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      01-09-2018, 06:47 PM   #1
GregoryK
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JB4 on the M2

So i know this has likely been covered in another tread but can't find it.
How is the JB4 biggyback tune in the M2?
I had one on my old car and found it to be really great and I have the Bluetooth adapter and the app so was thinking of getting the N55 version.
Anyone have any thoughts?
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      01-09-2018, 07:53 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregoryK View Post
So i know this has likely been covered in another tread but can't find it.
How is the JB4 biggyback tune in the M2?
I had one on my old car and found it to be really great and I have the Bluetooth adapter and the app so was thinking of getting the N55 version.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I have also been back and forth with which piggyback to get. The JB4 has been around for quite some time now. I am not familiar with this platform and it?s my first BMW. I am still trying to get a grasp on these companies and what they offer.
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      01-10-2018, 08:49 AM   #3
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I thought I read on here somewhere that without doing a few upgrades (bigger turbo, change IC, improve intake, swap DP) that the JB4 isn't going to do much for a stock M2. Stock config is not limited by boost/maps/software, rather it is the hardware that is "holding it back".
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      01-10-2018, 12:51 PM   #4
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From what I have read, the N55 M2 motor is pretty evolved as delivered as far as power goes, so while a JB4 will produce decent results on a M235, the fueling issues at higher RPM's is the limiting factor for the M2, so you will see gains, but nothing close to say for instance a JB4 on an N54 motor. I believe this is one of the reasons that even with an ECU flash getting past 400 hp, even with an inter cooler and down pipe has been a tough nut to crack. Just my two cents.
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      01-10-2018, 01:01 PM   #5
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They claim 60bhp on a stock engine. It was about that on my MINI JCW. Completely transformed the engine. They can be a bit temperamental (the connections normally) but with the Bluetooth dongle you can use you smartphone to change maps and display many gauges. You are probably right on the maxed thing though. I'll call them and report back.
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      01-10-2018, 07:42 PM   #6
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As a flash tune user, I'll say first, JB4 is great for m2, when properly used.

Coming out factory in a higher state of tune, M2 N55 is by far the all time least rewarding tuning platform in BMW turbocharged era.

M2 factory DME implements a few extra safety measures at higher rev ranges over normal n55, which is not necessary by "aftermarket tuning" standard but many flash tunes in the market today fails to properly adjust. By contrast, Piggyback circumvents these top end safeties by not letting it see the real boost, from which you'll see gains.

There is no m2 specific JB4 firmware available, nor is BMS trying to make one as it seems. As calibrated for 10psi factory boost models, even the addictively targeting map1 is a little too aggressive for M2. You will need a custom absolute targeting map6 doing a 17psi middle range (2psi over stock "overboost" state) and 14-15psi at redline depending on your octane. IC upgrade in any case is a must have, DP not so much, believe me. You'll be faster than most ECU flash. Good luck!

Sean.
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      01-12-2018, 09:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanWRT View Post
As a flash tune user, I'll say first, JB4 is great for m2, when properly used.

Coming out factory in a higher state of tune, M2 N55 is by far the all time least rewarding tuning platform in BMW turbocharged era.

M2 factory DME implements a few extra safety measures at higher rev ranges over normal n55, which is not necessary by "aftermarket tuning" standard but many flash tunes in the market today fails to properly adjust. By contrast, Piggyback circumvents these top end safeties by not letting it see the real boost, from which you'll see gains.

There is no m2 specific JB4 firmware available, nor is BMS trying to make one as it seems. As calibrated for 10psi factory boost models, even the addictively targeting map1 is a little too aggressive for M2. You will need a custom absolute targeting map6 doing a 17psi middle range (2psi over stock "overboost" state) and 14-15psi at redline depending on your octane. IC upgrade in any case is a must have, DP not so much, believe me. You'll be faster than most ECU flash. Good luck!

Sean.

Hey Sean. This is really great info. So you are running a JB4 with a custom map. You did however upgrade your IC? Why is that so important? What did you use and did you change it yourself?
Love to know the difference in your experience with the car before and after your tune. Greg
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      01-12-2018, 04:57 PM   #8
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SeanWRT, so our car is running 14-15 psi stock? Do you know any standard tunes that boost it closer to 20psi or is there a reason the m2 N55 is not able to safely and reliably run at that level?. I run 93 octane where I am
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      01-13-2018, 02:14 AM   #9
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GregoryK To all of your questions:
JB4 was on my wife's 328i years back, car sold already. With M2, I'm on flash only.
The higher boost you push, the more sensitive DME is to octane and thus IAT. Most agree that stock IC is incapable of managing IAT when you crack up boost. My mechanic did all the install of my hardwares. As for the difference in experience, it's been incremental power improvement every step of the way, but I wouldn't say "day and night" difference like some others would tell. To those unfamiliar with stock M2, my car feel just like a powerful stock car that sounds not bad either

Bt12
DME is load based and adjust boost mainly to intake air density (elevation and IAT). Normally you will see boost peaks at 15psi at 4500~5500 range, given 90F of IAT at sea level and tapers to 12ish psi at redline.

All the standard, or OTS as most like to call it, flashes will get you 18psi or so from 3k5~5k range and taper all the way to around 14psi at top end. JB4 will can do that too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GregoryK View Post
Hey Sean. This is really great info. So you are running a JB4 with a custom map. You did however upgrade your IC? Why is that so important? What did you use and did you change it yourself?
Love to know the difference in your experience with the car before and after your tune. Greg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bt12 View Post
SeanWRT, so our car is running 14-15 psi stock? Do you know any standard tunes that boost it closer to 20psi or is there a reason the m2 N55 is not able to safely and reliably run at that level?. I run 93 octane where I am
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      01-13-2018, 09:33 AM   #10
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Thanks SeanWRT. This gives me an idea of what to do when I get bored of stock.
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      01-13-2018, 04:13 PM   #11
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Yes.....thanks a bunch SeanWRT

I have had a JB4 sitting in the garage waiting on the car to arrive. I sold the one form my S55 and took the money and got it. I am currently breaking the car in then will do Baseline dyno runs. After that I will install the JB4 and larger FMIC just in case. Then adapt it.

My plan is to run some E85 afterwards for a little bump

Last edited by horsepower_and_hounds; 01-13-2018 at 05:29 PM..
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      01-04-2020, 06:08 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GregoryK View Post
They claim 60bhp on a stock engine. It was about that on my MINI JCW. Completely transformed the engine. They can be a bit temperamental (the connections normally) but with the Bluetooth dongle you can use you smartphone to change maps and display many gauges. You are probably right on the maxed thing though. I'll call them and report back.
Reviving this thread... GregoryK - What did you end up going with and what was your experience? Curious, thanks!
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