Tuning - Many Threads (No clear answer)

[m4mehdi]

UPDATE 2: I have decided to pull the trigger on RC and am awaiting on the arrival. They both seem to do the same thing and it appears the RC is less aggressive and a bit more resembling the Dinan product. So far as far as customer service, RC +1


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UPDATE 1 : so I have actually contacted each of the manufactures asking them explain the cons and pros based on their arrival product obviously neither one has any "cons" based on the initial feedback but I am corresponding with them and will update you once I have a better answer.

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So I am really scratching my head on this one, seemigly simple, item.

I have narrowed my options to JB4 or RaceChip.
My question is what do X5M drivers think and recommend.

I am leaning toward RC for it's simplicity but am also leaning towards JB4 for it's power and adjustability.
I would do ESS in a heartbeat if they had a piggy but I can't flash-tune a new car yet!

Please share your thoughts.

[onfireX5]

There really is not a clear answer. All depends on your goals. I've used JB1 on a X5 50i and currently use Race Chip on a X5M. I prefer RC because I only want to decrease 0-100mph by 1 second. Plus the RC build quality is ISO certified (and it looks like an OEM part). If you want more than that I would buy the JB4....just beware parts breakage has occurred over 20-21psi which is the sweet spot for RC. JB4 has the ability to take you much higher for more power.

[rjd598]

curious about this as well

[jmorgan911]

Having the BMS stage 1 tune installed today. It is comparable to the racechip. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts after a little seat time.

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by jmorgan911

Having the BMS stage 1 tune installed today. It is comparable to the racechip. I'll keep you posted on my thoughts after a little seat time.

They both seem to be the same, the RC folks were a lot more responsive and upfront. They typically do the same thing so you can't go wrong with either but as everyone pointed out, it all depends on what your goals are. Please keep us posted and I will let you know what I feed with the RC.

[jmorgan911]

Had the BMS stage 1 installed yesterday. Not alot of seat time yet, but my butt dyno feels stronger midrange pull. And I hear more turbo whine. Shift points and everything else feels like stock.

The Sport display that comes standard, however, displays roughtly the same, possibly slightly LOWER peak HP and Torque. Not sure how accurate that is.

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by jmorgan911

Had the BMS stage 1 installed yesterday. Not alot of seat time yet, but my butt dyno feels stronger midrange pull. And I hear more turbo whine. Shift points and everything else feels like stock.

The Sport display that comes standard, however, displays roughtly the same, possibly slightly LOWER peak HP and Torque. Not sure how accurate that is.

I am going to install it just prior to installing my Akro exhaust but I will keep you posted on the RC feels.

[r33_RGSport]

Good choice. You will like it.
I have sold a lot of RaceChip unit to N55, N63, N63tu, N57, S63tu guys.
Currently running it on my G30 with B58 motor.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by jmorgan911

The Sport display that comes standard, however, displays roughtly the same, possibly slightly LOWER peak HP and Torque. Not sure how accurate that is.

My 50i is the same way. The HP/TQ numbers seem a little erratic and lower than without the RC. These are only computer calculated numbers based on sensor readings. Since RC is fooling the sensors, these are no longer anywhere close to accurate.

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by Rotzy

My 50i is the same way. The HP/TQ numbers seem a little erratic and lower than without the RC. These are only computer calculated numbers based on sensor readings. Since RC is fooling the sensors, these are no longer anywhere close to accurate.

Well said!

[scotty91ss]

I am using ECU Tuning group.
That combined with my Dinan air intake, FI catless DP and FI exhaust, i haven't had any hic-ups in the last 16 months of running it. Actually, i feel like I am running a X5M the way it should run.
Only reason I am running this combo is that my tuning shop likes this combo and gets good support from his manufacturers.

I wonder which tune is best to accommodate different add on parts. For instance, which tune would be work best with an addition of Pure Turbos?

