JB4 or BMW PK?

amitkhas · 04-25-2012, 08:38 PM

Hi All,

I'm new to tuning and I'm eager to start tuning my 2011 335xi. The dealer is recommend going with the BMW Performance Kit Stage 1. The numerical gains don't seem that great (+20HP and +17lb-ft). However, the dealer is saying that these numerical values seem underrated compared to what you really get. He didn't have anything on the lot for me to test drive to see the gains for myself, but he insisted that it's night/day when driving it. He suggested that the rated gains are reduced intentionally by BMW for some reason (i.e. insurance, so it doesn't compete with the m3 sales, etc).

The JB4 publishes better gains with about +60whp.

Anyone tried both or could recommend which is better?
JB4 + USB = $559
BMW PK Stage 1 = $750 + Install

There is also a BMW PK Stage 1 Version 2 (w/ Aux Water Cooler and Enhanced Radiator Fan) for $1423.26 + Install.

Anyone know anything about these three items?

BTW, the car is stock so far.

P.S. Anyone know what kind of gains to be found by adding DP? I've never done a DP before. Any words of caution? Catless are smelly, apparently?
Thanks!

Beemw335 · 04-25-2012, 09:55 PM

Get a jb4, enjoy the car. Never say a word about it to your dealer and always remove it for warranty claims and youll never have an issue.

deemarr 335i · 04-25-2012, 10:07 PM

Yeaa what he said^^^^, i have the ppk stage 1and the jb4 was a night and day diffrence TRUST ME lol, the best 600 i ever spent ^___^

Sam335ix · 04-25-2012, 11:00 PM

I have PPk and it got old quick. Get JB4 with DP and it's amazing, you will not regret it.

Dozhdbog · 04-26-2012, 12:54 AM

I agree with the dealer that those numbers are conservative (as are most power numbers from BMW).

The PPK continues to give me much joy, particularly combined with the performance suspension.

Keep in mind that before you take on a 3d party tune, you need to consider how it may void your warranty.

jeff2.0t · 04-26-2012, 06:15 AM

My dealer tech told me to get JB4 instead of ppk.

20 hp is nothing on a 300hp car and it doesn't worth 700$+2 hours of labor.

Sam335ix · 04-26-2012, 07:44 AM

Jb4 install is easy and it won't void your warranty. Just unplug the jb4 before you take it in.

mashimarho · 04-26-2012, 08:43 AM

JB4

amitkhas · 04-26-2012, 11:44 AM

Any suggestions on which DP to get? and what kind of gains would come from it?

SRT14PimPin07 · 04-26-2012, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amitkhas

Any suggestions on which DP to get? and what kind of gains would come from it?

Downpipes are downpipes....just make sure you get a catless one. The most popular downpipe is the BMS DP.

amitkhas · 04-26-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRT14PimPin07

Downpipes are downpipes....just make sure you get a catless one. The most popular downpipe is the BMS DP.

are catless legal? I thought cats were legally required?

eyim1988 · 04-26-2012, 03:30 PM

catless dps's are technically illegal but with the jb4 /w autoclear code on. it won't be a problem unless you have to get smogged or something. Going catless gives you pretty good gains as there are 2 cats on the stock dp combined with the tune you'll def feel it.

Dozhdbog · 04-26-2012, 04:02 PM

If you have engine related issues and you've had JB4 installed, you can most definitely void your warranty if you do not have a sympathetic service advisor. Even if you clear codes and remove the JB4 prior to bringing it in for warranty work, they can see what boost levels you have been running, among other stats. Anything out of spec and they have reason not to honor your warranty.

cwg · 04-27-2012, 11:04 PM

I have the PPK on my N55 2011 135i. It is a nice improvement and I am happy I did it. I think a night and day transformation is overselling it. I would say it is an improvement but not a transformation. Attached are the before and after dyno results on my car. The car is more responsive, less tubo lag and pulls harder to redline.

The car has the Performance Exhaust on both the before and after runs so the difference is due to the PPK.

