[vernors]

Got a late model N54 vehicle and am planning to go the following route.

JB4
FMIC
BMS DCI
30% to 35% E85 Mix
91 Octane (CA)

Possible Addition:
Ethanol Analyzer/Sensor Kit
BOV (can I keep stock, or must replace?)

I've heard that the JB4 Map 5 is an auto-tune that will provide an 'on the fly' adjustment based on fuel type which the JB4 already senses through one of the OEM sensors....

There was some mention of Map 5 only being affective in gears 3 and 4, which I think is wrong....but want to clarify. I believe that Map 5 needs 'set up' time by monitoring WOT pulls in gears 3 and 4, but otherwise operates in all rev ranges and gears....true?

Also Is an Ethanol Analyzer needed or recommended? Is there a benefit by adding the Analyzer/Sensor kit?

Lastly, does the addition of a backend flash create a better overall set up? By better, I mean safer (due to JB4 safety features) and also more powerful/more appropriate because of the specific bolt ons I have...be it MHD or another one. I'm a little unclear on the JB4/Secondary Flash concept....

Thanks for the help, yeah lots of questions but you all know your stuff so I appreciate any advice.

[GreatWhite5er]

Originally Posted by vernors

Got a late model N54 vehicle and am planning to go the following route.

JB4
FMIC
BMS DCI
30% to 35% E85 Mix
91 Octane (CA)

Possible Addition:
Ethanol Analyzer/Sensor Kit

I've heard that the JB4 Map 5 is an auto-tune that will provide an 'on the fly' adjustment based on fuel type which the JB4 already senses through one of the OEM sensors....

There was some mention of Map 5 only being affective in gears 3 and 4, which I think is wrong....but want to clarify. I believe that Map 5 needs 'set up' time by monitoring WOT pulls in gears 3 and 4, but otherwise operates in all rev ranges and gears....true?

Also Is an Ethanol Analyzer needed or recommended? Is there a benefit by adding the Analyzer/Sensor kit?

Lastly, does the addition of a backend flash create a better overall set up? By better, I mean safer (due to JB4 safety features) and also more powerful/more appropriate because of the specific bolt ons I have...be it MHD or another one. I'm a little unclear on the JB4/Secondary Flash concept....

Thanks for the help, yeah lots of questions but you all are know your stuff so I appreciate any advice.

ive got a 2008 535xi , cobb stage 2 with AR ** C/T less , ER fmic , ER chargepipe , forger diverter valves and DCI,,,, what a ridiculous set up. looooooove it . next spring I am getting cobb custome tune and will dyno on the awd dyno in town and then I can advise about numbers

[vernors]

Nice set up! I'm likely to do much the same, except for the down ppes.

I live fairly close to Evolution Racewerks and stopped by their shop, great people and very helpful. I've heard that they are the only ones that make a FMIC for the 535i....saw that the 7" VRSF can technically work but has to basically hang from zip ties....which I'd rather avoid.

Is ER the only one that makes a drop in cooler? Also, how loud are your diverter/BOV? I want to keep things as quiet as possible, rather have a bad ass sleeper than call attention.

[GreatWhite5er]

lucky bastard to be close to them hahaha , yes very good to deal with and im way up here they made it so easy I felt like they were a local vender and very knowledgable , I saw that 7" one as well and said the same thing . the 5er from ER is doing just fine on my set up

[GreatWhite5er]

the diverter valves from forge are identical to the way the stock work however of course can handle way way more boost and they are much stronger, no sound maybe the odd sound on a hard pull and boost in power

[GreatWhite5er]

but no whoosh like a blow off valve (vent to atmosphere style), regular aggressive driving just power no sound

[vernors]

Yeah, also very close to Burger and will probably head up to see them next week. 535i is being delivered in a month or so and am pre-planning upgrades.

ER said that they are going to have a Black Friday sale, and that it's the only day of the year that they sell direct to the public. I'd bet Burger also puts something together that is enticing. Will see.

I'm a huge proponent of buying used gear, and would prefer to find an FMIC from ER on the used market....but since the E60 crowd that modifies is much smaller than the E9X group, I'm not sure if (or how soon) I'll find one. $1,000 new for an FMIC seems pretty pricey...fingers crossed that something pops up.

Great to know about the diverters, I'll probably add them to to the list.

[GreatWhite5er]

I got the forge diverter valves, they don't make sounds

[GreatWhite5er]

ive only heard a few squeaks (not sure how to describe ) but that's from a good push burst of throttle

[vernors]

Ok, good to know about the above. Now need to figure out this part:

Originally Posted by vernors

Possible Addition:
Ethanol Analyzer/Sensor Kit

I've heard that the JB4 Map 5 is an auto-tune that will provide an 'on the fly' adjustment based on fuel type which the JB4 already senses through one of the OEM sensors....

There was some mention of Map 5 only being affective in gears 3 and 4, which I think is wrong....but want to clarify. I believe that Map 5 needs 'set up' time by monitoring WOT pulls in gears 3 and 4, but otherwise operates in all rev ranges and gears....true?

