Reliable tuning options N20

JoeGunn · 05-05-2020, 12:36 PM

I’ve searched on here and come up with loads of conflicting information. I have a 2016 328i 6spd N20 engine. I would like a reliable increase in power. I don’t want to do any other mods or spend hours messing around on a laptop trying to get the right tune for the car. I have zero mechanic abilities nor a garage anymore, so the easiest/safest way to increase power would be preferred. What are everyone’s recommendations?

Z K · 05-05-2020, 01:10 PM

Plug-in tuners such as the JB+, Dinan Sport are the start of tuning with easy plug in to one sensor. They are the easiest. Takes 5 minutes and you'll gain 30hp with no downside.

Moving up, the AFE Scorcher and JB stage 1 hooks up to 2 sensors and you can get a bit more power with no downside. Slightly more install time than the one sensor plug ins. JB4 is a bit more advanced and it's probably the most you can get from a plug in.

Beyond that, a full reflash such as BM3 would get you the most power but you need to overwrite the existing DME.

If you want something most reliable, probably stick to the plug in tunes that you can install and uninstall easily. Flash tunes can be reliable as well but you're taking more risk. Flashes are also detectable by BMW if they look.

JoeGunn · 05-05-2020, 01:51 PM

Thank you, that’s actually super helpful.

Carlosskrr · 05-06-2020, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ve searched on here and come up with loads of conflicting information. I have a 2016 328i 6spd N20 engine. I would like a reliable increase in power. I don’t want to do any other mods or spend hours messing around on a laptop trying to get the right tune for the car. I have zero mechanic abilities nor a garage anymore, so the easiest/safest way to increase power would be preferred. What are everyone’s recommendations?

The best tune out there is Bootmod3. Look it up every youtuber runs that and there are countless people running that tune on here as well. The reason why be bM3 is so reliable is because it actually reflashes your whole DME. Jb4 and the other tunes actually trick your sensors into releasing more boost. Nothing wrong with jb4 but bm3 is also the easiest to install takes like 15 mins to just flash from your obd port. If I were you I would 100% go with BM3 stage 1 if you don't plan on upgrading your intercooler or down pipe. Also if you plan on tuning your car, regardless of what tune you go with you need to upgrade your chargepipe. Bmw puts shitty plastic ones that tend to burst even under stock boost pressure.

mike@x-ph.com · 05-06-2020, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ve searched on here and come up with loads of conflicting information. I have a 2016 328i 6spd N20 engine. I would like a reliable increase in power. I don’t want to do any other mods or spend hours messing around on a laptop trying to get the right tune for the car. I have zero mechanic abilities nor a garage anymore, so the easiest/safest way to increase power would be preferred. What are everyone’s recommendations?

Lots of reliable tunes for your car, it just depends on what you are looking for.
Based on your post, I would recommend one of these 2 options

Bootmod3 - flash tune, lots of features, and very easy to use. Initial install takes a few minutes (software only)

Jb+ - simple booster controller, install takes 2 minutes

JoeGunn · 05-06-2020, 05:27 PM

I’ll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.

subzero05 · 05-07-2020, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.

plug and play are fine if you are just looking for an easy upgrade, there are plenty of options, RaceChip, Dinan sport etc.

BrandonMllr · 05-07-2020, 10:24 AM

I agree with this :"The best tune out there is Bootmod3"

chowser51 · 05-08-2020, 04:19 PM

buy once pay once.

i started with jb+. set it to max and installed it. lasted 6 months. black friday hit and i bought bm3. should've just bought bm3 at the beginning.

i'm not worried about the dealer. i'm way out of warranty and do most of my own maintenance so if something gets buggered up, it's on me anyway.

rjd_F30 · 05-13-2020, 07:15 PM

If you want the least possible interaction/features and just want a set and forget power increase, look at Dinantronics Sport. I had one before I upgraded to BM3 and really liked it for what it was.

https://www.dinancars.com/products/s...arts/D440-0010

Nuschke F30 · 05-14-2020, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.

I'm moving from jb+ to bm3 this month so I could sell you mine if you're looking to buy one. I've only had it on about 6 months I have it adjusted for max hp so you won't have to open it and adjust, and as other people have said it takes 2min to clip on and adds about 25 - 30hp.

JoeGunn · 05-15-2020, 03:19 PM

I ended up getting the DINAN Sport and it's really great. Very easy to install and makes the car run better overall.

GreenF30N26 · 05-15-2020, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I ended up getting the DINAN Sport and it's really great. Very easy to install and makes the car runs better overall.

Congrats! I started there as well and made a ton of difference. Enjoy.

Sebnagy22 · 05-16-2020, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ve searched on here and come up with loads of conflicting information. I have a 2016 328i 6spd N20 engine. I would like a reliable increase in power. I don’t want to do any other mods or spend hours messing around on a laptop trying to get the right tune for the car. I have zero mechanic abilities nor a garage anymore, so the easiest/safest way to increase power would be preferred. What are everyone’s recommendations?

BM3 is great as mentioned. Should also consider taking it to a reliable tuner with a dyno etc. Here's my stage 1 gains in my 428i on 97 RON

chowser51 · 05-16-2020, 07:31 PM

wow, that's better than what i got with a stage 1 on the b46. mine was 233 to the wheels.
i do have xdrive and it was done on a mustang (heartbreaker) dyno.

phdat28 · 05-19-2020, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuschke F30

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I’ll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.

