[Steakpizza]

Hey guys,

So about two months ago I bought a 320i. I was never much of a car guy (coming from a Mazda 3), but after graduating school and making decent money, I decided I'd get a BMW and the 320i was at a great price with all the options I wanted.

The issue now is that this car has me hooked. The 320i comes in stock at 180hp, which is kind of low, but I've never been a car guy to begin with. I know I could have gotten a 328, but I took the lesser option so I want to do as much as I can. I currently have a JB4 and it feels great.

So the questions, which are the best performance upgrades for the 320i?

I hear BM3 is the next best ECU tune, but how much of a performance upgrade over a JB4 is it in terms of raw HP/TQ?

I see some threads about ECU tuning (GSR Technik) that claim +75hp/100+tq on the 320i, these numbers are only available through these custom tunes and not through BM3? Does anybody know a tuner around Philadelphia that can attain these #s?

What other parts would grant me more HP? What other things should I be doing to my car?

Thanks for all the help, and I know the answer to some questions will be "Save up for a 328", but again that's not the situation I'm in.

[sspade]

FMIC
Chargepipe combo
Catless Downpipe
GFB DV+
Bigger Turbo
Flash Tune

[SalazF30]

I would personally just keep the Jb4 to keep it safe, I only have the jb4 on my 320i and I'm going to do the Sport + and SAT coding, it's really all you need. You shouldn't really expect to get a ton of HP out of it, I would just do simple mods

[sspade]

Originally Posted by SalazF30

I would personally just keep the Jb4 to keep it safe, I only have the jb4 on my 320i and I'm going to do the Sport + and SAT coding, it's really all you need. You shouldn't really expect to get a ton of HP out of it, I would just do simple mods

I dont personally think JB4 is considered the safest tune. Plenty of people have overboosted and blown their engines with that and similar tunes.

Most of the items I listed are very easy installs that can be done on ramps in your garage with simple hand tools. All of them except the turbo to be honest.

[SalazF30]

Originally Posted by sspade

I dont personally think JB4 is considered the safest tune. Plenty of people have overboosted and blown their engines with that and similar tunes.

Most of the items I listed are very easy installs that can be done on ramps in your garage with simple hand tools. All of them except the turbo to be honest.

I agree, that's why it's safe to only use map 5 on a 320i, but I wouldn't go crazy doing turbo upgrades, I doubt the pistons could keep up. Just use the pre loaded maps and you should be good, I've had no problems using map 5 and I've been using it since last summer. At the end of the day it's just a 320i, it's not meant to push over 350 hp but it's definitely a fun car to drive with just a jb4 and worth every penny.

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by SalazF30

I would personally just keep the Jb4 to keep it safe, I only have the jb4 on my 320i and I'm going to do the Sport + and SAT coding, it's really all you need. You shouldn't really expect to get a ton of HP out of it, I would just do simple mods

I have the JB4, SAT and Sports + and it definitely makes the car much better, but even with just that I think we're only pushing ~220 or so hp. I've seen posts where people have theirs sub 300, and that's where I want to be. If I can get 270-300 then that will even my limit.

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by sspade

Drop in Air Filter / Air Scoop
FMIC
Chargepipe / Turbopipe
Catless Downpipe
GFB DV+
Bigger Turbo
Flash Tune

Do you know of any good Flash tunes for the 320i? I see some that offer ~215hp overall and then some that offer 260+ but I can't find anything like that in the US. There was a GSR Technik thread for the 320i that netted +75hp which would bring me to 250ish, which would be great. A tune like that with the add ons would probably bring me to 270-280 total hp which is right where I'd feel safe and happy.

I know there is BM3, but that would net me the same hp gains as where I stand with the Jb4 right? I know BM3 would be safer, but I'd rather upgrade other points first then make a current switch from Jb4 to BM3.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

Do you know of any good Flash tunes for the 320i? I see some that offer ~215hp overall and then some that offer 260+ but I can't find anything like that in the US. There was a GSR Technik thread for the 320i that netted +75hp which would bring me to 250ish, which would be great. A tune like that with the add ons would probably bring me to 270-280 total hp which is right where I'd feel safe and happy.

I know there is BM3, but that would net me the same hp gains as where I stand with the Jb4 right? I know BM3 would be safer, but I'd rather upgrade other points first then make a current switch from Jb4 to BM3.

Im holding out for a flash tune and at this point narrowed my search down to Velos Designwerks and Bimmer Performance Center. Both offer tuning for N20/N26.

Open to other ideas on flash tuners for our flatform, if anyone has recommendations?

[SalazF30]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

I have the JB4, SAT and Sports + and it definitely makes the car much better, but even with just that I think we're only pushing ~220 or so hp. I've seen posts where people have theirs sub 300, and that's where I want to be. If I can get 270-300 then that will even my limit.

I doubt it's 220, mine has pulled on 328i's, is350's, and even my buddy's n54 (all those cars are stock of course with just my jb4)

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by SalazF30

I doubt it's 220, mine has pulled on 328i's, is350's, and even my buddy's n54 (all those cars are stock of course with just my jb4)

I think stock 320i Jb4 Map 5 would max at about 230. Stage 1 is 215 or so and stage 2 is what nets the 260ish, but stage 2 is a bunch of mods included. Map 5 on the Jb4 is auto learning I believe, but even then I don't see it pushing +75hp into the engine with zero mods. I'm on mobile now but there have been a few threads showing gains with the Jb4 and Stage 1 and 2.

