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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N55 Turbo Engine Tuning and Exhaust Modifications - 335i Tuning > Cobb AP vs JB4



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      11-09-2013, 10:29 PM   #1
chronos6
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Cobb AP vs JB4

Yes I have used the function. I've read around, but mostly this debate has been focused around the N54, but I may be wrong.

I've seen both and how they connect and sort of what they offer.

The cobb ap is super easy to use plugs in via obd-2 port, has a vallet mode, multiple tunes at the ease of a download and upload into the car.

The JB4 on the other hand is permanently attached under the bonnet. Now the only thing I am unaware is how to get different tunes on the JB4. Is it only one tune, whatever I choose when I purchase it new, or what type of tune it is when I buy it used?

I have a 2011 N55, x-drive, sedan.

1. My question is, which one gives the most power using 93 octane, as the lowest grade of fuel, with an upgraded chargepipe and bmw performance exhaust? Currently, I'm not too worried about the ease of use or anything of that currently.

2. Once I upgrade to an aftermarket intercooler, and catless downpipe, using the same 93 octane as my lowest grade fuel, bme performance exhaust and aftermarket chargepipe, would give me the most power output.

I know that the more boost, the more power, so I would need to upgrade the chargepipe.

I also have been well aware of VTT's custom bigger turbo for the N55. Right now I'm not too keen on it because I want to see the reliability of our cars after that upgrade.

So which, gives the more power in either situation?

Also what do you prefer. Give me your pros and cons.

Thank you gentlemen and ladies for your time.
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      11-10-2013, 06:25 AM   #2
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Jb4 has different maps you can choose from for different setups.
Jb4 will undoubtedly yield more power at the current time. When the cobb ATR for n55 is released, who knows?
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      11-10-2013, 09:12 AM   #3
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My car def moved a lot better with Cobb with stage 1+ aggressive intercooler tune.

I ran better with just a helix intercooler and charge pipe with Cobb vs. Jb4 with ar dp, helix intercooler and chargepipe.

That's with pump gas. Of course running e85 with jb4 is different.
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      11-10-2013, 08:27 PM   #4
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http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=885381
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      11-11-2013, 11:01 AM   #5
chronos6
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Thank you so far for all your comments and experiences. So which one is more fluid with its power level when it comes to a 6-MT n55?
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      11-11-2013, 11:31 AM   #6
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I have JB4 Stg2 and the thing rockets.
I won't go with COBB for another 3/4 year probably until it's goodied up.
JB4 with e85 throws up power right now. Map 5 ftw

I have an FBO 6mt e92 335i xDrive N55
Running 50/50 e85, FBO minus new turbo obviously.
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      11-11-2013, 01:49 PM   #7
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For the N55 there is no comparison, the JB4 is a far better way to go. You change maps in dash using the steering wheel controls. This link has lots of addl info for you.

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13189

On the larger turbos BMS' car is up at Vargas as I type this having the first set fit.

Mike
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      11-11-2013, 05:14 PM   #8
chronos6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com
For the N55 there is no comparison, the JB4 is a far better way to go. You change maps in dash using the steering wheel controls. This link has lots of addl info for you.

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13189" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.n54tech.c...hp?t=13189</a>

On the larger turbos BMS' car is up at Vargas as I type this having the first set fit.

Mike
Based on the number of people that posted here have the jb4, ill go with that. Plus you can't go wrong if its cheaper!!!

Edit: plus that link you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Awesome, thank you sooo much. JB4 it is!
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      11-12-2013, 11:07 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chronos6 View Post
Based on the number of people that posted here have the jb4, ill go with that. Plus you can't go wrong if its cheaper!!!

Edit: plus that link you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Awesome, thank you sooo much. JB4 it is!
Awesome

Mike
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      11-12-2013, 11:28 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chronos6 View Post
Based on the number of people that posted here have the jb4, ill go with that. Plus you can't go wrong if its cheaper!!!

