JB+ Experiences @ 50%, 75% and 100%

detrick · 10-26-2009, 10:18 PM

Before I forget all this, perhaps the following will help someone who is considering running a JB+ or anyone who is contemplating turning the juice up a little higher on their module. Below are my experiences after 5-months with the JB+ running 93-octane gas in an otherwise stock 2008 335i AT...

At 50% Setting (Default Value)
A huge improvement in performance, especially in low- to mid-range torque. What was previously a sports car now felt like a pretty serious performance car. Raced a stock Suburu WRX (4.7 sec 0-60 mph) and beat him by 3 car lengths in a 0-80 mph sprint. I was amazed. I kept out accelerating stock cars that were well within the high 4 second 0-60 mph range, such as new Mustangs and G8's. The only draw-back of running the default setting was a noticeable drop in power at higher RPM's. Almost like the engine ran out of air.

One problem of the stock AT I have is when you slowly accelerate from a stop, the accelerator pedal feels very non-linear. That is, give it a little gas and it barely moves, give it a hair more, and the car jerks forward. The JB+ reduced the non-linear throttle by 75%, which in turn improved the driveability of my car at slow, leisure speeds. The car now felt less turbo-like when accelerating from a stop. However, it did feel slightly jerky at times at higher RPMs. I was rather pissed at BMW for not pumping up the boost of the stock car 2-3 psi after experiencing this, as it would have made a world of difference in the overall enjoyment of the car.

At 75% Setting
After cranking it up to the 3 o'clock setting and allowing for adaption, this setting seemed to be the icing on the cake. Just a great overall balance in performance and driveability. The low-end torque available by partial throttle was simply amazing. It would literally press you against your seat. There was much better response at higher RPMs as well, almost like the car was no longer suffocating.

That non-linear feel in the throttle during slow take-offs was now reduced even more, probably down to 90%. The jerkiness increased compared to to the 50% setting, but no complaints overall. No codes thrown after several months of driving.

At 100% Setting w/Solenoid Bypass
Cranked the unit to the maximum setting and did the solenoid bypass. There is no more hesitation at take-off on the AT and the throttle response feels instantaneous. The car now feels like it is on steroids, and to be honest, it feels like a big naturally aspirated V8, but much smoother. Very nice!

I figured that if those guys running 15-16 psi (JB3, Procede, etc.) have not had major problems since the release of the N54 three years ago, then I'm likely not to have issues either running less boost. First off, the performance increase on 93 octane gasoline is another 10 HP over the 75% setting. We are talking about 345 whp without doing anything to your car other than plugging a JB+ module.

Think about it...no screwdrivers, wrenches, scratches, clipped ECU wires or anything under the hood of your $50K car that may void your warranty. And back to stock in under 3-minutes, including the solenoid bypass. BT tool to take care of the rest, if need be. That works for me. I have not thrown any tuner codes, but I have only been running 100% for less than a week. At this setting, you can really feel the increased HP and torque. It is a monster. And it is smooth and not jerky like some have described. The solenoid bypass is probably what makes the throttle response so smooth and all that low-end torque is so pleasing now. The jerkiness felt at the 75% setting is now gone.

It should be noted that the left solenoid bypass makes the car feel and sound quite different than before. The engine and exhaust have a roar now. From inside the cabin, it almost sounds like you are driving an M3. If you are seeking both performance and that quiet, sophisticated silence of a cruiser BMW, then you're better off running at 75% or the default setting and foregoing the solenoid by-pass. But if you want that race BMW sound, this is the right setting. I can only imagine what a nice exhaust would sound like with this setting.

Enjoy!

Willizm · 10-26-2009, 10:25 PM

good read, that helps me out a bit when I get my JB3 this week.

thatsosm · 10-26-2009, 10:28 PM

I completely agree with you. at 100% and solenoid bypass, it is so much fun to drive. I raced a 535i with a jb3 map 3 , when I was at 75% and pulled on him a bit. The JB+ is no joke

detrick · 10-26-2009, 10:29 PM

Keep us posted on your JB3 experiences...I have yet to decide to make that jump.

