[MpJaj]

I am thinking about purchasing an ESS E-Tronic tuner from another member but I am having trouble finding any user reviews on this upgrade. Does anybody have any experience with the ESS tuner? Any information/feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'm really having a hard time deciding on whether to go with the ESS or the JB4.


http://esstuning.com/n63-e-tronic-tuner/

Thank you!

[Simple5]

JB4 is a much more powerful tune as it taps into the CANBUS the ESS tune does not. This ESS E-Tronic tune is about as powerful as the BMS n63 Stage 1 tune which pumps out about 425whp/477wtq. If you want ease of use and a nice bump in power get the BMS Stage 1. If you are a power user then purchase the JB4. $795 for the ESS vs $449 for the BMS Stage 1 with similar power levels, the BMS is a no brainer.

With the Stage 1 you can also get the USB cable to add an extra pound of boost if you want. They come preset at 3psi over stock..

[badblack550xi]

Originally Posted by Simple3

JB4 is a much more powerful tune as it taps into the CANBUS the ESS tune does not. This ESS E-Tronic tune is about as powerful as the BMS n63 Stage 1 tune which pumps out about 425whp/477wtq. If you want ease of use and a nice bump in power get the BMS Stage 1. If you are a power user then purchase the JB4. $795 for the ESS vs $449 for the BMS Stage 1 with similar power levels, the BMS is a no brainer.

With the Stage 1 you can also get the USB cable to add an extra pound of boost if you want. They come preset at 3psi over stock..

What he said.

[The_M6]

I inquired about the ESS tuner as well and passed on it.

[mike@x-ph.com]

JB4 is the only stage 2 piggy for this car, it will offer more than any other option

If you are looking for a stage 1, go with the JB stage 1

[MpJaj]

Thanks guys I passed on the ESS... Gonna pick up a JB4 shortly

[Bmw doubles]

Originally Posted by MpJaj

Thanks guys I passed on the ESS... Gonna pick up a JB4 shortly

Good choice! If the ESS was a few hundred less then the JB4 it would be a hard decision.

[2011BMW550i07]

Originally Posted by mike@x-ph.com

JB4 is the only stage 2 piggy for this car, it will offer more than any other option

If you are looking for a stage 1, go with the JB stage 1

Actually the ESS has Stage 2 in the system. There is 3 different tunes in the system and the JB4 and ESS tune are both very alike. If you check out the specs you will see both piggy backs. Unless you're doing extensive work like upgrading the turbos then that's where the JB4 system is a much better buy. I will say the JB4 Bluetooth part and bc control is nice if you change your tune a lot. But no need to go between tunes. The tune will only make a difference if you're heavy on the gas for mpg.

[2011BMW550i07]

Both tunes push your car for stage 1 into the 460-470 range in the N63 motor. And same torque 520-530

Canbus gives you the BC control, then BCM module which I don't know if they provide anymore would be for stage 2 pushing 8+ in boost. So stage 2 with 93 octane and required would be pushing in the 490 to 500's with both systems. If you actually do your research on both you would see that.

[2011BMW550i07]

Also you doing no splicing or mixing to wires. It's plug and play you unhook certain connectors with a male plug and plug the female side into the connector. You have full boost control thru the rpm range. Then can be unplugged quick when you bring it into bmw to keep your factory warranty. The JB4 will void your warranty so if anything goes wrong and they see wires being spliced or pushed into the connections and warranty was going to cover it you could probably say goodbye to that coverage. Just saying. If you guys really did your research you would understand. So if you don't want to void your warranty.

The control system gives you three main settings between

Program 1 - linear (low boost on launch)
Program 2 - Stage 2/torque (full power/boost) 93+ octane
Program 3 - Stage 1 91+ octane

You can reduce or max out each program so if program 2 for Stage 2 has too much power for daily use or whatever you can adjust the power curve down or just run it full.

JB4 doesn't give you that option, you have set maps to choose from and can't make any adjustments on the map.

You can also save settings to go back to. So if there is one you like the most it can be saved when you either deactivate or disconnect it.

[jpt99]

Considering getting the BMS tune. Have 2016 550. Want less turbo lag. Will this help?

[Bmw doubles]

Originally Posted by jpt99

Considering getting the BMS tune. Have 2016 550. Want less turbo lag. Will this help?

A tune will always help, down pipes will further decrease the "lag". The real problem is not so much lag as it throttle delay. You should have boost as low 1200rpm which is just above idle. Most car manufactures, especially BMW put inherent delay due to most drivers not knowing how to handle a instant surge in power. Changing modes like sport I'm sure you can feel the difference in throttle response and "lag". Get a tune you wont regret it in fact you'll love it. Get a piggyback for your throttle and problem will be resolved in terms of lag.

[MpJaj]

I just noticed that Turner has this unit available.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...=AQ#tabReviews

Would this be similar to the ESS unit?

[The_M6]

Originally Posted by MpJaj

I just noticed that Turner has this unit available.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...=AQ#tabReviews

Would this be similar to the ESS unit?

Damn! $850! There are plenty of other upgrades I can think of that are more bang for the buck than this. I'm not trying to rain on your parade but downpipes are in that price range and have shown dyno proven results.

[2011BMW550i07]

Originally Posted by MpJaj

I just noticed that Turner has this unit available.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...=AQ#tabReviews

Would this be similar to the ESS unit?

There is no adjustment what so ever. You're basically stuck with whatever tune this comes with and can't make adjustments if you start adding any performance mods. ESS and JB4 allow you to change your maps if you have down pipes exhaust or any upgrades to your car to take advantage of the performance upgrades. ESS and JB4 both have the capacity to do stage 2 if you have exhaust and down pipes.

[MavRick]

Originally Posted by Blu550

Damn! $850! There are plenty of other upgrades I can think of that are more bang for the buck than this. I'm not trying to rain on your parade but downpipes are in that price range and have shown dyno proven results.

what kinda numbers can you expect from DP's?

[The_M6]

Originally Posted by MavRick

what kinda numbers can you expect from DP's?

from what I've read ~35whp gain

[MavRick]

Originally Posted by Blu550

from what I've read ~35whp gain

Seriously? Damn!!! That's impressive.

[MavRick]

Originally Posted by Blu550

from what I've read ~35whp gain

Are you talking about the thread from 747? His is the only documented report of any significant gain with DP's that I could find.

[The_M6]

Originally Posted by MavRick

Are you talking about the thread from 747? His is the only documented report of any significant gain with DP's that I could find.

I'm not sure which one but on various forums the numbers were about the same.

[badblack550xi]

Originally Posted by MpJaj

I just noticed that Turner has this unit available.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3...=AQ#tabReviews

Would this be similar to the ESS unit?

ESS is a much better unit than what you found.

I push power to the limits and switch maps and boost all the time so JB4 is for me.
Anyone that wants a clean and easy install and is not in to pushing limits should go with JB4 Stage 1 or ESS because Jb4 stage 2 install is around $200 so ESS is a no brainier here.

[2011BMW550i07]

This is a post I found. So if you're looking to do stage 2 on your car with BMS. ESS you can do stage 2 with no issues.


Ben2k912?05/01/16
05:48AM
QUOTE by Drew14f10?
I've been looking to buy like a 2013 550 n63 but I've been hearing a few things about engine problems .. Have any n63 owners experience any major engine problems


I have a 2011 550 msport. I love it. The only time I've had problems is when I tried to run it with the BMS stage 2, which caused coils to fail. I backed it down to stage 1 and no problems.

Nearly 60k miles on mine.