[Markus8291]

I'm thinking about picking one up for my car but would love to check out how much of a difference it actually makes. Everyone says it's a lot but actually feeling it is much different than hearing it! I've never been in a JB4 335i period!

If anyone around here has it and is willing to let me check it out/give me a ride please let me know!

Thanks!

[Markus8291]

nobody?

[jwzimm]

I was going to mention earlier; I would look seriously at a Cobb tuner over a JB4. The JB4 is a simple hi-jack unit that tricks the DME into producing more HP. I know folks will likely disagree with me but my opinion is that is the wrong way to do it. The Cobb actually reflashes the DME with new maps allowing more fine control of the engine than the JB4 is capable of. Also, correct me if I'm wrong by a JB4 only tunes for WOT and does not remap for partial throttle. Again, kind of a half-assed way of going about it.

[Markus8291]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

I was going to mention earlier; I would look seriously at a Cobb tuner over a JB4. The JB4 is a simple hi-jack unit that tricks the DME into producing more HP. I know folks will likely disagree with me but my opinion is that is the wrong way to do it. The Cobb actually reflashes the DME with new maps allowing more fine control of the engine than the JB4 is capable of. Also, correct me if I'm wrong by a JB4 only tunes for WOT and does not remap for partial throttle. Again, kind of a half-assed way of going about it.

I've had that debate with myself for over a month now. The only reason why I'm thinking JB4 is because I've read a lot lately about it being better (and smoother) than Cobb with the new ISO software. It also seems to me that more people are raving about the JB4 and how much they love it over the people that run Cobb.

On the other hand, the guy that flashed my TCU told me that the JB4 is constantly "fighting" the DME, which makes sense but doesn't make me feel too good when I'm thinking about it. I'd love to find someone who has the Cobb and someone who is running a JB4 and take a ride in both cars...

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by Markus8291

I've had that debate with myself for over a month now. The only reason why I'm thinking JB4 is because I've read a lot lately about it being better (and smoother) than Cobb with the new ISO software. It also seems to me that more people are raving about the JB4 and how much they love it over the people that run Cobb.

On the other hand, the guy that flashed my TCU told me that the JB4 is constantly "fighting" the DME, which makes sense but doesn't make me feel too good when I'm thinking about it. I'd love to find someone who has the Cobb and someone who is running a JB4 and take a ride in both cars...

Unfortunately I can't speak personally to either on the BMW platform. I have the BMW PPK and that has been good enough for me. I did have a COBB on my Subaru and it was awesome until I went over to an open source tune (not an option on our cars).

It is more the engineer in me that is liking the COBB over the JB4. Like you said, the JB4 is intercepting and tricking the DME into doing its will. The COBB actually rewrites the firmware of the DME to work off of different maps. The later seems more the way it should be done. I think the reason you don't see a lot of folks on here talking about the COBB is that it has only been out for the N55 for a short time and there have been issues with the encryption BMW uses for its software on the 2012 and newer DME's.

Either way you go you should be good but if I were in your position I would try to go for the COBB just for the more "completeness" of the tune.

[Markus8291]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

Unfortunately I can't speak personally to either on the BMW platform. I have the BMW PPK and that has been good enough for me. I did have a COBB on my Subaru and it was awesome until I went over to an open source tune (not an option on our cars).

It is more the engineer in me that is liking the COBB over the JB4. Like you said, the JB4 is intercepting and tricking the DME into doing its will. The COBB actually rewrites the firmware of the DME to work off of different maps. The later seems more the way it should be done. I think the reason you don't see a lot of folks on here talking about the COBB is that it has only been out for the N55 for a short time and there have been issues with the encryption BMW uses for its software on the 2012 and newer DME's.

Either way you go you should be good but if I were in your position I would try to go for the COBB just for the more "completeness" of the tune.

I've spent a lot of time this morning researching the Cobb Accessport V3. I'm intrigued by the autotuning feature of the JB4 and wonder what the Cobb has that compares. Or maybe it doesn't need it as it rewrites the DME like you said and that in turn automatically does the same things the autotuning feature of the JB4 does. What I haven't been able to find yet is if the Cobb helps in getting rid of the service engine light that will most likely be on due to the catless dp I'll be running (other than periodically clearing out the codes manually). I might have to write an email to the Cobb guys and get some answers to all the questions...

[IrishNoodles]

My favorite mechanics up at Broadstroke swear by the JB4!!