Also Is an Ethanol Analyzer needed or recommended? Is there a benefit by adding the Analyzer/Sensor kit?

Lastly, does the addition of a backend flash create a better overall set up? By better, I mean safer (due to JB4 safety features) and also more powerful/more appropriate because of the specific bolt ons I have...be it MHD or another one. I'm a little unclear on the JB4/Secondary Flash concept....

[GreatWhite5er]

I know nothing about jb4 ive been cobb form day 1, so easy to use and on the fly stuff and gauges easy to view and choose different gauges to view even monitor in real time when driving or pushing the car. as well the error codes if one or multiple show up you can easily know whats going on an fix it or diagnose and issue, saved me a lot of money form mechanics cause mechanics can say what they want to you when you half engine light limp mode it over to them.

[Terry @ BMS]

Solid and easy to run setup. You won't be disappointed.

JB4 reads/deletes codes, logs, etc, just like Cobb.

[vernors]

Hey Terry, yeah I'm likely sold on the JB4...and while there are a ton of them on the used market I'm waiting for you guys to shock me with such a great deal on Black Friday that I can't open the wallet quick enough : )

[135iam]

Originally Posted by vernors

Got a late model N54 vehicle and am planning to go the following route.

JB4
FMIC
BMS DCI
30% to 35% E85 Mix
91 Octane (CA)

Possible Addition:
Ethanol Analyzer/Sensor Kit
BOV (can I keep stock, or must replace?)

I've heard that the JB4 Map 5 is an auto-tune that will provide an 'on the fly' adjustment based on fuel type which the JB4 already senses through one of the OEM sensors....

There was some mention of Map 5 only being affective in gears 3 and 4, which I think is wrong....but want to clarify. I believe that Map 5 needs 'set up' time by monitoring WOT pulls in gears 3 and 4, but otherwise operates in all rev ranges and gears....true?

Also Is an Ethanol Analyzer needed or recommended? Is there a benefit by adding the Analyzer/Sensor kit?

Lastly, does the addition of a backend flash create a better overall set up? By better, I mean safer (due to JB4 safety features) and also more powerful/more appropriate because of the specific bolt ons I have...be it MHD or another one. I'm a little unclear on the JB4/Secondary Flash concept....

Thanks for the help, yeah lots of questions but you all know your stuff so I appreciate any advice.

I would consider a charge pipe a must have with what you list you want (BEF and E30). I was running just the off the shelf JB4 map 2 on a cold morning when my charge pipe broke (when they break they blow apart in a loud BANG!) then limped home and parked the car for 3 days waiting for the new charge pipe.

I ran my N54 for 4 years with a JB4 and a year now with the BEF. The BEF has a smoother power delivery, and higher boost thresholds. Its inexpensive in comparison to what it gives you IMO.

Map 5 works the way you are describing without a BEF. A BEF increases maps 1 and 2 both by 2psi. I prefer map 2 with a BEF over map 5.

[vernors]

Oooops, yes charge pipe should have been listed. Definitely will be getting one.

Is a BEF the ethanol kit? Have you ever added a flash on top of the JB4?

[joeinsd]

That's what the BEF is - Back End Flash. If you're going to run e85, then you'll want to flash the PUMP or e85 BEF.

Read up: http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29236

[vernors]

Ahhhh, got it. I'll read up on it. Thx.

Also, I'm not really seeing anyone list that they have the ethanol analyzer/sensor kit. I'm assuming that this isn't necessary since the JB4 monitors octane levels and can adjust accordingly? Also, at this point I have no plans to run more than 35% Ethanol....because I am not going to upgrade fuel pumps, lines, etc.....

[treehouse]

I run the Stage 2 LPFP and ethanol sensor... I really like to confirm my E% rather than guess. The new firmware on JB4 has a built in algorithm however, so not as necessary now.

I run a 09 135i with E85 BEF @ E50. Daily drive map 2. Lots of fun
FBO without inlets.

[vernors]

Interesting, thanks Tree that pretty much confirms what I thought. If I do decide to upgrade the pumps, which will only happen after I get a good handle on how the car performs with 35% Ethanol, I'll definitely pick up an analyzer as well.

[LessIsMore]

Originally Posted by vernors

Got a late model N54 vehicle and am planning to go the following route.

JB4
FMIC
BMS DCI
30% to 35% E85 Mix
91 Octane (CA)

Possible Addition:
Ethanol Analyzer/Sensor Kit
BOV (can I keep stock, or must replace?)

good plan. Use map 5 on the JB4 with e85 and won't be disappointed.
I had the same setup + dawnpipes and the car was very fast and reliable.

Don't bother with the ethanol analyzer, especially if you're going to run map 5 that auto-adjusts to different octaines/conditions.


DV/BOV - people say to replace the stock DV's, but I held off for a long time since I didn't want the wooshy sound and never had a problem with the charge pipe.

