Today, I would like to write about the different piggyback options available for the BMW new F chassis cars. This market is over saturated 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.

Update 02/10/2018

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

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:

Cons:

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:

Cons:

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

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
• Locks flash counter until stock map has been re-uploaded
• Ability to upload stock map at any time 

Price: $800