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View Poll Results: which one?
COBB - AccessPORT for N54 engine 57 53.77%
*BMS JB4 Processor N54 Engine 49 46.23%
Voters: 106. You may not vote on this poll

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      06-17-2012, 09:53 PM   #1
ChristianReyess
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Differences between COBB and JB4

What do you guys like better and why?

Last edited by ChristianReyess; 09-24-2012 at 11:43 AM..
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      06-17-2012, 10:14 PM   #2
SSSnakeman
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You can do a Cobb stage 2+ sleeper. Just hide your FMIC behind the grill, do DPs, drop-in, N55 mids, and keep the stock axle back. Car is still really subtle unless you go WOT. You can do the same setup with JB4 as well. IMO "just a tune" isn't the best way to go. Stock FMIC and DPs should be changed with a tune IMO.

Since you mentioned a Z, I was driving my buddies HR today and that thing is always loud. Totally different animal.
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      06-18-2012, 09:04 AM   #3
Freon
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Nothing wrong with "just a tune" on the N54/N55. The engine has a ton left on the table from the factory without having to change parts. You'll get 50% or better of the power gains of "tune + turboback + FMIC" by just getting a tune, and for about 1/5 to 1/4 the cost.

There are already tons and tons of threads about the JB4 vs. Cobb. Posting yet another thread may not be the best way to collect more information. I would suggest spending a few hours reading with the help of the forum search. It's not all going to get reposted here in this thread.
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      06-18-2012, 09:17 AM   #4
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+1 ^^^...imo it depends on how you define sleeper. The Cobb is great but limited to Stage II, but very simple to load and return to stock. The JB4 has to be connected to the ECU, but the upside is there are a few Meth integrations you can run for more HP. GL
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      06-18-2012, 09:35 AM   #5
SSSnakeman
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To clear up my comment. IMO those stock parts are insufficient for JB4 and Cobb tunes. Other opinions will differ.
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      06-18-2012, 10:03 AM   #6
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im coming from a 370z and hopefully picking up my 135i on wednesday..

it still has a couple months of warranty so im going to wait till its out to do anything. I want to make sure everything is in good order before I start to mod

Personally Im going to go with the JB4 and DCI. might just stay there unless I get a real bug up my ass and go for a downpipe.

I like the ease of changing maps with the JB4 and that i should be able to run part E85 and 93 since there is an E85 station down the street from me. I can just use map 5 on the JB4 im pretty sure

the 370 was great but the engine is loud and thrashy. not all as smooth as the BMW. plus at 28 I am an old man and the seats in the Z suck...
I figure Im getting a more comfortable car that still handles well and with the mods I plan on should be faster anyway...
Im getting excited!
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      06-18-2012, 10:08 AM   #7
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In response to the OP initial question, the differences between the 2 tunes are quite simple.

They both make similar power, so the things that matter are price and installation.

1) JB4 is cheaper but more difficult to install. have to get your hands dirty in the engine bay.

2) Cobb is more expensive but flashing is done from the driver's seat and so no turning wrenches or getting your hands dirty.


If your not going to go crazy modifying, then nothing else really matters.
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      06-18-2012, 11:20 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SSSnakeman View Post
To clear up my comment. IMO those stock parts are insufficient for JB4 and Cobb tunes. Other opinions will differ.
What are you basing your opinion on?

Cobb has Drive, Sport, and Aggressive, all which at least from their advise do not absolutely require any mods. They only say Aggressive requires 93 octane and "recommend" a catback on the newer beta maps. I think JB is somewhat similar with map selection.

I can't speak much for JB's process, but Cobb builds their tunes on their own dynos with the modification list they put on each map. They're not just shooting from the hip or winging it.
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      06-18-2012, 12:17 PM   #9
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A great sleeper setup with this car would be (in my opinion) a Stage 1 file with an upgraded intercooler. On our in-house 335i, we run a slightly tweaked GIAC Stage 1 file, upgraded intercooler and DCI, on a Race file with water-methanol injection. The car looks and sounds completely stock, but once you get on it the power is unreal!
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      06-18-2012, 01:10 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Freon View Post
What are you basing your opinion on?
.
I used to run Cobb stage 1 only and currently run 2+ with FBO. Just from my experience, logs and temps I think I'd rather have a FMIC daily driving stage 1 maps. But I'm giving my recommendation to just go stage 2+ because with the stock axleback the car still sounds quite conservative unless WOT. i'm not saying it's not okay to run just a tune but I would prefer an IC/meth even at stage 1.
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      06-18-2012, 01:41 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SSSnakeman View Post
I used to run Cobb stage 1 only and currently run 2+ with FBO. Just from my experience, logs and temps I think I'd rather have a FMIC daily driving stage 1 maps. But I'm giving my recommendation to just go stage 2+ because with the stock axleback the car still sounds quite conservative unless WOT. i'm not saying it's not okay to run just a tune but I would prefer an IC/meth even at stage 1.
+1 I will be running a ER FMIC with a stage 1 GIAC. I just feel more comfortable with my IAT lower, safer for the motor in the long run...keep in mind I drive a lot and have put 64k miles on my car in less that 4 yrs. Longevity is key for me.
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      06-18-2012, 02:05 PM   #12
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voted neither. procede is better than cobb and jb4; i've owned all 3 tunes for significant amounts of time
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      06-18-2012, 04:03 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bryce View Post
voted neither. procede is better than cobb and jb4; i've owned all 3 tunes for significant amounts of time
What do you like more about the procede? Smoother? Better power? More tweakable?
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      06-18-2012, 04:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkNuts View Post
What do you like more about the procede? Smoother? Better power? More tweakable?
He's our local procede "fanboy". Read some of his other posts and you'll understand.