If you are looking for a transformation you will be disapointed. If you want to just kick it up a notch the PPK does the job. With the combination of the PPK, PE and the Pefrom Susp - I feel like my car is nicely dialed in and a great daily driver - very smooth and factory feeling. In my view, really what a Msport package should do to the car instead of the merely cosmetic packages that the Msport packages have become.

cb224 · 04-28-2012, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deemarr 335i

Yeaa what he said^^^^, i have the ppk stage 1and the jb4 was a night and day diffrence TRUST ME lol, the best 600 i ever spent ^___^

Totally agree!!! JB4 IS the best $600 of pure performance!

tastelikechicken · 04-28-2012, 04:49 AM

JB4! Cheaper and your getting a better deal!

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 04-28-2012, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tastelikechicken

JB4! Cheaper and your getting a better deal!

JB4 for sure..

We have had 2-3 cutovers over the last month put a JB4 on their car with a PPK as they were not happy with it

So that should tell you something.

Mike

Dark_Knight_335 · 04-28-2012, 08:12 AM

Of course there are those of us that have money to play with (tax return in my case), get the PPK, then get the JB4 to build onto that power later.

That's my plan at least-not sold on the downpipes though.. really don't feel like dicking around with my exhaust system and my cats

amitkhas · 04-28-2012, 02:59 PM

I think I might hold off the catless DPs since it could void the warranty. If I take the JB4 out in the event I'm dropping the car off for servicing, the catless DP would prob create an alarm/fault.

KnoxDawg · 04-28-2012, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Of course there are those of us that have money to play with (tax return in my case), get the PPK, then get the JB4 to build onto that power later.

That's my plan at least-not sold on the downpipes though.. really don't feel like dicking around with my exhaust system and my cats

Didn't think the BMW PPK was compatible with the JB4?? Thought it was a "one or the other" kinda thing...

Dark_Knight_335 · 04-28-2012, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxDawg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

Of course there are those of us that have money to play with (tax return in my case), get the PPK, then get the JB4 to build onto that power later.

That's my plan at least-not sold on the downpipes though.. really don't feel like dicking around with my exhaust system and my cats

Didn't think the BMW PPK was compatible with the JB4?? Thought it was a "one or the other" kinda thing...

Oh really? Didn't know...
I'm happy with the PPK for now though

How are you doing brother?

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 04-30-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnoxDawg

Didn't think the BMW PPK was compatible with the JB4?? Thought it was a "one or the other" kinda thing...

The JB4 can be run over the PPK, in essence over-writing it.

