Another BMS Powerbox review

sibhusky · 10-22-2012, 11:45 AM

Ive seen already a few on the forums but thought id pass my feedback. I got mine recently from JGMODS whom is a site sponser.

The install is not too bad but found that working with the factory connectors can be tricky. Anyways it took me about 1.5 hours to do this. It went well and i found the only thing lackluster is how the new pins attach to the old ones as the pins are really designed to be utilized in a male female connector housing. Perhaps BMS can source these connectors from Digikey or an electronics retailer as the automotive environment is pretty rough. Someone else recommended using heatshrink tubing which is in my opinion the way to go as you can retain the pins if you ever need to revert back. Soldering is another option but then your cutting wire. I ended up using electric tape and wire tied everything down to prevent the pins from sliding out. I used double sided tape to attach the BMS to the plastic ECU housing.

Having an engineering background, i opened the BMS and found a PIC microcontroller which is essentially being used to manipulate the throttle by wire circuit. Theres not much inside aside from the microcontroller and a few resistors mounted upon the PC board.

As to the difference, well i must say this is the most underrated 10hp ive ever felt. i remember from back in my younger days from working on a 5.0 mustang, id go through headers, heads and superchargers to get hp difference but this nifty device does make a significant difference without much hassle.

In my case i have a auto wagon. After starting it up, i immediately noticed i had no shift lag or hesitation and the car immediately responded to the gas pedal and pulled, it does feel more torquey up to 3k. The car also reved very easily up to 6k and made it feel like your in DS mode but i still get the gas mileage of being in D mode. I just went on a 300 mile highway trip and averaged 27mpg, so it doesnt look like the BMS had an adverse affect on mileage. Passing is so much easier as the car instantly finds a gear and revs to redline if you need it.

In know there are varying opinions, but its the best 279 you can spend and notice a difference with. Id pass on cold air, the intake and other mods and try this first before going with component changes.

will bleich · 10-22-2012, 02:27 PM

What exactly is this? A new tune or something like the sprint boodter

monkey_wrench · 10-22-2012, 02:29 PM

So even though you have an engineering background you're OK driving around in a costly BMW with ECU wiring electrical-taped together?

Doesn't add up...

sibhusky · 10-22-2012, 10:03 PM

Yeah im ok driving around with what i have. If you read my post carefully youll see that i stated that i did a combination of electrical tape per the original directions and wire tied both the pins and connectors to prevent them from sliding out assuming the tape fails. I should mention that im using 3M industrial grade electrical tape.

monkey_wrench · 10-23-2012, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sibhusky

Yeah im ok driving around with what i have. If you read my post carefully youll see that i stated that i did a combination of electrical tape per the original directions and wire tied both the pins and connectors to prevent them from sliding out assuming the tape fails. I should mention that im using 3M industrial grade electrical tape.

I did read your post carefully, and I did notice that.
But you of all people, with the engineering background, should know that the contacts were made to be in a connector. Period.

But if you're comfortable driving around like that, it's your car.

will bleich · 10-23-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey_wrench

I did read your post carefully, and I did notice that.
But you of all people, with the engineering background, should know that the contacts were made to be in a connector. Period.

But if you're comfortable driving around like that, it's your car.

why is everyone on this forum a dickhead!!!!, what did you acomplish by calling him out for nigering something, we all do it sometimes, and sometimes you have to so leave him alone

BRGmatthew · 10-23-2012, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowandslow115

what did you acomplish by calling him out for nigering

BRGmatthew · 10-23-2012, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowandslow115

why is everyone on this forum a dickhead!!!!, what did you acomplish by calling him out for nigering something, we all do it sometimes, and sometimes you have to so leave him alone

I agree with you tho, there was no need for calling him out on anything. He was just simply giving us another review of the pbx. Great writeup.

will bleich · 10-23-2012, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boneout

lol sorry its a term here in pennsylvania not a racial slur should have said rigging

rich123321 · 10-23-2012, 06:53 PM

Really thinking about getting one in the future thanks for this

monkey_wrench · 10-23-2012, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowandslow115

why is everyone on this forum a dickhead!!!!, what did you acomplish by calling him out for nigering something, we all do it sometimes, and sometimes you have to so leave him alone

Damn son, what's the purpose of a forum when one can't vent his opinion anymore?

If you want an ego-stroking website get a fucking laptop and a webcam and look at yourself instead.

Plus, how was I being a dick? Guy says he's an engineer (or has an engineering background) but is perfectly happy with taping and zip tying ECU wiring together? You guys need to grow some thicker skin. Not everyone always agrees with you or likes what you do.
If he posts it on a public forum he should expect some opinions which he might not share.

But I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.

will bleich · 10-23-2012, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monkey_wrench

Damn son, what's the purpose of a forum when one can't vent his opinion anymore?

If you want an ego-stroking website get a fucking laptop and a webcam and look at yourself instead.

Plus, how was I being a dick? Guy says he's an engineer (or has an engineering background) but is perfectly happy with taping and zip tying ECU wiring together? You guys need to grow some thicker skin. Not everyone always agrees with you or likes what you do.
If he posts it on a public forum he should expect some opinions which he might not share.