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 10-26-2009, 10:41 PM

Thanks for the review.. Its nice that you broke it down by the common settings people use!!

Mike

Syndicategt · 10-26-2009, 10:46 PM

Former JB+ owner here. I loved it too . . . for a while, then the power bug bit me. Recently installed my JB3 1.4, and it's a complete different feel. JB3 has more power throughout the power band and smoother throttle response, which is huge. JB3 on map 3 feels like the JB+'s power at 75%-100% but smoother and kicks in right off the bat, no waiting for 4k+ rpm. The JB+ is fast to install but after doing the JB3 pnp once, I can probably do it in under 20 min. Considering you only take a car to the dealer, hopefully less than once a year, it's worth getting the JB3. The only reason I would consider the JB+ is b/c CA has crappy 91 oct. Luckily for me, I live near a gas station with race gas so I can go to higher maps.

Grab some BMS DCI's too, they sound amazing!!!

PeteW84 · 10-26-2009, 10:57 PM

Nice review...love mine @ 100%.

slick101 · 10-26-2009, 11:03 PM

perfect... Just the info i was looking for. I did a lot of searches but this just sealed the deal... thanx for the excellent write up...

E92murdered · 10-27-2009, 12:38 AM

nice write up just pm'd u

persian54 · 10-27-2009, 01:46 AM

JB+ was amazing :P

But like the other guy, the power bug hit me... so I went from JB+ 75% to JB3 1.4 Map 3

and last week installed DPs :P

the JB3 was much smoother IMO
now, with the DPs, it's just... really fast...

Htown09 · 10-27-2009, 01:57 AM

I plugged in the JB this past weekend. So far the low end torque is very noticeable!

R1000K3 · 10-27-2009, 02:56 AM

Same move done here, switched from JB+ @100 %, which I was very happy with, to a stage 3 tune.

I'm now running a Procede rev II and I thought it would mean about nothing as long as the other parts were stock. I was wrong though, the Procede provides smoother and much more power since it controls more functions in the 335. At some occasions I noted a small jerkiness just below 2k rpm with JB+. This is gone with the Procede. Another advantage with the stage 3 piggyback is that the daily interruptions that was caused by the ECU adapting for different temperatures is gone, the st 3 tune is much smoother also in this respect. I'm surprised that the car pulled as strong as it did with the stage 3 piggyback and stock IC and DP's.

But things need to move even more, so now there is an aftermarket FMIC in and Catless DP's on top of DCI. This combo isn’t evaluated yet but the first signs are very promising providing a new feel to the back on higher gears and noticeable reduced grip on 2nd and 3rd when tyres are cold.

Still, thumbs up for JB+, which is very price worthy and change the car to what it should have been in the first place.

Hampi · 10-27-2009, 03:03 AM

JB+ at 100 % is no joke for sure. With the colder outside temperature now, my car pulls light a freight train

.

HPFREAK · 10-27-2009, 12:15 PM

Good write up and review. The JB+ is a very handy tuner for the money. You can get a lot of power with it for sure.

Diggy Diggy · 10-27-2009, 12:34 PM

Anyone running AR catted downpipes with JB+ at 100% and DCI?

WilliamE92 · 10-27-2009, 12:44 PM

How safe is it to run 100% with solenoid bypass on 91 octane?

Only for short spurts?

Can I do the solenoid bypass at 75% as well?

HPFREAK · 10-27-2009, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamE92

How safe is it to run 100% with solenoid bypass on 91 octane?

Only for short spurts?

Can I do the solenoid bypass at 75% as well?

100% is not really advised on 91, but you should do the bypass regardless. You could get away with it here and there at the track.

mahutchi · 10-27-2009, 01:20 PM

I did the solenoid bypass with my JB+ as well. Took it on blind faith to do that, but what was it's purpose in the first place and what is the change when you bypass it?