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by sspade

Im holding out for a flash tune and at this point narrowed my search down to Velos Designwerks and Bimmer Performance Center. Both offer tuning for N20/N26.

Open to other ideas on flash tuners for our flatform, if anyone has recommendations?

They seem great! I'm going to inquire and see if they do an any 320i tuning because I only see forbidden 328+.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

They seem great! I'm going to inquire and see if they do an any 320i tuning because I only see forbidden 328+.

Make sure to report back on your finding, Im sure we aren't the only two considering their services.

[rjd_F30]

If you like your JB4 just stick with it. It's not the best thing out there, but it works and if you datalog frequently and make sure your not over boosting like others have you should be ok. Just know that there is always that risk. If you want to mitigate that risk (I chose mitigate rather than eliminate intentionally), get a good flash tune, I always recommend bootmod3. With the JB4, you can add a catless downpipe and intercooler, and that will net you some nice power gains. That's what I'd recommend.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by sspade

Im holding out for a flash tune and at this point narrowed my search down to Velos Designwerks and Bimmer Performance Center. Both offer tuning for N20/N26.

Open to other ideas on flash tuners for our flatform, if anyone has recommendations?

What made you choose those as the final contenders?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

What made you choose those as the final contenders?

First and foremost, because Im dead set on a Flash Tune as opposed to Piggyback. It is my opinion that a proper flash is worlds better and safer than a piggyback. I dont think we need to rehash exactly why, since its been gone over a million times.

As far as flash tuners, Im only aware of these for the N20/N26 platform:

BM3 - The most popular choice on the forum, for sure. Obviously know what they are doing but at the same time - I have read multiple horror stories from their customers. A simple search on the forum will reveal communication issues where people have had ongoing issues for weeks on end. Apparently its just a couple of guys who are overloaded with work and Im not looking to add to that problem and be waiting for long periods of time if and when I have an issue. Also some drive ability / limp mode issues that people have experienced.

Velos Designwerks - Somewhat new to this platform but have experience tuning much higher end vehicles than a 3 series BMW. Had a good conversation with Stephen over there and discovered that their tuning process is pretty much identical to the tune that I had on my last vehicle which for me was a super straightforward, quick and error free process. Have multiple tuned N2X vehicles on the road, apparently with no issues. Wish some of them would join this forum! We know they aren't completely bullshitting us because they have posted pictures/dyno results. There are also reviews from M3 owners who have had their vehicles tuned by them with excellent results.

Bimmer Performance Center - As far as I can tell, these guys are the only option that is a legit BMW repair shop, not just a tuner, not just someone who can bolt on performance parts but a real shop with real experience. To me, this is valuable and proves that they really know these cars because they work on them day in day out. They know what breaks and whats at risk for failure. They also have arguably the fastest N20/N26 vehicle on the forum. Technically second but first was someone who admittedly pushed the limits and ran a completely unsafe tune and a racing fuel/e33 mixture to break into the 12's.

At this point, Im leaning towards BPC.

Anyone feel free to share thoughts and comments. Did I miss anyone that offers Flash Tuning for this platform?

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by rjdnyy224

If you like your JB4 just stick with it. It's not the best thing out there, but it works and if you datalog frequently and make sure your not over boosting like others have you should be ok. Just know that there is always that risk. If you want to mitigate that risk (I chose mitigate rather than eliminate intentionally), get a good flash tune, I always recommend bootmod3. With the JB4, you can add a catless downpipe and intercooler, and that will net you some nice power gains. That's what I'd recommend.

Do you know what gains can be made with BM3? They have maps of their own, but you can also upload custom maps right? Let's say stock and no BM3?

[brofessorpham]

I too, own a 320i. The amount of mods that I have done can be epitomized by my signature. I haven’t put my car on a dyno, but if I had to guess I would say that I’m running 250-260 hp to the wheels easily.. and that is a conservative estimate. The mods actually let the car run smoother due to fuel ratio/timing manipulation, increased boost, increased airflow via intake and catless downpipe. I have even observed slightly better gas mileage than factory’s rating of 34 mpg on hwy (I get 35.) In regards to JB4, I would stick to map 5 due to the dangerous amount of boost that can be pushed into the engine... 11:1 compression ratio doesn’t help either.

[Steakpizza]

Originally Posted by brofessorpham

I too, own a 320i. The amount of mods that I have done can be epitomized by my signature. I haven’t put my car on a dyno, but if I had to guess I would say that I’m running 250-260 hp to the wheels easily.. and that is a conservative estimate. The mods actually let the car run smoother due to fuel ratio/timing manipulation, increased boost, increased airflow via intake and catless downpipe. I have even observed slightly better gas mileage than factory’s rating of 34 mpg on hwy (I get 35.) In regards to JB4, I would stick to map 5 due to the dangerous amount of boost that can be pushed into the engine... 11:1 compression ratio doesn’t help either.