Mike

04-25-2012, 08:38 PM	#1
amitkhas Private 8 Rep 53 Posts Drives: BMW 335i X-Drive Sedan Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	JB4 or BMW PK? Hi All, I'm new to tuning and I'm eager to start tuning my 2011 335xi. The dealer is recommend going with the BMW Performance Kit Stage 1. The numerical gains don't seem that great (+20HP and +17lb-ft). However, the dealer is saying that these numerical values seem underrated compared to what you really get. He didn't have anything on the lot for me to test drive to see the gains for myself, but he insisted that it's night/day when driving it. He suggested that the rated gains are reduced intentionally by BMW for some reason (i.e. insurance, so it doesn't compete with the m3 sales, etc). The JB4 publishes better gains with about +60whp. Anyone tried both or could recommend which is better? JB4 + USB = $559 BMW PK Stage 1 = $750 + Install There is also a BMW PK Stage 1 Version 2 (w/ Aux Water Cooler and Enhanced Radiator Fan) for $1423.26 + Install. Anyone know anything about these three items? BTW, the car is stock so far. P.S. Anyone know what kind of gains to be found by adding DP? I've never done a DP before. Any words of caution? Catless are smelly, apparently? Thanks! Last edited by amitkhas; 04-25-2012 at 08:41 PM.. Reason: Added links.
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04-25-2012, 09:55 PM	#2
Beemw335 Colonel 62 Rep 2,013 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: My car is my home iTrader: (2)	Get a jb4, enjoy the car. Never say a word about it to your dealer and always remove it for warranty claims and youll never have an issue.
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04-25-2012, 10:07 PM	#3
deemarr 335i Lieutenant 33 Rep 410 Posts Drives: e90 335i performance edition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: westchester ny iTrader: (2)	Yeaa what he said^^^^, i have the ppk stage 1and the jb4 was a night and day diffrence TRUST ME lol, the best 600 i ever spent ^___^
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04-25-2012, 11:00 PM	#4
Sam335ix Major 65 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: 335 ix performance edition Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Redskin Country iTrader: (0)	I have PPk and it got old quick. Get JB4 with DP and it's amazing, you will not regret it.
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04-26-2012, 12:54 AM	#5
Dozhdbog Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,849 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	I agree with the dealer that those numbers are conservative (as are most power numbers from BMW). The PPK continues to give me much joy, particularly combined with the performance suspension. Keep in mind that before you take on a 3d party tune, you need to consider how it may void your warranty. __________________ 2011 E90 / Premium Package / Stage 2 PPK / Performance Suspension
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04-26-2012, 06:15 AM	#6
jeff2.0t Second Lieutenant 38 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 2018 X3M40i, 2019 M4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	My dealer tech told me to get JB4 instead of ppk. 20 hp is nothing on a 300hp car and it doesn't worth 700$+2 hours of labor.
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04-26-2012, 07:44 AM	#7
Sam335ix Major 65 Rep 1,274 Posts Drives: 335 ix performance edition Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Redskin Country iTrader: (0)	Jb4 install is easy and it won't void your warranty. Just unplug the jb4 before you take it in.
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04-26-2012, 08:43 AM	#8
mashimarho BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 2108 Rep 13,877 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & F80 M3 & G82 M4 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lynnwood, WA iTrader: (45) Garage List 2021 BMW G82 M4 [0.00] 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2015 BMW F80 M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW 335i xDrive [9.78]	JB4 __________________ Mashimarho.com /// Instagram /// Facebook /// Youtube /// sales@mashimarho.com /// (425) 582-7939
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04-26-2012, 11:44 AM	#9
amitkhas Private 8 Rep 53 Posts Drives: BMW 335i X-Drive Sedan Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Any suggestions on which DP to get? and what kind of gains would come from it?
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04-26-2012, 03:30 PM	#12
eyim1988 Lieutenant Colonel 98 Rep 1,647 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW M4 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 M4 [0.00]	catless dps's are technically illegal but with the jb4 /w autoclear code on. it won't be a problem unless you have to get smogged or something. Going catless gives you pretty good gains as there are 2 cats on the stock dp combined with the tune you'll def feel it.
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04-26-2012, 04:02 PM	#13
Dozhdbog Lieutenant Colonel 86 Rep 1,849 Posts Drives: 2011 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Hollywood iTrader: (0)	If you have engine related issues and you've had JB4 installed, you can most definitely void your warranty if you do not have a sympathetic service advisor. Even if you clear codes and remove the JB4 prior to bringing it in for warranty work, they can see what boost levels you have been running, among other stats. Anything out of spec and they have reason not to honor your warranty. __________________ 2011 E90 / Premium Package / Stage 2 PPK / Performance Suspension
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04-27-2012, 11:04 PM	#14
cwg Captain 45 Rep 723 Posts Drives: 2017 M4 ZCP. AZB on black Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kailua, HI iTrader: (0)	I have the PPK on my N55 2011 135i. It is a nice improvement and I am happy I did it. I think a night and day transformation is overselling it. I would say it is an improvement but not a transformation. Attached are the before and after dyno results on my car. The car is more responsive, less tubo lag and pulls harder to redline. The car has the Performance Exhaust on both the before and after runs so the difference is due to the PPK. If you are looking for a transformation you will be disapointed. If you want to just kick it up a notch the PPK does the job. With the combination of the PPK, PE and the Pefrom Susp - I feel like my car is nicely dialed in and a great daily driver - very smooth and factory feeling. In my view, really what a Msport package should do to the car instead of the merely cosmetic packages that the Msport packages have become. Attached Images
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04-28-2012, 04:49 AM	#16
tastelikechicken New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 335is Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Georgia iTrader: (0)	JB4! Cheaper and your getting a better deal!
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04-28-2012, 08:12 AM	#18
Dark_Knight_335 Came to the N55 Darkside 1112 Rep 12,740 Posts Drives: 2011 335 E93 M-Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (28)	Of course there are those of us that have money to play with (tax return in my case), get the PPK, then get the JB4 to build onto that power later. That's my plan at least-not sold on the downpipes though.. really don't feel like dicking around with my exhaust system and my cats
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04-28-2012, 02:59 PM	#19
amitkhas Private 8 Rep 53 Posts Drives: BMW 335i X-Drive Sedan Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I think I might hold off the catless DPs since it could void the warranty. If I take the JB4 out in the event I'm dropping the car off for servicing, the catless DP would prob create an alarm/fault.
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