[mike@x-ph.com]

This post is copied from Extreme Power House's Blog

Today, I would like to write about the different piggyback options available for the BMW new F chassis cars. This market is oversaturated with tunes priced from a couple hundred dollars up to a couple thousands. Not all piggybacks are equal, which ones are worth it and which ones are not? Read this post and decide for yourself.

DINANTRONICS Sport Performance Tuner


How:
Connects to TMAP sensor only

Pros:

• Easy install
• adjustable boost 0 to 4 psi
• Very reasonable price
• Same tune fits the N20, N26 and N55 F chassis

Cons:

• No datalog feature
• Does not have access to ignition timing
• Does not carry the same warranty as other Dinan tunes

Price:
$299

Burger Tuning F Chassis N20/N26/N55 JB+


How:
JB+ connects to TMAP sensor only.
Pros:

• Install time takes less than 5 minutes
• Adjustable boost ( 0 to +4 psi)
• Costs less than $200
• Really good resale value. Fits on most N20, N26 and N55 cars

Cons:

• Does not have access to ignition timing
• No datalog feature

Price:
$199

Active Autowerke Active 8 Tune

How:
A8 tune works by connecting to the Manifold air pressure sensor, boost pressure sensor, camshaft sensor and air mass sensor.
Pros:
•Since the A8 connects to the camshaft sensor, it controls boost by RPM. The ability to do so offers a smoother / more linear power delivery.
•9 different maps (Compatible with catted downpipe cars only and pump gas).
•A8 is offered standard with a waterproof enclosure.
Cons:
•Install process is the most time consuming for a stage 1 tune (although it has quick detach button to uninstall the module, but not the wires).
Price:
$699 for Non-M models / $999 for M models.

AFE Module Scorcher

How:
AFE scorcher connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors of the car. It alters the pressure sensor signal to increase turbo pressure.
Pros:
•AFE is easy to install with only 2 sensors. It offers a clean solution for more power.
Cons:
•AFE Scorcher offers no flexibility for the user. It is available with 1 map only and no option to adjust boost.
• It does not have the ability to control boost by RPM, the Scorcher adds a constant boost value across the RPM range.
Price:
$473 for Non M Models / $627 for M Models

Burger Tuning JB Stage 1:

How:
The BMS JB stage 1 connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors and works by altering the boost pressure signal (identical to AFE and Race chip ultimate).
Pros:
•Easy install, takes less than 10 minutes.
•BMS JB stage 1 gives its users the ability to increase boost if he / she is looking for a more aggressive map (will need an optional $35 BMS Data Cable).
•Weather proof box is optional and will cost an additional $59.
Cons:
•JB stage 1 does not have the ability to control boost by RPM. It adds 3.5 psi across the RPM range over stock boost (value can be changed using the USB cable).
Price:
$379 for M and Non-M models

Burger Tuning JB4 Stage 2:

How:
The JB4 stage 2 connects to the MAP sensor, TMAP sensor and Canbus. It is also offered with flex fuel wires for E85 users.
Pros:
•Pre-loaded with 7 maps each optimized based on the car’s modifications and fuel. The Jb4 is also offered with a custom map allowing the user to set his / her own boost targets.
•The Jb4 controls boost by RPM. It also controls boost by gear and can set a max boost limit for the first 3 gears in order to achieve better traction control.
•The JB4 stage 2 can read / delete codes and auto clear the CEL code in case car has catless downpipes installed.
•The JB4 is compatible with E85 fuel as long as the mix does not exceed the fuel pumps maximum capacity.
•The JB4 is capable of gauge hijack and can control the exhaust valves for a louder exhaust sound.
•Ability to get free firmware upgrades from the user’s laptop without the need to ship the module back every time an upgrade is available.
•Option to get the Jb4 with a weather proof case; it will cost the user an extra $59 for the aluminum enclosure (No additional cost for M cars).
Cons:
•In order to achieve all these pros mentioned above, user will need to purchase the optional USB data cable and / or OBD cable ($17 for the OBD cable and $35 for the USB cable).
•Install time takes around 45 minutes because of all the extra connections that the JB4 needs.
•If user does not purchase the OBD cable, JB4 will need POSI-Tap wires to connect to the Canbus.
Price: $529 for Non-M Models / $799 for M models (Aluminum enclosure and OBD cable is offered with the M series JB4 at no extra cost).

