring under the strut brace. Looking at page 15 of the install document (see here) the wire bundle is shown over the brace.

Looking at page 14 it does appear that the wires are underneath the weather seal, as opposed to passing through the overlapping section. Hmm..
I didn't even notice that. I just assumed that it went under the brace because I couldn't really tell from the pics...
__________________
Appreciate 1
      12-10-2014, 12:30 PM   #7
S4NoMore
Major
S4NoMore's Avatar
United_States
252
Rep
1,003
Posts

Drives: 16 340i, 15 X3d, 91 318i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Philly suburbs

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
2015 BMW X3 28d  [0.00]
1991 BMW 318i  [8.66]
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithe90
I didn't even notice that. I just assumed that it went under the brace because I couldn't really tell from the pics...
I guess it's possible either way. Under the brace is probably cleaner, but maybe more difficult to quickly pull off for those dealer visits if you're so inclined. I wonder if the harness can squeeze through from the sensor end, one connector at a time.
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 12:31 PM   #8
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by S4NoMore View Post
I guess it's possible either way. Under the brace is probably cleaner, but maybe more difficult to quickly pull off for those dealer visits if you're so inclined. I wonder if the harness can squeeze through from the sensor end, one connector at a time.
It doesnt, I tried. But now I'm going to take another look. Would much rather have it not under the strut brace....

The new plastic box is an annoying addition though.
__________________

Last edited by smithf80; 12-11-2014 at 11:28 AM..
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 12:32 PM   #9
S4NoMore
Major
S4NoMore's Avatar
United_States
252
Rep
1,003
Posts

Drives: 16 340i, 15 X3d, 91 318i
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Philly suburbs

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
2015 BMW X3 28d  [0.00]
1991 BMW 318i  [8.66]
Quote:
Originally Posted by smithe90
It doesnt, I tried. But now I'm going to take another look. Would much rather have it not under the strut brace....

The new plastic box is an annoying addition though.
Ah so the plastic box doesn't clean things up at all? I recall a thread where someone asked if it might actually help conceal the JB harness.

Last edited by S4NoMore; 12-11-2014 at 11:30 AM..
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 12:41 PM   #10
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by S4NoMore View Post
Ah so the plastic box doesn't clean things up at all? I recall a thread where someone asked if it might actually help conceal the JB harness.
no it really doesn't. I mean its obvious you can see all the wires. anyone with two eyes who has ever worked on a BMW will notice. The plastic box is just there for extra weatherproofing I assume. Ill take a pic.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 03:17 PM   #11
EBIINYC
Private First Class
EBIINYC's Avatar
54
Rep
190
Posts

Drives: 4GC
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Any rough idle that you've noticed?
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 03:21 PM   #12
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Igor1080
Any issues with rough idle?
Nope!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-10-2014, 06:33 PM   #13
expertsedan
Second Lieutenant
43
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 50i, F82 M4, E36 M3
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

BMS stage 1 really bring my 428xi back to life! But seems I have to take it out everytime I go the dealership.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 09:34 AM   #14
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Updated with review after a few days
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 11:10 AM   #15
lbovill
Private First Class
lbovill's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 BMW 328i
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Close to the Southernmost Point

iTrader: (2)

I have the BMS stage 1 and love it. I just can't decide if I should spring for the JB4 upgrade.

Any thoughts from people with it installed? Particularly with regard to the trade off between longevity of the engine and performance.
__________________
2013 F30 328i: BMS JB4, BMW 216 18x8 et34, Dinan Springs, Rev09 FMIC, M Performance Exhaust, coded, and BavSound Stage 1
---
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 11:48 AM   #16
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by lbovill View Post
I have the BMS stage 1 and love it. I just can't decide if I should spring for the JB4 upgrade.

Any thoughts from people with it installed? Particularly with regard to the trade off between longevity of the engine and performance.
IMO you should only get Stage 2 if you plan on doing supporting mods or want to run e85/meth.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 12:17 PM   #17
lbovill
Private First Class
lbovill's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 BMW 328i
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Close to the Southernmost Point

iTrader: (2)

That's what I thought. But someone told me it is great with 93 octane and map 2.

In reality I basically am not interested in doing to much to this car. I have an intake and a the stage 1 tune. May do the cat back exhaust in the future but not really looking to mod much more than that.
__________________
2013 F30 328i: BMS JB4, BMW 216 18x8 et34, Dinan Springs, Rev09 FMIC, M Performance Exhaust, coded, and BavSound Stage 1
---
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 12:23 PM   #18
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by lbovill View Post
That's what I thought. But someone told me it is great with 93 octane and map 2.

In reality I basically am not interested in doing to much to this car. I have an intake and a the stage 1 tune. May do the cat back exhaust in the future but not really looking to mod much more than that.
Isn't map 2 on 93 the same as doing 4psi and 93 on stage 1?
__________________
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 12:28 PM   #19
lbovill
Private First Class
lbovill's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
187
Posts

Drives: 2013 F30 BMW 328i
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Close to the Southernmost Point

iTrader: (2)

To be honest I don't know. I will look into it.
__________________
2013 F30 328i: BMS JB4, BMW 216 18x8 et34, Dinan Springs, Rev09 FMIC, M Performance Exhaust, coded, and BavSound Stage 1
---
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 07:05 PM   #20
f30luxline
e92 - 335i
United_States
179
Rep
743
Posts

Drives: thisonetimeatbandcamp
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by smithe90 View Post
Isn't map 2 on 93 the same as doing 4psi and 93 on stage 1?
What do you mean about being the same? There are a lot of characteristics involved to consider it to be the same.

On the other hand, it is very similar. Both run the same PSI I believe, that's if stock boost is in fact 17psi. The minor differences would be in that map 2 needs "exhaust modifications", quoted from BMS. I believe this refers to having a DP but not positive. And then there are the other pro's to the JB4 over the Stage 1.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 08:00 PM   #21
MyFragileHalogen
Captain
449
Rep
992
Posts

Drives: '16 M4 6MT
Join Date: May 2013
Location: OR

iTrader: (0)

I am guessing maybe stage 1 with +4psi and race gas is the setting for the stage 1 race gas dyno on their web site. Also I guess that the 4.9s for 0-60 they claim might have been obtained from +4psi with race gas or close setting.
Appreciate 0
      12-12-2014, 08:02 PM   #22
smithf80
Major General
smithf80's Avatar
United_States
2794
Rep
5,313
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 6MT
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Long Island, NY

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2022 G20 330i  [9.00]
2018 F80 M3  [9.75]
Quote:
Originally Posted by f30luxline View Post
What do you mean about being the same? There are a lot of characteristics involved to consider it to be the same.

On the other hand, it is very similar. Both run the same PSI I believe, that's if stock boost is in fact 17psi. The minor differences would be in that map 2 needs "exhaust modifications", quoted from BMS. I believe this refers to having a DP but not positive. And then there are the other pro's to the JB4 over the Stage 1.
It should be the same... The JB4 uses the same connectors. It might be SLIGHTLY if any different. The benefit of the JB4 vs Stage 1 is the ability to run e85/meth.
__________________
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:14 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST