[dya042]

Hi All,

I am about to pick up my new 2018 540x with M Sports Package. While stock is good I'd like a bit more giddy-up but can't afford a true M or a lot of upgrades. Oh, and, it's a lease.

So... I'd like to install a piggy-back tuner. Question is, what is the best bang for the buck?

Please let me know your thoughts and experiences.

Thank you!

[dya042]

Okay, did some research... hopefully I can spur some dialogue.

It looks like there are three major brands and a couple others. Here is what I found:

Berger Motorsports (offers two models for the G30 - JB+ and JB4)
Dinan (offers two models for the G30 - Sport and Stage 1)
Race Chip (offers three models for the G30 - S, RS and GTS)
DTE Systems (offers two models for the G30 - PowerControl and PowerControlX)
Speed-Buster (offers one model for the G30 - Power Module)

Prices range from 199 (Berger JB+) to about 1300 (Dinan Stage 1)

Both Race Chip and DTE claim 15% to 20% fuel economy increases in addition to the power boost. A couple models (the most expensive of course) offer warm-up timers and some have apps (some free, some charge 50 bucks).

All of the chips are range bound at 40 to 90 HP and 50 to 90 torque increases.

@199, the JB+ seems like a great deal (at least on the specs) but I do not want to be short sited... or penny wise, pound foolish.

Doing some simple math, the HP to $ ratio runs between $6 and almost $18 per HP gain per dollar of cost. The Speed-Buster Power Module @ claimed 90 HP and cost of 550 is the leader and the Dinan Stage 1 @ about the same gains but with a price of $1260 is near the bottom (DTE Systems is the bottom @ almost $18).

From the math, easy choice, right? Speed-Buster. But... Dinan is the best and most trusted, right...?

So... did I miss any products?

What are your thoughts and experiences?

Thank you!

[sangy335]

In the same boat with a 540i. I did purchase the JB+ and tbh I don't know if I noticed much of a difference. I've played around with the different setting but again not a significant change from stock.

I'm really looking for a boost down low in the rev range as I feel the car lacks that punch down low off the blocks.

[r33_RGSport]

LMK if you are interested in RaceChip.
I am their authorized reseller and been using it on my 540 since first week of ownership.
Started with RaceChip Ultimate, then beginning of the year upgraded to RaceChip GTS Black with App function + XLR.

It is not producing crazy gain like a flash tune, but sufficient for DD and canyon fun.
Also it is a very easy plug n play system.
On B58 motor just matter of 5 minutes to install and 5 minutes to clean up.

[dya042]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, definitely interested. RaceChip was on my short list already. Talk by email?

I see you have Dinan too... any reason you did RaceChip over Dinan?

[AlphaOmega4]

Dinan Stage 1 is your only safe option !

You have a lease/ Dinan Stage 1 offers warranty coverage. nothing else does, If you bought you could afford to take other risks. You leased you shouldn't gamble with a tune on a vehicle your returning.

That's just my opinion.

I have the Dinan Stage 1 Tune for my lease , however I have not installed. My dealer was an installer and no longer is.. therefore I am taking mine out of town here soon to a BMW / Dinan installer and letting them set up the tune strictly for warranty coverage.

If your a screw it I'll take the risk type of person go JB4 in my opinion.. seems tried and true

Also just as an FYI... Dinan Sport tune is not covered under warranty like the stage 1.. its no different than the risk of a JB tuner.

Let us know what route you go

[ksoze]

Just had a Dinan Stage 1 installed by my dealer on my 2018 M550iX. It may be more expensive compared to others mentioned, but it is covered by my dealer and provides a noticeable bump, especially down low on the M550. It feels like what the base car should have been - no rough spots, clean, even power that does not seem to end. I sometimes wonder whether the base cars underrated HP was to maintain a perceived gap with the then pending M5. It pulled like a freight train before, now it is a nuclear-fueled locomotive that can still be docile as needed. Could not happier so far and also confident since my servicing dealer put it in.

[dya042]

So jealous... with 1 in college and 1 heading in next year, could not afford M550. Sounds like an absolute blast to drive. I am hoping to get a little more from he 540i M Sport (the poor mans M).

Thanks for the feedback.

I like the Dinan S1 too because of the free re-programing within 3 years. My lease is 3 years, so prefect timing to get another 3 years out of the initial investment.

I met the Dinan founder a few years ago at a BMW dealer show (I sell SW to the dealer community). He is quite the guy... very funny.

Looks like I'll spend the extra on the Dinan.

That said, I see a lot of advertising for RaceChip - any thought there?

[r33_RGSport]

dya042 , I replied to your email.

RaceChip GTS Black you'll get 2x Free re-programming.

You know that Dinan himself doesn't own Dinan company anymore, right?
Read up why he left.

I do sell Dinan too. If you are comfortable to pay that much, then it is a no brainer.
But, with my experience on RaceChip products which I have been selling for the past 3 years, why pay more if you can get the same or more.