Race Chip Ultimate:

How:
Similar to AFE and JB stage 1, the RCU connects to the MAP and TMAP sensors and work by changing boost pressure signal and tricking the ECU into making more power.
Pros:
•Easy install
•Weather proof box (standard)
•3 different maps
Cons:
•Cannot control boost by RPM
Price:
$679 for M and non-M models

ESS E-tronic Tuner

How: The ESS tuner connects to 4 sensors. Intake Cam shaft, Map, TMAP and MAF.
Pros:
• Control boost by RPM for a smoother power delivery
• 3 different maps
• Standard weather proof enclosure
Cons:
• One of the hardest stage 1 tunes to install
Price: $995 for all models

Dinan Tune




How: Dinan connects directly to the ECU to cover as many sensors as possible. It adds a constant boost value to the car across the RPM range (3.0 psi for stage 1 and 4.0 psi for stage 2).
Pros:
• If BMW denies your warranty claim, Dinan will cover any damages caused or related to any of Dinan tunes or parts
• Weatherproof box
• CARB certified
• Tune monitors and adjust AFR / ignition timing for a smoother power delivery
• Increases water pump pressure for better cooling
Cons:
• You get 1 map with each tune only
• Install time takes from 1.5 to 2 hours


Price: $1999 for the stage 1 and $2250 for the stage 2

Summary Table:
Tune Comparison.doc

Active Autowerke OBD Flash Tune


How: Connect Simon Cable to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Smooth stock like power delivery
• unlimited number of maps (2 off the shelf maps, 4 free custom maps included with the tune, additional custom map $50 each)
• No hardware installation needed
• Ability to load stock map at any time
• Locks flash counter until stock map has been uploaded

Price: Starts at $800

Bootmod3 By PTF



How: Connect Enet cable to OBD port and upload your new map (No ECU removal needed).

Pros:

• Mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Datalogging over 200 diagnostic channels, up to 40 channels concurrently
• atalog sharing and charting without a need to upload to 3rd party websites or apps using the mobile app or web browser
• Cloud based storage for map data and datalogs
• Reverting back to stock performance map and re-locking the DME to stock programming
• Live Dash - realtime vehicle parameter monitoring via in-app guages
• Read and clear trouble codes in all vehicle modules
• Reset learned adaptations (octane, knock, Valvetronic, etc)
• Custom tuning available
• flash time (map switch) is 30 seconds
• first flash to unlock is just 3.5 minutes long
• no special hardware to ship, instant activation at time of checkout
• boost by gear
• transmission flashing
  

Cons:

• 1 OTS map is included with the license. it costs extra to unlock all the OTS maps.
• similar to all flash tunes, on the fly map adjustment not available
• Raising and lowering boost requires tuning knowledge

Price: Starts at $595

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Thanks

[CONTROL ONE]

Really digging my Active 8 so far.

[isthar]

Is it fair to summarize... that all these boxes are doing the same thing: tricking the ECU into delivering more boost, by lying to it about what the current boost is? Do any of these do something else?

And one could then put the Dinan Stage 1 on this list too...

note: my bias is I think the A8 is the best choice

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by isthar

Is it fair to summarize... that all these boxes are doing the same thing: tricking the ECU into delivering more boost, by lying to it about what the current boost is? Do any of these do something else?

And one could then put the Dinan Stage 1 on this list too...

note: my bias is I think the A8 is the best choice

That's basically what piggybacks do.