Mike@N54Tuning.com · 10-27-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoolin

Anyone running AR catted downpipes with JB+ at 100% and DCI?

I think I have one or two customers doing that and works well. They are running 93 octane

Mike

detrick · 10-27-2009, 01:37 PM

Don't quote me, as I may be wrong...

I believe the solenoid bypass prevents your waste gates from fully closing. The advantage is much faster throttle response and smoother power delivery. I am not sure how it increases low-end torque though...

Dan335i · 10-27-2009, 06:12 PM

Running the JB+ at 100% on 93 octane without doing the bypass,is it ok?What advantage do you get with the bypass as not doing it?

HPFREAK · 10-27-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan335i

Running the JB+ at 100% on 93 octane without doing the bypass,is it ok?What advantage do you get with the bypass as not doing it?

You should do it on 75 or 100% Helps trick the ECU into running more solenoid duty cycle. Gives more low end kick, and holds power better to redline

10-26-2009, 10:18 PM	#1
detrick Private First Class 3 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2012 550xi M-Sport/Dinan S2 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dealer Parking Lot iTrader: (0)	Before I forget all this, perhaps the following will help someone who is considering running a JB+ or anyone who is contemplating turning the juice up a little higher on their module. Below are my experiences after 5-months with the JB+ running 93-octane gas in an otherwise stock 2008 335i AT... At 50% Setting (Default Value) A huge improvement in performance, especially in low- to mid-range torque. What was previously a sports car now felt like a pretty serious performance car. Raced a stock Suburu WRX (4.7 sec 0-60 mph) and beat him by 3 car lengths in a 0-80 mph sprint. I was amazed. I kept out accelerating stock cars that were well within the high 4 second 0-60 mph range, such as new Mustangs and G8's. The only draw-back of running the default setting was a noticeable drop in power at higher RPM's. Almost like the engine ran out of air. One problem of the stock AT I have is when you slowly accelerate from a stop, the accelerator pedal feels very non-linear. That is, give it a little gas and it barely moves, give it a hair more, and the car jerks forward. The JB+ reduced the non-linear throttle by 75%, which in turn improved the driveability of my car at slow, leisure speeds. The car now felt less turbo-like when accelerating from a stop. However, it did feel slightly jerky at times at higher RPMs. I was rather pissed at BMW for not pumping up the boost of the stock car 2-3 psi after experiencing this, as it would have made a world of difference in the overall enjoyment of the car. At 75% Setting After cranking it up to the 3 o'clock setting and allowing for adaption, this setting seemed to be the icing on the cake. Just a great overall balance in performance and driveability. The low-end torque available by partial throttle was simply amazing. It would literally press you against your seat. There was much better response at higher RPMs as well, almost like the car was no longer suffocating. That non-linear feel in the throttle during slow take-offs was now reduced even more, probably down to 90%. The jerkiness increased compared to to the 50% setting, but no complaints overall. No codes thrown after several months of driving. At 100% Setting w/Solenoid Bypass Cranked the unit to the maximum setting and did the solenoid bypass. There is no more hesitation at take-off on the AT and the throttle response feels instantaneous. The car now feels like it is on steroids, and to be honest, it feels like a big naturally aspirated V8, but much smoother. Very nice! I figured that if those guys running 15-16 psi (JB3, Procede, etc.) have not had major problems since the release of the N54 three years ago, then I'm likely not to have issues either running less boost. First off, the performance increase on 93 octane gasoline is another 10 HP over the 75% setting. We are talking about 345 whp without doing anything to your car other than plugging a JB+ module. Think about it...no screwdrivers, wrenches, scratches, clipped ECU wires or anything under the hood of your $50K car that may void your warranty. And back to stock in under 3-minutes, including the solenoid bypass. BT tool to take care of the rest, if need be. That works for me. I have not thrown any tuner codes, but I have only been running 100% for less than a week. At this setting, you can really feel the increased HP and torque. It is a monster. And it is smooth and not jerky like some have described. The