My Review of JB Stage 1:
First off, big reps to Mike @ N54tuning.com. Prior to purchasing I pm'd him with a million questions about the tune and what to purchase etc... Mike answered in a very timely matter and answered everything for me. Purchased the tune from him on the 27th of Feb and it arrived the morning of the 1st. Everything was well packaged, and as ordered.
Install:
I got this installed at work with the help of one of my mechanics. Sadly, I got interrupted with some work stuff and could not be around to help out with the full install. For the record, I planned to have this installed myself but did not hesitate on having some more experienced hands with the install. From what I've seen parts that had to be removed:
- Shroud between the windshield and the motor
- left and right plastic covers on each shroud
- intake (drivers side of the engine)
The hardest part i'd say was the MAF sensor. This was underneath the intake and was the whole reason why the intake had to be removed.
For better instructions on the install, refer to:
http://burgertuning.com/instructions/n55_stage1.pdf
Total install time took roughly 45mins.... and that included interruptions.
Initial impressions after install:
The day that it was installed, it was snowing and the roads were really icy. Eager to try out the tune, I still took my newly tuned X3 out on the roads. Right away I noticed that the vehicle was more responsive and seemed to have more power. With traction control off, it seem a lot easier to make the back end kick out.... really can be considered useless piece of info but it was my first indication that power increased. Due to the slippery conditions, testing out the power increase was next to impossible that day.
The next day, all the ice melted and roads were wet but clear of ice. I got to take it out and open it up. From a stand still @ WOT, my X3 now had more grunt to pull me back. I felt that @ stock, the power dropped off noticeably at 5500rpm. With the tune, it seemed more lively even after 6000 rpm. I am confident to say that my 0-60MPH is much lower than 5.5secs and 1/4 mile time has improved - but that will have to wait until track day this summer. From 80-160 kph, the X3 comes a lot quicker. The track ran out for me to run past 160.
. Also Day to day driving hasn't been compromised.... still feels normal, revs normally and it seems like fuel consumption should stay the same... if i can keep my foot in line. Under normal driving you wont notice anything, until you rev past 2500rpm. One thing I did notice is that the whistle from the wastegate was a lot louder.
Overall, the tune was well worth it. From a 5er on this forum, his post shows 21hp more and 59lb/ft more off the initial install.. that's running at 2.75psi more. The tune is capable of doing up to 5psi over stock and from what I have been reading 4.0 is the sweet spot.
Im really looking forward to safely adjusting the boost for more performance... however this will require a bit more research.
**Disclaimer*** Please modify at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damages as a result to your own modifications on your vehicle. This is just simply used as a review. All testing was done in a legal environment free from danger.