In my experience, I think the 535i charge pipe seems to be stronger, or at least fail less often, than the 1 and 3 series. I ran 21-23 psi on stock turbos, never an issue.

Originally Posted by vernors

I've heard that the JB4 Map 5 is an auto-tune that will provide an 'on the fly' adjustment based on fuel type which the JB4 already senses through one of the OEM sensors....

There was some mention of Map 5 only being affective in gears 3 and 4, which I think is wrong....but want to clarify. I believe that Map 5 needs 'set up' time by monitoring WOT pulls in gears 3 and 4, but otherwise operates in all rev ranges and gears....true?

No, map 5 is active in all gears. You do need to let map 5 learn in gears 3, 4, and 5, above (I think) 4000 rpm.

Originally Posted by vernors

Also Is an Ethanol Analyzer needed or recommended? Is there a benefit by adding the Analyzer/Sensor kit?

Don't bother.

Originally Posted by vernors

Lastly, does the addition of a backend flash create a better overall set up? By better, I mean safer (due to JB4 safety features) and also more powerful/more appropriate because of the specific bolt ons I have...be it MHD or another one. I'm a little unclear on the JB4/Secondary Flash concept....

Thanks for the help, yeah lots of questions but you all know your stuff so I appreciate any advice.

Yes, usually. it will more finely-tune the engine and can allow more e85, customize for single-turbo or twin upgrades, etc. BEF is worth it, it's icing on the JB4 cake.

Originally Posted by vernors

Is ER the only one that makes a drop in cooler? Also, how loud are your diverter/BOV? I want to keep things as quiet as possible, rather have a bad ass sleeper than call attention.

I've been running the VRSF 7" for a couple years and it's help fine on the zip ties per the DIY thread on here. They hold like 200 lbs (100 lbs per zip), so not worried. However, my mechanic did not approve :D

That said, the VRSF does not cool as well as others. I'm considering going to another FMIC and just making it fit like with the VRSF.

Originally Posted by GreatWhite5er

I got the forge diverter valves, they don't make sounds

Same here - although you do need to clean and regrease them every few months. At least check the operation of the piston. The can start sticking open or closed b/c the seals get gummed up. After just 6 months or so mine were starting to stick open.

If you find that your PWM/WGDC is higher than normal, or you just can't make the same boost you used to - start with the DV/s.

Originally Posted by Terry @ BMS

Solid and easy to run setup. You won't be disappointed.

Definitely not - this setup is proven and loads of fun.

And yes, I don't think there is any advantage Cobb can claim in performance/reliability/ease of use over JB4 ... and once you add in a BEF, it's no contest in my eyes.

[GreatWhite5er]

I just find there are so many issues always brought up with jb4 on these forums . ive never had a single issue with cobb , its tuning for dummies I guess hahaha. im just pro cobb my opinion, not slagging jb4 at all ive heard soo many good things ....

I just saw my neighbor out with his laptop once trying to figure out a problem and a code and had the ecu box open etc , just freaked me out hahahaha . cobb , showed me error code explained it on the v3 accessport , I further googled quickly then ordered part etc and fixed problem

[GreatWhite5er]

I definitely like the so many options that the jb4 offers for self tuning , but i don't know enough about that an id probably blow my engine hahaha no joke i probably would

[treehouse]

The only reason you see more JB4 conversation is because COBB has been dead on this platform for years.
I have been running JB4 for years, and have never had an issue that wasn't my own tuning related. JB4 gives way more power to the normal user than COBB. If you don't want to learn to tune at all, just look up Trebelia for an online tune.

[GreatWhite5er]

Originally Posted by treehouse

The only reason you see more JB4 conversation is because COBB has been dead on this platform for years.
I have been running JB4 for years, and have never had an issue that wasn't my own tuning related. JB4 gives way more power to the normal user than COBB. If you don't want to learn to tune at all, just look up Trebelia for an online tune.

awesome thanks bud, id like to look into something for sure just cringe at the possibililty of wrecking **** hahahaha, i do feel my 5er can put out so much more power... i will definetly look into both for sure thank you so much for the help. i love these forums they are very helpful so much knowledge.

[joeinsd]

Originally Posted by treehouse

The only reason you see more JB4 conversation is because COBB has been dead on this platform for years.
I have been running JB4 for years, and have never had an issue that wasn't my own tuning related. JB4 gives way more power to the normal user than COBB. If you don't want to learn to tune at all, just look up Trebelia for an online tune.

I recently decided to tune with David (Trebila). Power delivery is smooth and the car felt great when it was running well. The only thing now, and it's not David's fault by any means, is that I've uncovered my misfiring issues (probably due to squeezing more power). Been chasing one for a few weeks now, even with some hardware updates. He's easy to work with and responds by the next day (since he's in France). So if I log tonight, I'll likely wake up to an answer/update from him.

To the OP: play around with map 5 and enjoy it, but OTS tunes < custom tunes.