I'm moving from jb+ to bm3 this month so I could sell you mine if you're looking to buy one. I've only had it on about 6 months I have it adjusted for max hp so you won't have to open it and adjust, and as other people have said it takes 2min to clip on and adds about 25 - 30hp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuschke F30

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeGunn

I'll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.

I'm moving from jb+ to bm3 this month so I could sell you mine if you're looking to buy one. I've only had it on about 6 months I have it adjusted for max hp so you won't have to open it and adjust, and as other people have said it takes 2min to clip on and adds about 25 - 30hp.

Can you sell it to me?

mmacho90 · 05-19-2020, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjd_F30

If you want the least possible interaction/features and just want a set and forget power increase, look at Dinantronics Sport. I had one before I upgraded to BM3 and really liked it for what it was.

https://www.dinancars.com/products/s...arts/D440-0010

Was the power increase noticeable on the jump to BM3? I have a dinantronics sport with an upgraded intercooler and the only thing holding me back is if the jump is really worth it/noticeable. Running it in "race" mode

rjd_F30 · 05-19-2020, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmacho90

Was the power increase noticeable on the jump to BM3? I have a dinantronics sport with an upgraded intercooler and the only thing holding me back is if the jump is really worth it/noticeable. Running it in "race" mode

I did a really in depth write up at the time that will probably answer most of your questions. If not, feel free to shoot me a PM

Also, if you look through my post history, you'll see another thread wherein I outlined the switch from Stg. 1 to Stg. 2 if you're interested in that.

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1495692

Fuel-It! · 05-19-2020, 07:14 PM

JB+ is a great option for $200 with a 30 second install and can even be upgraded to a JB4 later if you need more.

Nuschke F30 · 05-20-2020, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phdat28

Can you sell it to me?

Yes sure. I have it packed and ready to ship. PM me

05-05-2020, 12:36 PM	#1
JoeGunn New Member 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 328i (6spd) Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Reliable tuning options N20 I’ve searched on here and come up with loads of conflicting information. I have a 2016 328i 6spd N20 engine. I would like a reliable increase in power. I don’t want to do any other mods or spend hours messing around on a laptop trying to get the right tune for the car. I have zero mechanic abilities nor a garage anymore, so the easiest/safest way to increase power would be preferred. What are everyone’s recommendations?
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05-05-2020, 01:10 PM	#2
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	Plug-in tuners such as the JB+, Dinan Sport are the start of tuning with easy plug in to one sensor. They are the easiest. Takes 5 minutes and you'll gain 30hp with no downside. Moving up, the AFE Scorcher and JB stage 1 hooks up to 2 sensors and you can get a bit more power with no downside. Slightly more install time than the one sensor plug ins. JB4 is a bit more advanced and it's probably the most you can get from a plug in. Beyond that, a full reflash such as BM3 would get you the most power but you need to overwrite the existing DME. If you want something most reliable, probably stick to the plug in tunes that you can install and uninstall easily. Flash tunes can be reliable as well but you're taking more risk. Flashes are also detectable by BMW if they look. __________________ Auto Detailing Enthusiast!
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05-05-2020, 01:51 PM	#3
JoeGunn New Member 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 328i (6spd) Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Thank you, that’s actually super helpful.
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05-06-2020, 05:27 PM	#6
JoeGunn New Member 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 328i (6spd) Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I’ll honestly probably just go with Jb+. The whole flashing my car makes me a little uneasy after researching it more. I want less features and zero interaction. I was going to upgrade to a M car but after driving them I prefer the livability of my 328i, would just like a bit more power.
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05-07-2020, 10:24 AM	#8
BrandonMllr New Member 2 Rep 14 Posts Drives: BMW 1series F52 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I agree with this :"The best tune out there is Bootmod3"
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05-08-2020, 04:19 PM	#9
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	buy once pay once. i started with jb+. set it to max and installed it. lasted 6 months. black friday hit and i bought bm3. should've just bought bm3 at the beginning. i'm not worried about the dealer. i'm way out of warranty and do most of my own maintenance so if something gets buggered up, it's on me anyway.
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05-13-2020, 07:15 PM	#10
rjd_F30 Brigadier General 2000 Rep 3,679 Posts Drives: 2013 335i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	If you want the least possible interaction/features and just want a set and forget power increase, look at Dinantronics Sport. I had one before I upgraded to BM3 and really liked it for what it was. https://www.dinancars.com/products/s...arts/D440-0010 __________________ Instagram: rjd_f30 \| Current: EBII 2013 335i 6MT RWD & Sprint Blue 2008 Audi RS4 \| Retired: 2013 328i, 2000 XTerra, 2022 Civic Si \|
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05-15-2020, 03:19 PM	#12
JoeGunn New Member 11 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2016 328i (6spd) Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	I ended up getting the DINAN Sport and it's really great. Very easy to install and makes the car run better overall.
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05-16-2020, 07:31 PM	#15
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	wow, that's better than what i got with a stage 1 on the b46. mine was 233 to the wheels. i do have xdrive and it was done on a mustang (heartbreaker) dyno.
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05-19-2020, 07:14 PM	#19
Fuel-It! Banned 550 Rep 949 Posts Drives: M4, M5, M2C, X4M, 440i, etc... Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Phoenix AZ iTrader: (0)	JB+ is a great option for $200 with a 30 second install and can even be upgraded to a JB4 later if you need more.
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