solenoid bypass is probably what makes the throttle response so smooth and all that low-end torque is so pleasing now. The jerkiness felt at the 75% setting is now gone. It should be noted that the left solenoid bypass makes the car feel and sound quite different than before. The engine and exhaust have a roar now. From inside the cabin, it almost sounds like you are driving an M3. If you are seeking both performance and that quiet, sophisticated silence of a cruiser BMW, then you're better off running at 75% or the default setting and foregoing the solenoid by-pass. But if you want that race BMW sound, this is the right setting. I can only imagine what a nice exhaust would sound like with this setting. Enjoy! Last edited by detrick; 10-26-2009 at 10:58 PM..
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10-26-2009, 10:25 PM	#2
Willizm Captain 24 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2009 335Xi and 01 Trans Am WS6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joliet, Il iTrader: (0)	good read, that helps me out a bit when I get my JB3 this week.
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10-26-2009, 10:28 PM	#3
thatsosm Miracle Whip 44 Rep 740 Posts Drives: 07 e90 AW335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ/NY iTrader: (1)	I completely agree with you. at 100% and solenoid bypass, it is so much fun to drive. I raced a 535i with a jb3 map 3 , when I was at 75% and pulled on him a bit. The JB+ is no joke __________________ 13.16@108.97 2.195 60'
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10-26-2009, 10:29 PM	#4
detrick Private First Class 3 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2012 550xi M-Sport/Dinan S2 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dealer Parking Lot iTrader: (0)	Keep us posted on your JB3 experiences...I have yet to decide to make that jump.
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10-26-2009, 10:41 PM	#5
Mike@N54Tuning.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 4920 Rep 115,999 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2015 M3 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: N54tuning.com iTrader: (89)	Thanks for the review.. Its nice that you broke it down by the common settings people use!! Mike
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10-26-2009, 10:46 PM	#6
Syndicategt Brigadier General 155 Rep 3,730 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (11)	Former JB+ owner here. I loved it too . . . for a while, then the power bug bit me. Recently installed my JB3 1.4, and it's a complete different feel. JB3 has more power throughout the power band and smoother throttle response, which is huge. JB3 on map 3 feels like the JB+'s power at 75%-100% but smoother and kicks in right off the bat, no waiting for 4k+ rpm. The JB+ is fast to install but after doing the JB3 pnp once, I can probably do it in under 20 min. Considering you only take a car to the dealer, hopefully less than once a year, it's worth getting the JB3. The only reason I would consider the JB+ is b/c CA has crappy 91 oct. Luckily for me, I live near a gas station with race gas so I can go to higher maps. Grab some BMS DCI's too, they sound amazing!!! __________________ 2008 BMW 335i e90 - Sold - Rob Beck Turbos / PROcede V5 / Aquamist HFS-4 / AR Downpipes / AE Exhaust / ER Comp FMIC / ER CP / TiAL BOV / Custom Intake / RPI Scoops / Quaife LSD / Swift-Koni Coilovers / DSS HS / Morr VS8.2 Sig Black / Michelin PSS / P3 Boost Guage / M3 body / M3 steering wheel / Adam's Rotors / Hawk HPS / SS lines /
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10-26-2009, 10:57 PM	#7
PeteW84 COBB'ed 65 Rep 2,228 Posts Drives: 13 Mini Cooper S Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tinley Park, IL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335i [7.56]	Nice review...love mine @ 100%. __________________ 13 Mini Cooper S 08 E92 335i (SOLD)
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10-26-2009, 11:03 PM	#8
slick101 Lieutenant 46 Rep 558 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: ny iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	perfect... Just the info i was looking for. I did a lot of searches but this just sealed the deal... thanx for the excellent write up... __________________
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10-27-2009, 12:38 AM	#9
E92murdered Lieutenant Colonel 101 Rep 1,668 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: san diego iTrader: (5)	nice write up just pm'd u
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10-27-2009, 01:46 AM	#10