Yeah nice car! How's the car sound?

Also, after researching a million times, I read that we actually get more power from Map 5 than Map 1, and Map 2 can have around 260hp with Stage 2 mods.

What kind of gains does BM3 alone give from stock? What's the point of BM3 and Jb4 together?

[brofessorpham]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

Yeah nice car! How's the car sound?

Also, after researching a million times, I read that we actually get more power from Map 5 than Map 1, and Map 2 can have around 260hp with Stage 2 mods.

What kind of gains does BM3 alone give from stock? What's the point of BM3 and Jb4 together?

Thanks man! In regards to sound, subjectivity is significant in judging quality. Catless + AWE to ME sounds a bit raspy around 2.5k-3k rpms; however at idle and lower RPMS it sounds very deep and sporty. Despite this, it still sounds very good for a 4 banger. That’s my only gripe, nonetheless the performance gains, gunshot burbles, and absence of drone offset the negative.

Here’s a sound clip I uploaded earlier this week when I only had a catless downpipe and stock catback.

In the future I will upload my current exhaust setup (i.e. Catless+AWE). It will most likely be a compilation of startups, revs, and drive bys.

Stage 1 BM3 will net you anywhere between 30-45 whp and maybe 50-60 tq, but this is only from speculation as no one has officially released dyno numbers (I’m personally still waiting).

JB4 is purely a piggyback that essentially functions as a boost controller, whereas Bootmod3 is an ECU tune that manipulates engine variables such as timing, fuel, etc. It follows that BM3 is more of an effective power booster because it provides reliable gains due to supporting mods/variable manipulation that rectify issues that come with running higher boost levels on stock internals. I have read that you can run both together, but I do not have adequate knowledge to assist you with that topic.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

Yeah nice car! How's the car sound?

Also, after researching a million times, I read that we actually get more power from Map 5 than Map 1, and Map 2 can have around 260hp with Stage 2 mods.

What kind of gains does BM3 alone give from stock? What's the point of BM3 and Jb4 together?

Like said above, no one has dyne'ed BM3 OTS Stg. 1 on an N20 to my knowledge, but you should expect 40whp and 50-60wtq. Regarding your last question, running BM3 and JB4 together, it's called stacking tunes, and people do it for the coexistence of both tune's features. For example, people will stack JB4 with BM3 in order to use the JB4's ethanol control while still running a BM3 tune. That's pretty much the only reason it's done to my knowledge.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by sspade

First and foremost, because Im dead set on a Flash Tune as opposed to Piggyback. It is my opinion that a proper flash is worlds better and safer than a piggyback. I dont think we need to rehash exactly why, since its been gone over a million times.

As far as flash tuners, Im only aware of these for the N20/N26 platform:

BM3 - The most popular choice on the forum, for sure. Obviously know what they are doing but at the same time - I have read multiple horror stories from their customers. A simple search on the forum will reveal communication issues where people have had ongoing issues for weeks on end. Apparently its just a couple of guys who are overloaded with work and Im not looking to add to that problem and be waiting for long periods of time if and when I have an issue. Also some drive ability / limp mode issues that people have experienced.

Velos Designwerks - Somewhat new to this platform but have experience tuning much higher end vehicles than a 3 series BMW. Had a good conversation with Stephen over there and discovered that their tuning process is pretty much identical to the tune that I had on my last vehicle which for me was a super straightforward, quick and error free process. Have multiple tuned N2X vehicles on the road, apparently with no issues. Wish some of them would join this forum! We know they aren't completely bullshitting us because they have posted pictures/dyno results. There are also reviews from M3 owners who have had their vehicles tuned by them with excellent results.

Bimmer Performance Center - As far as I can tell, these guys are the only option that is a legit BMW repair shop, not just a tuner, not just someone who can bolt on performance parts but a real shop with real experience. To me, this is valuable and proves that they really know these cars because they work on them day in day out. They know what breaks and whats at risk for failure. They also have arguably the fastest N20/N26 vehicle on the forum. Technically second but first was someone who admittedly pushed the limits and ran a completely unsafe tune and a racing fuel/e33 mixture to break into the 12's.

At this point, Im leaning towards BPC.

Anyone feel free to share thoughts and comments. Did I miss anyone that offers Flash Tuning for this platform?

I'm totally with you on the flashes being safer than piggybacks 100%. All fair enough vouches for those products as well. I haven't heard much at all about the tuners you listed save for BM3, so I can't really say much, but I will say it seems like you're making an educated decision. I'll also add that I have never reached out to BM3 and not gotten a response in the same day, and I have reached out to them a lot. They have the best customer service I've seen from any company, not even car related, ever.

I think you missed Active Autowerke, they offer a flash tune for the N20 as well.

[rjd_F30]

Originally Posted by Steakpizza

Do you know what gains can be made with BM3? They have maps of their own, but you can also upload custom maps right? Let's say stock and no BM3?

Mentioned in an above post . And yah, you can use one of there "OTS" maps, which are off-the-shelf pre-made maps. That's what I've been running for a while now and they are good. You can also use the platform to have a custom tune made by a 3rd party tuner.