JB1/BMS Stage 1 Install/Review

[Hollywood Hogan]

Hey M Folks,

Wanted to give a quick review on the BMS Stage 1 aka JB1 tune. I bought the tune used from a member a few days ago and decided to install it this afternoon.

The Install

On a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being very difficult, I would rate this as a 3 or 4.

The TMAP sensor is very simple to unplug since there is a fair amount of room to work with.

The MAP sensor however is a different story. Removing the MAP sensor is actually quite easy. You just need two flat head screwdrivers. One to press on the clip of the sensor and the other to push the sensor away. Once you realize how simple it is, it takes 10 seconds.

Inserting the MAP is the difficult part, it is damn near impossible to put your hand in there to insert the JB1. I had to remove the two screws holding the coolant reservoir and actually needed to remove the hose in order to have enough room to even work on the sensor. Even then it took nearly 20 minutes to finally figure out how to get sensor in. What worked for me was to actually face away from the car while using my right hand to push sensor into place.

The POWER

After getting everything in place, I took the car for a spin. Immediately I could feel the additional power. The power delivery feels the same as stock but there's just more of it! My car is equipped with an Akra slip on and Dinan intake. An added bonus was that I could hear an increase in both the spooling of the turbos and the suction of air from the intakes.

The car pulls stronger in every gear. And behaves exactly like it did prior to the tune.

The Conclusion
Well worth the money! Used, these stage one tunes go for sub $300. The power is certainly there and the install really isn't too difficult. If you are not looking to add any "major" mods like downpipes, meth, etc. than this tune is for you. It adds a substantial amount of horsepower/torque ~10% more without sacrificing drivability. If you're on the fence, I say do it!

[f80er]

I agree about the install but you got it backwards, TMAP is the easier of the two and MAP is the hard one. MAP sensor is under the coolant reservoir and is a bitch to work with.

That is unless you have hands like this guy:

[mike@x-ph.com]

Thank you for the review OP, glad you like the Jb stage 1

[Hollywood Hogan]

Originally Posted by f80er

I agree about the install but you got it backwards, TMAP is the easier of the two and MAP is the hard one. MAP sensor is under the coolant reservoir and is a bitch to work with.

That is unless you have hands like this guy:

Lol thank god I don't have hands like that!

[M-Pilot]

How many miles have you driven your car after the install? Any CELs or Drivetrain Malfunction errors?

I'm seriously considering this but I reas couple of stories wherre it threw some error codes. That's why I'm still debating...

[ptper]

Originally Posted by cntzl

How many miles have you driven your car after the install? Any CELs or Drivetrain Malfunction errors?

I'm seriously considering this but I reas couple of stories wherre it threw some error codes. That's why I'm still debating...

+1. Though, I've read where you can purchase a CAN Flap module to clear the codes. I'll probably still go through with a purchase. But, I'm going to read up on it a bit more.

[f80er]

Originally Posted by ptper

+1. Though, I've read where you can purchase a CAN Flap module to clear the codes. I'll probably still go through with a purchase. But, I'm going to read up on it a bit more.

No codes on mine at all (2k miles or so)..but I have a 6MT.

[trey100]

I am planning on getting this soon. Another member here posted that he used something likes these to help with the MAP sensor.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by trey100

I am planning on getting this soon. Another member here posted that he used something likes these to help with the MAP sensor.

I tried those and for me they are too bulky and not very precise.

I recommend a 90 degree pick. I had the sense off and harness plugged in less than a minute.

[idocm4]

For sure use a pick set to get at those pesky plugs. Had mine on for 15k miles with no issues.

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by EALm4

I tried those and for me they are too bulky and not very precise.

I recommend a 90 degree pick. I had the sense off and harness plugged in less than a minute.

Can you please post a link or a pic of the tool you used?

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by cntzl

Can you please post a link or a pic of the tool you used?

You'll want to use the 90degree pick (second from the top in the pic below) to get under the clip and release it. It's far easier than trying to get a angled pair of plyers around the harness to squeeze the connector.

Also remove the two T25 torx bolts on the coolant reservoir so you can push it out of the way. It's tight but you'll be able to get it. Definitely do it in a well lit area so you can see everything or get a buddy to hold a flashlight.

Dont spend more than $10 on a pick set. Your local habor freight may even have them cheaper than amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6943-P...otive+pick+set

harbor freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece...set-66836.html

[wigaster]

Originally Posted by cntzl

How many miles have you driven your car after the install? Any CELs or Drivetrain Malfunction errors?

I'm seriously considering this but I reas couple of stories wherre it threw some error codes. That's why I'm still debating...

I've had mine installed for at least 6 months,have tracked the car with it, and have never once thrown a code or had any negative consequence.

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by wigaster

I've had mine installed for at least 6 months,have tracked the car with it, and have never once thrown a code or had any negative consequence.

Great to hear! Enjoy! I will order mine soon as well

[jerryj20]

I am thinking about picking this up as well. Only thing im "thinking" is if it would void any type of warranty. I know to take it off before any type of service but would hate to have a service deterred bc of it. Im pretty sure its all ok though.. Anyone care to chime in or had any problems with services or warranty with this simple tune?

[horsepower_and_hounds]

Got it on my M4 also, not a code yet. Had one on my previous M235. it was more noticeable on the 235. I think I read somewhere that on the M3/4 it really does not kick in till higher in the revs and speed due to traction issues. I don't notice much of a difference around town but when you get to wide open space

[f80er]

Originally Posted by jerryj20

I am thinking about picking this up as well. Only thing im "thinking" is if it would void any type of warranty. I know to take it off before any type of service but would hate to have a service deterred bc of it. Im pretty sure its all ok though.. Anyone care to chime in or had any problems with services or warranty with this simple tune?

I wouldn't sweat it, besides if you are worried just take it off prior. Probably better to take it on and off anyway to get better at it because it is a bitch the first time.

[Firestorm]

Thanks for the review on the tune. I have a Stage 1 tune I bought for my 2014 '335' and I was going to sell it since I just purchased a 2017 M3. As an afterthought I emailed Burger to find out if it's the same harness that goes in the M3, to my surprise they emailed me back and said it was the same. I am now going to hold onto it!

To another poster as far as warranty goes, I always took it off before bringing it in. On the 335 it took less than ten minutes to install and also to take out, not sure yet how long it takes on the M3.

[alpina-527]

Can someone post up a photo of where you push the clip please

[wigaster]

Originally Posted by cntzl

How many miles have you driven your car after the install? Any CELs or Drivetrain Malfunction errors?

I'm seriously considering this but I reas couple of stories wherre it threw some error codes. That's why I'm still debating...

Update. I'm tracking my car at VIR this weekend. Banged off my limiter in 4th in the back straight and threw a drivetrain malfunction code. Apparently two of my cylinders misfired and the car went into limp mode. Cleared the codes and the car is fine so I'll be back at it later this morning. Not sure if tune related or not but very possible.

[EALm4]

Originally Posted by alpina-527

Can someone post up a photo of where you push the clip please

Use a pick to lift the locking tab up. It's much easier

[M-Pilot]

Originally Posted by wigaster

Update. I'm tracking my car at VIR this weekend. Banged off my limiter in 4th in the back straight and threw a drivetrain malfunction code. Apparently two of my cylinders misfired and the car went into limp mode. Cleared the codes and the car is fine so I'll be back at it later this morning. Not sure if tune related or not but very possible.

Wow, sorry to hear... How come hitting the limiter can cause this type of problem? I thought it was the whole point of limiter. Btw, how did you clean the codes?