Seems like you also own F15 X5, you should've heard about it more in that side of the forum since I have a lot customers in F15/F16 X5/X6 F85/F86 X5M/X6M sides.

Somehow this G30 sides of the forum not as active as that side.
G30 5 series market is the slowest 5-series market that I have ever seen.
I have seen more E39, E60, F10 being modded the first year it came out.
G30 been out for almost 3 years, and I rarely seen it on the street or even modded.

[dya042]

Hey - Thanks for the guidance. Definitely interested. I did not see an email from you, could you please resend? Want to get something this week.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by dya042

Hey - Thanks for the guidance. Definitely interested. I did not see an email from you, could you please resend? Want to get something this week.

PM me your email address.
It is showing this outlook_57416CCC57BC7EB2@outlook.com for your email address. I don't think it is correct.

[BMWFamilyMan]

If you want you can read my review of Ventura for the 530i (in another thread in this part of the forum). They do have a box for the 540i/B58 as well.

[timmahh]

Originally Posted by AlphaOmega4

Dinan Stage 1 is your only safe option !

You have a lease/ Dinan Stage 1 offers warranty coverage. nothing else does, If you bought you could afford to take other risks. You leased you shouldn't gamble with a tune on a vehicle your returning.

That's just my opinion.

I have the Dinan Stage 1 Tune for my lease , however I have not installed. My dealer was an installer and no longer is.. therefore I am taking mine out of town here soon to a BMW / Dinan installer and letting them set up the tune strictly for warranty coverage.

If your a screw it I'll take the risk type of person go JB4 in my opinion.. seems tried and true

Also just as an FYI... Dinan Sport tune is not covered under warranty like the stage 1.. its no different than the risk of a JB tuner.

Let us know what route you go

+1 on this. Maybe you have a dealer who has no issue with other tunes, but I didn't want to risk it -- even if I bought it, I like the Dinan warranty. It is a TON of fun if you ask me.

Question for you though; why not install it yourself? it took me about an 1.5 -2 hours or so; the hardest part was figuring out where to put it and get power/ground, since my car has the aux battery where they recommend it. The power/ground are long enough to reach from the driver side compartment to the positive power distribution block by the strut, and the main ground by the passenger headlight. Has been running like this for several months and all seems fine (I was worried maybe it'd be too tight of a run, but she's fine).

[AlphaOmega4]

Originally Posted by timmahh

+1 on this. Maybe you have a dealer who has no issue with other tunes, but I didn't want to risk it -- even if I bought it, I like the Dinan warranty. It is a TON of fun if you ask me.

Question for you though; why not install it yourself? it took me about an 1.5 -2 hours or so; the hardest part was figuring out where to put it and get power/ground, since my car has the aux battery where they recommend it. The power/ground are long enough to reach from the driver side compartment to the positive power distribution block by the strut, and the main ground by the passenger headlight. Has been running like this for several months and all seems fine (I was worried maybe it'd be too tight of a run, but she's fine).

I would have no problem installing.. usually like doing most work myself.. however it is my understanding in order for Dinan to stand behind their warranty coverage the install must be "performed" LOL by a Dinan Installer through BMW.

[bigdaveindubai]

I was quoted 200 for the install from dealer. Thats the price you have to pay to keep your warranty and get Dinan warranty.

[dya042]

Okay... update... I decided to give RaceChip a go. I ordered the GTS Black with app control from RG Sport (shout out to Ben - thank you). I expect to install it this weekend. I'll post a review once I get to try it out.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by dya042

Okay... update... I decided to give RaceChip a go. I ordered the GTS Black with app control from RG Sport (shout out to Ben - thank you). I expect to install it this weekend. I'll post a review once I get to try it out.

Thank you for your business.

[bigdaveindubai]

Why did you decide on the RC instead of the JB4?

[dya042]

Great question... not 100% sure why honestly... the costs and stats stacked up about the same. I liked the free re-programing on the RC since I turn my cars over every 36 mos or so. Any reason I should go with JB4 instead? I have not received my RC unit yet...

[bigdaveindubai]

Nope no reason. I am in the same boat on trying to decide between the two. I just thought you might have found some info that made you choose RC.

[dya042]

Understood. What are your thoughts? What about the Dinan S1?

I'l be installing the RC GTS tomorrow so I will post an initial review this weekend.

[bigdaveindubai]

Thoughts on Dinan are, well my only thought is you dont have to worry about losing your warranty. Price is too high and the numbers arent as high as the others.

Racechip has good numbers, little bit higher price, and to be able to control what map you are on you have to upgrade to the xlr for another 269. 1068$ all together, almost as much as Dinan.

Then jb4 for almost as good as numbers as RC, better than Dinan, for 669$. JB4 and the upgraded rev3 wireless so you can control maps using the app.