But I'm sorry I hurt your feelings.

keep your rude comments to yourself noone wants to hear them

Rotorocious · 10-23-2012, 10:50 PM

Think the dude is just mad Cuz he paid (or wants to pay) triple for the same hp Gains

manutdas11 · 10-23-2012, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotorocious

Think the dude is just mad Cuz he paid (or wants to pay) triple for the same hp Gains

monkey_wrench · 10-24-2012, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotorocious

Think the dude is just mad Cuz he paid (or wants to pay) triple for the same hp Gains

Delusive · 10-24-2012, 05:39 AM

To the OP, thanks for the review but I think i'll still go the AA Tune Route.

blingman · 10-25-2012, 12:21 AM

I want to get AA tune but will wait until I can get the 3 stage manifold swap. I got the BMS and have no regret. Wish I got it since day one. I hated how the car drove stock and came to a point of almost selling it until I installed the BMS. Im not power hungry, but it drives so much better and more responsive with this and that's all I needed.

10-22-2012, 11:45 AM	#1
sibhusky Private 2 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NoVa iTrader: (0)	Another BMS Powerbox review Ive seen already a few on the forums but thought id pass my feedback. I got mine recently from JGMODS whom is a site sponser. The install is not too bad but found that working with the factory connectors can be tricky. Anyways it took me about 1.5 hours to do this. It went well and i found the only thing lackluster is how the new pins attach to the old ones as the pins are really designed to be utilized in a male female connector housing. Perhaps BMS can source these connectors from Digikey or an electronics retailer as the automotive environment is pretty rough. Someone else recommended using heatshrink tubing which is in my opinion the way to go as you can retain the pins if you ever need to revert back. Soldering is another option but then your cutting wire. I ended up using electric tape and wire tied everything down to prevent the pins from sliding out. I used double sided tape to attach the BMS to the plastic ECU housing. Having an engineering background, i opened the BMS and found a PIC microcontroller which is essentially being used to manipulate the throttle by wire circuit. Theres not much inside aside from the microcontroller and a few resistors mounted upon the PC board. As to the difference, well i must say this is the most underrated 10hp ive ever felt. i remember from back in my younger days from working on a 5.0 mustang, id go through headers, heads and superchargers to get hp difference but this nifty device does make a significant difference without much hassle. In my case i have a auto wagon. After starting it up, i immediately noticed i had no shift lag or hesitation and the car immediately responded to the gas pedal and pulled, it does feel more torquey up to 3k. The car also reved very easily up to 6k and made it feel like your in DS mode but i still get the gas mileage of being in D mode. I just went on a 300 mile highway trip and averaged 27mpg, so it doesnt look like the BMS had an adverse affect on mileage. Passing is so much easier as the car instantly finds a gear and revs to redline if you need it. In know there are varying opinions, but its the best 279 you can spend and notice a difference with. Id pass on cold air, the intake and other mods and try this first before going with component changes.
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10-22-2012, 02:27 PM	#2
will bleich First Lieutenant 27 Rep 394 Posts Drives: pos Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pennslyvania iTrader: (1)	What exactly is this? A new tune or something like the sprint boodter __________________ instagram @will_bleich facebook will bleich
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10-22-2012, 02:29 PM	#3
monkey_wrench Caught the Bimmer-Bug 50 Rep 639 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (10) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	So even though you have an engineering background you're OK driving around in a costly BMW with ECU wiring electrical-taped together? Doesn't add up...
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10-22-2012, 10:03 PM	#4
sibhusky Private 2 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: NoVa iTrader: (0)	Yeah im ok driving around with what i have. If you read my post carefully youll see that i stated that i did a combination of electrical tape per the original directions and wire tied both the pins and connectors to prevent them from sliding out assuming the tape fails. I should mention that im using 3M industrial grade electrical tape.
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10-23-2012, 06:53 PM	#10
rich123321 Captain 72 Rep 838 Posts Drives: BMW 325i E90 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: South Florida iTrader: (1) Garage List 2015 335i [0.00]	Really thinking about getting one in the future thanks for this
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10-23-2012, 10:50 PM	#13
Rotorocious Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,520 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (3)	Think the dude is just mad Cuz he paid (or wants to pay) triple for the same hp Gains
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10-24-2012, 05:39 AM	#16
Delusive Lieutenant Colonel 136 Rep 1,598 Posts Drives: Bagged E92 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (9)	To the OP, thanks for the review but I think i'll still go the AA Tune Route. __________________ Instagram Youtube
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10-25-2012, 12:21 AM	#17
blingman Lieutenant 40 Rep 413 Posts Drives: 3er Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (2)	I want to get AA tune but will wait until I can get the 3 stage manifold swap. I got the BMS and have no regret. Wish I got it since day one. I hated how the car drove stock and came to a point of almost selling it until I installed the BMS. Im not power hungry, but it drives so much better and more responsive with this and that's all I needed.
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