Edit: plus that link you provided is exactly what I was looking for. Awesome, thank you sooo much. JB4 it is!
Ever think why people have it more is because its cheaper

I think the short answer

JB4 tad more power, more uses, cheaper

Cobb you're paying for ease of use, almost idiot proof.
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      11-12-2013, 11:35 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mashimarho View Post
I have JB4 Stg2 and the thing rockets.
I won't go with COBB for another 3/4 year probably until it's goodied up.
JB4 with e85 throws up power right now. Map 5 ftw

I have an FBO 6mt e92 335i xDrive N55
Running 50/50 e85, FBO minus new turbo obviously.
Wait you’re running E50 piggyback only? How do your trims look under WOT? I had no idea piggys could handle that much ethanol without access to the DME for fueling. Hence the need for a backend flash to handle advance/retard and fuel.
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      11-12-2013, 12:03 PM   #12
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Jb4 is really easy, it has all the maps you need, I run Race gas and 91 in my car, personal preference, all the power you will need for the money. But Cobb is nice also.
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      11-12-2013, 01:13 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 135Pats View Post
Wait you’re running E50 piggyback only? How do your trims look under WOT? I had no idea piggys could handle that much ethanol without access to the DME for fueling. Hence the need for a backend flash to handle advance/retard and fuel.
Map 5 can handle up to a 50/50 mix (some have done 60/40) without any issues.

The main differences between the tunes are as follows:

Warranty
-The dealer can see how many times the DME has been flashed, this means the Cobb AP or any other flash tune will leave traces.
-The JB4 intercepts signals before reaching the DME and essentially covers its tracks. The dealer will have no idea it's there provided you change it to Map 0 and they don't snoop around too much under the hood (the only visual evidence is black wiring)

Power
-The JB4 has been out way longer and produces more power in every situation

Power delivery/drive-ability
-JB4 seems to be the winner to me here
-Cobb has been having some issues with smooth power delivery (at least according to the forums)

Maps
-JB4 has multiple maps, can swap on the fly, offers autotuning map
-Cobb has multiple maps, can swap on the fly, offers ability to upload custom maps

Reliability/ease of installation
-JB4 is probably more prone to breaking due to improper install. First install might take 1-2 hours, I've seen it done in 30 mins though
-Cobb is idiot proof, 5 sec installation
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      11-12-2013, 05:12 PM   #14
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Congrats!...
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      11-12-2013, 05:14 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hetzle View Post
Map 5 can handle up to a 50/50 mix (some have done 60/40) without any issues.

The main differences between the tunes are as follows:

Warranty
-The dealer can see how many times the DME has been flashed, this means the Cobb AP or any other flash tune will leave traces.
-The JB4 intercepts signals before reaching the DME and essentially covers its tracks. The dealer will have no idea it's there provided you change it to Map 0 and they don't snoop around too much under the hood (the only visual evidence is black wiring)

Power
-The JB4 has been out way longer and produces more power in every situation

Power delivery/drive-ability
-JB4 seems to be the winner to me here
-Cobb has been having some issues with smooth power delivery (at least according to the forums)

Maps
-JB4 has multiple maps, can swap on the fly, offers autotuning map
-Cobb has multiple maps, can swap on the fly, offers ability to upload custom maps

Reliability/ease of installation
-JB4 is probably more prone to breaking due to improper install. First install might take 1-2 hours, I've seen it done in 30 mins though
-Cobb is idiot proof, 5 sec installation
I love the autotuning feature; which as soon as Mike from N54 tuning showed me the thread linked above to all the different maps of the jb4, I was sold. Keeping it under the radar is exactly what I need. I usually can never make up my mind so that little tid bit about the dealer knowing how many times the DME was flashed is good to know and further pushes me away from the Cobb. And it seems that way that the ease of use of the Cobb makes it more expensive. I'm not an idiot as some of my friends may think, so I think I can handle a JB4 install.

Just gotta wait now and sell my old daily driver in order to buy some parts for my bimmer now.

THanks again guys for all the info!!! Appreciate it fellas!
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      11-12-2013, 05:16 PM   #16
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Congrats!!
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