persian54 Lieutenant General 923 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	JB+ was amazing :P But like the other guy, the power bug hit me... so I went from JB+ 75% to JB3 1.4 Map 3 and last week installed DPs :P the JB3 was much smoother IMO now, with the DPs, it's just... really fast... __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
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10-27-2009, 01:57 AM	#11
Htown09 Captain 44 Rep 783 Posts Drives: E92 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (3)	I plugged in the JB this past weekend. So far the low end torque is very noticeable!
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10-27-2009, 02:56 AM	#12
R1000K3 Major 56 Rep 1,311 Posts Drives: 335i MT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Same move done here, switched from JB+ @100 %, which I was very happy with, to a stage 3 tune. I'm now running a Procede rev II and I thought it would mean about nothing as long as the other parts were stock. I was wrong though, the Procede provides smoother and much more power since it controls more functions in the 335. At some occasions I noted a small jerkiness just below 2k rpm with JB+. This is gone with the Procede. Another advantage with the stage 3 piggyback is that the daily interruptions that was caused by the ECU adapting for different temperatures is gone, the st 3 tune is much smoother also in this respect. I'm surprised that the car pulled as strong as it did with the stage 3 piggyback and stock IC and DP's. But things need to move even more, so now there is an aftermarket FMIC in and Catless DP's on top of DCI. This combo isn’t evaluated yet but the first signs are very promising providing a new feel to the back on higher gears and noticeable reduced grip on 2nd and 3rd when tyres are cold. Still, thumbs up for JB+, which is very price worthy and change the car to what it should have been in the first place.
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10-27-2009, 03:03 AM	#13
Hampi Private First Class 3 Rep 197 Posts Drives: BMW Alpina B4S Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	JB+ at 100 % is no joke for sure. With the colder outside temperature now, my car pulls light a freight train. __________________ Alpina B4S M8 Competition coming soon
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10-27-2009, 12:15 PM	#14
HPFREAK Lieutenant Colonel 63 Rep 1,884 Posts Drives: C6 ZO6 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (8)	Good write up and review. The JB+ is a very handy tuner for the money. You can get a lot of power with it for sure. __________________ My Youtube Channel
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10-27-2009, 12:34 PM	#15
Diggy Diggy First Lieutenant 22 Rep 341 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kentucky iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Anyone running AR catted downpipes with JB+ at 100% and DCI?
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10-27-2009, 12:44 PM	#16
WilliamE92 First Lieutenant 21 Rep 318 Posts Drives: 2013 EB F30 335 MT Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	How safe is it to run 100% with solenoid bypass on 91 octane? Only for short spurts? Can I do the solenoid bypass at 75% as well?
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10-27-2009, 01:20 PM	#18
mahutchi Enlisted Member 1 Rep 47 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: UT iTrader: (0)	I did the solenoid bypass with my JB+ as well. Took it on blind faith to do that, but what was it's purpose in the first place and what is the change when you bypass it? __________________ 335i 6MT, Sport, Prem, iDrive, OEM aero kit, fake 19" BBS LS1, JB3 2.0, HFE intake, 1.21 jigawatt flux capacitor Tell the wifey I went for a drive...
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10-27-2009, 01:37 PM	#20
detrick Private First Class 3 Rep 154 Posts Drives: 2012 550xi M-Sport/Dinan S2 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Dealer Parking Lot iTrader: (0)	Don't quote me, as I may be wrong... I believe the solenoid bypass prevents your waste gates from fully closing. The advantage is much faster throttle response and smoother power delivery. I am not sure how it increases low-end torque though...
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10-27-2009, 06:12 PM	#21
Dan335i Lieutenant Colonel 32 Rep 1,786 Posts Drives: 07 335i coupe 6MT,w/sp. pack. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: orange county NY iTrader: (2)	Running the JB+ at 100% on 93 octane without doing the bypass,is it ok?What advantage do you get with the bypass as not doing it?
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