[jwzimm]

Originally Posted by Markus8291

I've spent a lot of time this morning researching the Cobb Accessport V3. I'm intrigued by the autotuning feature of the JB4 and wonder what the Cobb has that compares. Or maybe it doesn't need it as it rewrites the DME like you said and that in turn automatically does the same things the autotuning feature of the JB4 does. What I haven't been able to find yet is if the Cobb helps in getting rid of the service engine light that will most likely be on due to the catless dp I'll be running (other than periodically clearing out the codes manually). I might have to write an email to the Cobb guys and get some answers to all the questions...

As I said, I have limited knowledge of both of them. I do know the COBB will disable the CEL for the downpipe. I believe it can actually suppress it in the DME software though while the JB4 simply clears it when it come up.

[Markus8291]

Originally Posted by jwzimm

As I said, I have limited knowledge of both of them. I do know the COBB will disable the CEL for the downpipe. I believe it can actually suppress it in the DME software though while the JB4 simply clears it when it come up.

If that's the case then I definitely gotta take a closer look at the cobb...

By the way, the dealer is installing a new idrive controller in my car which requires a software reset so I guess I'll have to talk to you about the coding after all

[jwzimm]

Lol. Well they may not have to reprogram every module so you may only lose a few of your features. Definitely write down what you had so we can make sure to get it right.

[T-cash702]

Originally Posted by Markus8291

If that's the case then I definitely gotta take a closer look at the cobb...

By the way, the dealer is installing a new idrive controller in my car which requires a software reset so I guess I'll have to talk to you about the coding after all

Markus you should definitely do more research on both. It's a preference if you like having the option of the quick map changes in the flymap (controls on your steering wheel) or just the accessport. Obviously that would not be the only reasons the difference between the two.

It's really where you would like to go with the car. The N55 tuning platform is forsure getting bigger and bigger everyday I would just see what "others" are putting down in for power. There are some pretty fast jb4 tuned N55.

[Markus8291]

well after lots of reading and researching I pulled the trigger and ordered the JB4. The new ISO update and the different options the JB4 gives me is what made the difference for me. I also went ahead and ordered the flex fuel wires (found a gas station that sells E85 in Snoqualmie). I'll try it out and see how I like it. If I don't I can always sell it and try out the Cobb AP.

[ts546]

Few things first; the jb4 definitely tunes the whole throttle range and suppresses the dp code...
I'm not as knowledgeable on the n55, but on the n54 fueling is the one category that the Cobb is better on, this may not be an issue on the n55 with the lower amount of boost. You can do the backend flash with the jb4 and fix fueling issues, but it is one more step and it depends on what kind of power you are going for. I liked all the additional features of the jb4; gauge hijacking, easily changing maps, code reading, community support, etc.
I have an jb4 n54, that you are welcome to take a ride in, but it will be a lot different in your n55.

[T-cash702]

Originally Posted by Markus8291

well after lots of reading and researching I pulled the trigger and ordered the JB4. The new ISO update and the different options the JB4 gives me is what made the difference for me. I also went ahead and ordered the flex fuel wires (found a gas station that sells E85 in Snoqualmie). I'll try it out and see how I like it. If I don't I can always sell it and try out the Cobb AP.

That's awesome markus! I'm sure your excited to get that in your car soon as it comes in! And yeah I think I saw that place on google! Jeez corn around here is not like Vegas or cali (their everywhere) ah I'm gonna miss the direct access. But I'll just make the drive over there and fill up a few 5 gallon tanks and keep in lock and storage!

[Markus8291]

Originally Posted by ts546

Few things first; the jb4 definitely tunes the whole throttle range and suppresses the dp code...
I'm not as knowledgeable on the n55, but on the n54 fueling is the one category that the Cobb is better on, this may not be an issue on the n55 with the lower amount of boost. You can do the backend flash with the jb4 and fix fueling issues, but it is one more step and it depends on what kind of power you are going for. I liked all the additional features of the jb4; gauge hijacking, easily changing maps, code reading, community support, etc.
I have an jb4 n54, that you are welcome to take a ride in, but it will be a lot different in your n55.

what mods do you have besides the JB4? And where are you located? Definitely curious in getting a ride in a JB4 335i

[ts546]

I'm in Seattle. As far as motor goes... standard bolt ons; jb4, DCI, dp's, charge pipe/bov. If you are around shoot me a pm and you are welcome to look at mine.