Mike
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      06-18-2012, 09:16 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Sud View Post
+1 I will be running a ER FMIC with a stage 1 GIAC. I just feel more comfortable with my IAT lower, safer for the motor in the long run...keep in mind I drive a lot and have put 64k miles on my car in less that 4 yrs. Longevity is key for me.
This is a completely worthless subjective and poorly informed opinion. Both of you.

If you do not have experience tuning cars, you should not be spreading your ill-informed opinion to the masses.

Shame on you both!
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      06-18-2012, 09:36 PM   #16
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I have been very happy with my experience with JB3, then JB4 G4, and now testing the JB4 G5 board. I can not speak for the other tunes but the customer service offered by Terry is top notch.

Also, both the Proceed and JB4 offer canbus integration. This allows you to hijack the gauges, read codes, and all sorts of other useful (and some just for fun) things.

Good luck, either way you go I am sure you will be happy.
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      06-18-2012, 10:14 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Thomas@GIAC View Post
A great sleeper setup with this car would be (in my opinion) a Stage 1 file with an upgraded intercooler. On our in-house 335i, we run a slightly tweaked GIAC Stage 1 file, upgraded intercooler and DCI, on a Race file with water-methanol injection. The car looks and sounds completely stock, but once you get on it the power is unreal!
I would love the GIAC Stage 1 or 2 with meth but it does not have the user friendly flash that one can install and return to stock before warranty work. Correct me if I am wrong...one would have to go to the GIAC dealer (one in my area btw) for uninstall and return for install.
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      06-18-2012, 11:16 PM   #18
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I say JB4. I will be adding the RB turbo upgrade and this is where the JB4 versatility really shines. vs a limited setting.
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      06-18-2012, 11:19 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Freon View Post
This is a completely worthless subjective and poorly informed opinion. Both of you.

If you do not have experience tuning cars, you should not be spreading your ill-informed opinion to the masses.

Shame on you both!
Awkward...
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      06-19-2012, 10:43 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ParkNuts View Post
What do you like more about the procede? Smoother? Better power? More tweakable?
yes. yes. and yes.


don't take my word for it though. accoding to this forum's main bms distributor, i'm just a fanboy.

i'd suggest you try out the main tunes (cobb, procede, jb4) and form your own opinion. i'd bet good money that you sell the jb4 and cobb.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com View Post
He's our local procede "fanboy". Read some of his other posts and you'll understand.

Mike
lol


so, mike, does that mean that you've ran the procede rev. 3 and cobb stage 2+ on your 335i? i didn't think so. so you're just a bms fanboy. your opinion is about as valuable as some that sticks their head in a thread like this and says: "jb4 ftw i love mine"
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      06-19-2012, 11:36 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ken1137 View Post
I would love the GIAC Stage 1 or 2 with meth but it does not have the user friendly flash that one can install and return to stock before warranty work. Correct me if I am wrong...one would have to go to the GIAC dealer (one in my area btw) for uninstall and return for install.
We do offer a stock mode, but to remove all GIAC software from the DME, you would need to visit a dealer. To date, we have not had a problem with our software and manufacturer warranties.
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      06-19-2012, 12:22 PM   #22
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I personally cannot comment on JB4, Giac, or Proceed (which are all great options) but I can tell you a bit about my experience with my Cobb AP.

As some have noted, power aside, the Cobb is really easy to use. Install time is done from your driver seat and it takes about 25 minutes for the intitial install and about 10 minutes to change maps after. Downloading maps from Cobb and Loading them onto the AP is as easy as putting music on your ipod. I was particularly attracted to Cobb because my car was under warranty and I wanted to easily go back to stock for dealer services. I quickly uninstalled it each time and had zero dealer issues while running the cobb AP.

Another benefit to the Cobb AP which often gets over looked is the trouble shooting aspect. You can read and clear codes with it. This makes trouble shooting much easier. The Cobb AP even when installed and mated to a specific car can be used to read codes on other compatible vehicles.

Cobb fairly regularly updates with new maps. last year cobb updated their maps library several times. Stage 1, 1+,2, 2+, in drive, sport, and aggressive maps. Many maps have different throttle options as well. Having the option to change your map based on mods, desired level of tuning and available octane is very nice. I have been updating my car throughout the year with new map releases and the current beta maps are a significant update over some of the earlier maps.

One major downside of the Cobb AP for many people to Cobb AP is the lack of Methanol Support. Personally I didnt plan on running meth so it didnt sway me but for people wanting maximum power with meth support the Proceed or JB4 are better.

RB turbos, which I am considering, the JB4 is the best option.

If price is a major factor in your decision, the JB4 has a significant advantage over the other options. If your car is out of warranty, the JB4 is more attractive as well as you would really only have to put it in for the initial instal and possibly disconnect it for a Smog check.

If your car has a decent amount of warranty left and the only mod you are planning is a tune (as your original post states) I would 100% suggest the Cobb AP.

Last edited by ilikebmxbikes; 06-19-2012 at 12:29 PM..
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