BMS Stage 1 vs ESS E-Tronic???

[theinfamousdrew]

Hey, has anyone done a comparison between the two tunes?
I've been searching and can't find any clear comparison between the two.


Thanks
Drew

[Andrew115]

Originally Posted by theinfamousdrew

Hey, has anyone done a comparison between the two tunes?
I've been searching and can't find any clear comparison between the two.


Thanks
Drew

I am in charlotte and would be open to comparing with anyone local. I have ESS.

[theinfamousdrew]

Oh nice!
PM coming your way

[mike@x-ph.com]

JB

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

ESS
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

I created a comparison thread about the different tunes, here is the link
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1171258

In terms of power they should both give similar HP and TQ increase

[theinfamousdrew]

Thats awesome info Mike.
Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

JB

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

ESS
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

I created a comparison thread about the different tunes, here is the link
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1171258

In terms of power they should both give similar HP and TQ increase

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by theinfamousdrew

Thats awesome info Mike.
Thanks!!!

Happy to help

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by theinfamousdrew

Hey, has anyone done a comparison between the two tunes?
I've been searching and can't find any clear comparison between the two.


Thanks
Drew

I guess I would first start, by asking you what are your plans for the car? Any other mods? What are the goals? etc.

Mike

[theinfamousdrew]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

I guess I would first start, by asking you what are your plans for the car? Any other mods? What are the goals? etc.

Mike

Hey Mike, not sure at this point. I wanted the stage 1 only for its simplicity.
Typically I go FBO on all my cars but I don't plan on having this car for a long time. My previous car was a 650HP (crank) 997TT and that thing was a BEAST.
I wanted the tune to get me closer to that power.

I'm mostly just curious to see if any users have had both and what their thoughts were.

From what I've gathered, both deliver the around the same amount of HP/TQ but the ESS may deliver it more smoothly.
If that's really the only difference, it's not really worth it for me to switch.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by theinfamousdrew

Hey Mike, not sure at this point. I wanted the stage 1 only for its simplicity.
Typically I go FBO on all my cars but I don't plan on having this car for a long time. My previous car was a 650HP (crank) 997TT and that thing was a BEAST.
I wanted the tune to get me closer to that power.

I'm mostly just curious to see if any users have had both and what their thoughts were.

From what I've gathered, both deliver the around the same amount of HP/TQ but the ESS may deliver it more smoothly.
If that's really the only difference, it's not really worth it for me to switch.

The Stage1 is very smooth as it mimics the stock power band, just adding to it.

As for your car, you should decide if you are or are not going to do downpipes. If you are going to do downpipes down the road, then the Stage1 is probably not the best choice. If not doing downpipes then its probably the best bang for the buck power you can get. Its insanely priced for what it does to the car.

Mike

[Sales@Alekshop]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

JB

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

ESS
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

I created a comparison thread about the different tunes, here is the link
http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1171258

In terms of power they should both give similar HP and TQ increase

The only thing that makes the ESS tuner harder to install is that you are connecting to more sensors. This adds about 10 min worth of work for the installer as it is still just simply plugging in connectors. We install ESS controllers in about 20 - 30 min max. The plus is that spending a little more time and connecting to these additional sensors " MAF / Cam" give you more control than a controller that does not.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Sales@Alekshop

The only thing that makes the ESS tuner harder to install is that you are connecting to more sensors. This adds about 10 min worth of work for the installer as it is still just simply plugging in connectors. We install ESS controllers in about 20 - 30 min max. The plus is that spending a little more time and connecting to these additional sensors " MAF / Cam" give you more control than a controller that does not.

Doesn't JB4 get the MAF and Cam data from the CANBUS connection?

ESS is stupidly placed on the drivers side by the brake booster which makes a much messier install than JB4 IMO.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Sales@Alekshop

The only thing that makes the ESS tuner harder to install is that you are connecting to more sensors. This adds about 10 min worth of work for the installer as it is still just simply plugging in connectors. We install ESS controllers in about 20 - 30 min max. The plus is that spending a little more time and connecting to these additional sensors " MAF / Cam" give you more control than a controller that does not.

I got the install time from ESS . I never installed it myself

[mark5092]

Originally Posted by Sales@Alekshop

The only thing that makes the ESS tuner harder to install is that you are connecting to more sensors. This adds about 10 min worth of work for the installer as it is still just simply plugging in connectors. We install ESS controllers in about 20 - 30 min max. The plus is that spending a little more time and connecting to these additional sensors " MAF / Cam" give you more control than a controller that does not.

First time installer won't do it in 20-30 mins! Cam shaft sensor is hard the first time. When you learn how to release the factory plug easily because how tight the area is at the sensor then job will be quicker second time. A good pick tool along with knowing how to pull tab on connector is the trick to release. Routing harness with several connections can be tricky first time. Once these things are done and learned, then installation would be quick next time.

[mark5092]

Get Active 8 tuner and start with map 4!

[daMau]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

JB


•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).

In terms of power they should both give similar HP and TQ increase

Mike - can you provide additional info on the USB cable which allows changing the map for Stage 1? I searched the BMW site and could not find any information on this.

I have the Stage 1 and would be interested in exploring this, thanks!

[A Frankfurt]

Originally Posted by theinfamousdrew

Hey Mike, not sure at this point. I wanted the stage 1 only for its simplicity.
Typically I go FBO on all my cars but I don't plan on having this car for a long time. My previous car was a 650HP (crank) 997TT and that thing was a BEAST.
I wanted the tune to get me closer to that power.

I'm mostly just curious to see if any users have had both and what their thoughts were.

From what I've gathered, both deliver the around the same amount of HP/TQ but the ESS may deliver it more smoothly.
If that's really the only difference, it's not really worth it for me to switch.

Get either the BMS JB4 that way you are setup for more options on adding performance in the future and still retain the same tuning harness.
All other brands are limited and you can not adjust anything.
If you wanted more performance or wanted to add catless down pipes for example, you would have to buy another kit.
JB4 handles it all for you.

I personally like the Dinan over all brands but that's my opinion.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by daMau

Mike - can you provide additional info on the USB cable which allows changing the map for Stage 1? I searched the BMW site and could not find any information on this.

I have the Stage 1 and would be interested in exploring this, thanks!

Hi,
The regular USB cable allows user to change boost on the JB