[onfireX5]

RC is great to increase the stock boost from 17-18psi to 21psi safely on pump gas. Killer power gain and the boost curve slightly drops at the shift to protect parts like the factory curve but 3psi higher. It will not turn off a CEL if you remove a cat.

JB has the ability to increase boost even higher requiring race fuel or meth injection and can also flatten the factory arc at the shift point for a much harder shift. It can reset a cat delete cell.

Both are fine for airfilter and exhaust system boltons except JB has the advantage if you delete the cats.

When you start changing Turbo compressor and turbine sizes, the only proper tune is a proper tune. Drill the ECM and remap the parameters properly.

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by scotty91ss

I am using ECU Tuning group.
That combined with my Dinan air intake, FI catless DP and FI exhaust, i haven't had any hic-ups in the last 16 months of running it. Actually, i feel like I am running a X5M the way it should run.
Only reason I am running this combo is that my tuning shop likes this combo and gets good support from his manufacturers.

I wonder which tune is best to accommodate different add on parts. For instance, which tune would be work best with an addition of Pure Turbos?

I do agree that catalyst downpipe's are a great addition I unfortunately cannot handle the smell.
As I was doing my research it seems like the JB4 (complete) is the most customizable option that accommodates exhaust and air intakes along with any other type of mods.
My only issue with an ECU flash tune is that it voids warranty. Otherwise I don't think if you get a good flash tune nothing else will compare.

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

RC is great to increase the stock boost from 17-18psi to 21psi safely on pump gas. Killer power gain and the boost curve slightly drops at the shift to protect parts like the factory curve but 3psi higher. It will not turn off a CEL if you remove a cat.

JB has the ability to increase boost even higher requiring race fuel or meth injection and can also flatten the factory arc at the shift point for a much harder shift. It can reset a cat delete cell.

Both are fine for airfilter and exhaust system boltons except JB has the advantage if you delete the cats.

When you start changing Turbo compressor and turbine sizes, the only proper tune is a proper tune. Drill the ECM and remap the parameters properly.

Well put!

[LBBX5M]

m4mehdi
I am currently running RC on E setup (I will try to measure my boost via OBD)
Akrapovič Exhaust
Dinan CAI

My goal was to achieve a fast 0-60 time and enjoy pulls up to 110 MPH
with RC and Akrapovič, I was able to achieve a 0-60 @ 3.56 sec

Car is running smooth up to now (12500 mi after install) weather conditions: humidity is 50-80% temp 84-110 F weather Altitude/ elevation: 15 m (49 ft)

My opinion, more aggressive turbo spooling sound and performance, quicker yet smooth shifts and strong and steady pull up to 110 Mph. The addition of Dinan CAI to my previous setup made a huge difference. Car is more responsive and feels a bit faster. NI did not notice any increase in intake noise (which is good for me).

The Akra sound better and better as you drive. The more your drive, the harder you push and the more tuning you install the better it sings

[m4mehdi]

Originally Posted by LBBX5M

m4mehdi
I am currently running RC on E setup (I will try to measure my boost via OBD)
Akrapovič Exhaust
Dinan CAI

My goal was to achieve a fast 0-60 time and enjoy pulls up to 110 MPH
with RC and Akrapovič, I was able to achieve a 0-60 @ 3.56 sec

Car is running smooth up to now (12500 mi after install) weather conditions: humidity is 50-80% temp 84-110 F weather Altitude/ elevation: 15 m (49 ft)

My opinion, more aggressive turbo spooling sound and performance, quicker yet smooth shifts and strong and steady pull up to 110 Mph. The addition of Dinan CAI to my previous setup made a huge difference. Car is more responsive and feels a bit faster. NI did not notice any increase in intake noise (which is good for me).

The Akra sound better and better as you drive. The more your drive, the harder you push and the more tuning you install the better it sings

Awesome response thank you I have not received my RC chip yet but feel free to give me any pointers regarding install and set up.

[jmorgan911]

Any updates?