The difference is how they connect because each connection will give you more features.

Example: AA connects to camshaft sensor, it can control boost by RPM

JB4 stage 2 connects to Canbus it can control boost by RPM + a million other features.

JB stage 1 , AFE, RCU only connect to MAP and TMAP sensors. They cannot do much outside of the extra boost

[ABPReader]

.

[riccappa]

I was under the impression a catless DP is no problem with A8.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by ehagerty

Thanks

You are welcome

Originally Posted by CONTROL ONE

Really digging my Active 8 so far.

Glad to hear that

Originally Posted by jet_00

Excellent comparison, but in my opinion it lacks the gain in (W)HP that we can expect.

Thank you
I disagree with the WHP though . I intentionally left that out because some companies tend to inflate their WHP gains in order to make more sales.

As a consumer, i can tell which tune is making more power because of the psi increase each tune offers

Originally Posted by riccappa

I was under the impression a catless DP is no problem with A8.

A8 is a stage 1 tune. It does not have the ability to delete codes.
You will be getting a code if you run catless downpipe with it.

All A8 maps are meant for daily drivers on stock cars

[mike@x-ph.com]

Will be adding another tune (TMC) in the next 24 hours

[CONTROL ONE]

I have an AA A8 with a AR Design downpipe and 94 octane which is why I've bumped it up 2 positions from stock.

Thought about raising it to 9 but I don't like maxing things out.

[BMWZ4]

Why no Dinan Pros and Cons? You mention in the original post the prices range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand. Presumably you were referring to the Dinan piggy back when you mentioned the cost, so why not add it to your comparison list?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Why no Dinan Pros and Cons? You mention in the original post the prices range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand. Presumably you were referring to the Dinan piggy back when you mentioned the cost, so why not add it to your comparison list?

This is an ongoing project. I will be adding more piggybacks soon.
Tomorrow im adding the ESS one then the TMC. If i am able to reach a Dinan rep i will add the Dinan tune

[BMWZ4]

Understood. I'll 'scribe the thread. Thanks Mike.

[riccappa]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

A8 is a stage 1 tune. It does not have the ability to delete codes.
You will be getting a code if you run catless downpipe with it.

All A8 maps are meant for daily drivers on stock cars

You stated the A8 is not compatible with decatted downpipes. Just because the tune itself can't delete the code doesn't mean it's not compatible, it just means it can't clear the code. The power gains will be added onto whatever gains from the downpipe. If whichever downpipe you chose to run adds X amount of horsepower, the tune will then do what it's designed to do, add boost and increase horsepower over the already increased hp from the downpipe. I would say this is still compatible despite not clearing a silly code. Plus there's other ways to clear a code than by using a tune to do it. Clearing codes isn't the primary function of a tune anyway.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by riccappa

You stated the A8 is not compatible with decatted downpipes. Just because the tune itself can't delete the code doesn't mean it's not compatible, it just means it can't clear the code. The power gains will be added onto whatever gains from the downpipe. If whichever downpipe you chose to run adds X amount of horsepower, the tune will then do what it's designed to do, add boost and increase horsepower over the already increased hp from the downpipe. I would say this is still compatible despite not clearing a silly code. Plus there's other ways to clear a code than by using a tune to do it. Clearing codes isn't the primary function of a tune anyway.

Thats not why i said it is not compatible.


The maps on the A8 area all designed for a stock car. None of the maps are optimized to be used with catless or high flow cats

[mike@x-ph.com]

ESS tuner has been added

[crbalch]

Subbed, appreciate the info.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Subbed, appreciate the info.

No problem, more tunes will be added later this week

[mike@x-ph.com]

Dinan tune added to the first post and to the summary table

[crbalch]

Update on the ESS tune?

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by crbalch

Update on the ESS tune?

ESS piggy was added last week

[crbalch]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

ESS piggy was added last week

Sorry meant TMC haha too many acronyms to keep up with