N54 Modification Path

cbl117 · 03-17-2014, 01:34 AM

Hi guys,

I bought a 2010 135i about 8 months ago, and I'm starting to modify the car. It has 2 years of CPO warranty starting in april.

I'd like to get some opinions on my modification path, but first here is how I plan to use the car. Its a daily driver foremost. I will never be tracking the car. I'd just like to gain a little more performance. Something on the order of 300-320 rwhp.

I currently switched out the N54 midpipe for a N55 midpipe and I've put on a set of Hankook V12 225/255 tires.

I like the idea of the JB+. Simple to install, decent bump in performance. I'd feel more comfortable installing a 5" FMIC to help cooling. And lastly I'd like to complete the exhaust by getting a Berk Street axle back. I have no intention of ever getting a downpipe.

So in summary, upgrade path is:
N55 Midpipe - Complete
Berk Street Axle Back Exhaust
VRSF 5" FMIC
JB+
Expectation is 300-320 rwhp.

Thoughts?

135Pats · 03-17-2014, 06:22 AM

Sounds like a nice setup but just get a JB4 and be done with it. JB+ is a crude boost controller.

BMist371 · 03-17-2014, 06:56 AM

A JB4 by itself will give you more than 320 whp anyways. Most N54 users see 80+whp gains from just a JB4. You have a BMW, like Pats said don't cheap out on a JB+. Just get the JB4 and be happy. After all, who doesn't want 400whp?

mike@x-ph.com · 03-18-2014, 10:40 PM

Start with a Jb4 then Catless DP
When you get used to it removing the Jb4 takes 10 minutes.

ilikebmxbikes · 03-18-2014, 11:23 PM

I think you have a very good upgrade path, my only exception is that I would get a Cobb AP.

Ginger_Extract · 03-19-2014, 12:34 AM

Don't bother with a JB+. A JB4 on an otherwise stock N54 ought to net around 350whp...

bmw0bsession · 03-19-2014, 10:27 AM

Get a jb4, feel free to drive my car we are both in LA =]

BGR · 03-19-2014, 10:37 AM

What advantage does the N55 midpipe have on an N54?

Roland135i · 03-19-2014, 11:27 AM

I installed a JB4 a couple of weeks ago.

Together with an ITG airfilter (in stock filterbox) and a Performance Exhaust it's just awesome.

Running map 5: best money I ever spend on performance

135iam · 03-19-2014, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGR

What advantage does the N55 midpipe have on an N54?

No cats

Like others have said, JB4 will get you all you want and more.

cbl117 · 03-19-2014, 05:22 PM

Thanks for the responses. I've decided on the Cobb AP over the JB+. I'm just not sure if I want the V3 or a used V2. Any opinions on which version?

The N55 midpipe was a nice mod. Recommend it. I noticed a little better throttle response and a tad quicker on the top end. Not too loud, but a nice growl at WOT especially at rpms 4k+.

On another note, I've heard that VRSF has discontinued their 5" intercooler. Is there another FMIC that is recommended that does not require cutting into the plastics?

vivanapoli806 · 03-19-2014, 06:20 PM

Are u sure it's discontinued and not just on back order? Any 5" won't require cutting. I have the cobb v2 and it does the job. They are usually on sale here often for under $500 check the for sale threads

cbl117 · 03-19-2014, 06:30 PM

Yeah its discontinued. I confirmed with Tiago.

GMD · 03-19-2014, 06:51 PM

ETS 5" intercooler requires no cutting and is a good product.

Dackelone · 03-19-2014, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGR

What advantage does the N55 midpipe have on an N54?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135iam

No cats

Like others have said, JB4 will get you all you want and more.

The N55 mids do not have the SECONDARY cats. When you use the N55 mid pipe on a N54, you will still have your main (2)cats in your downpipes.

N54 has four cats. (2 in the DP's and 2 in the mids)
N55 has ONE cat. (in the one DP)

There really isn't any major advantage using the N55 mids. You get a much louder exhaust only on WOT. Maybe a gain of a few high rev hp. Maybe. After driving around with N55 mids on my N54, I went back to my old N54 mid pipes. I felt I lost a little hp down low say at ~2K rpms. I then went with a Performance Exhaust(PE) which is what I was looking for all along. The PE just makes the 135i sounds AWESOME. No real HP gains... but the spound is so intoxicating.

tglazed · 03-21-2014, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilikebmxbikes

I think you have a very good upgrade path, my only exception is that I would get a Cobb AP.

I second this.

cbl117 · 03-21-2014, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tglazed

I second this.

I've decided to switch to COBB AP instead of JB+

The ease of flashing makes it worth it!

stevo135i · 03-22-2014, 02:03 AM

Just get a JB4

135iMsportCoupe · 03-23-2014, 08:35 AM

I had the Dinan Stage II flash installed (375 hp) only to find that the torque output violated a torque-limiting parameter which BMW would not let Dinan alter. Result: bucking under hard acceleration. Solution: Dinan gave me my money back, and with it I purchased the now-available BMW Performance Power Kit. Granted the kit's flash gives only 320 hp, but for only a couple hundred bucks more, you get an auxiliary water radiator, larger fan with more blades, all the ductwork, hoses, and wiring harness needed to connect it all up, new spark plugs...and full warrantability.

PA135i · 04-09-2015, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 135iMsportCoupe

I had the Dinan Stage II flash installed (375 hp) only to find that the torque output violated a torque-limiting parameter which BMW would not let Dinan alter. Result: bucking under hard acceleration. Solution: Dinan gave me my money back, and with it I purchased the now-available BMW Performance Power Kit. Granted the kit's flash gives only 320 hp, but for only a couple hundred bucks more, you get an auxiliary water radiator, larger fan with more blades, all the ductwork, hoses, and wiring harness needed to connect it all up, new spark plugs...and full warrantability.

I wonder if the Dinan Stage I flash would give the same tq. issues?
That is rated at 361 HP w/379 ft.lbs. tq.

I was seriously thinking of getting this tune. I don't want or need any more power than what the Dinan stage I would give.

awns729 · 04-09-2015, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbl117

Thanks for the responses. I've decided on the Cobb AP over the JB+. I'm just not sure if I want the V3 or a used V2. Any opinions on which version?

The N55 midpipe was a nice mod. Recommend it. I noticed a little better throttle response and a tad quicker on the top end. Not too loud, but a nice growl at WOT especially at rpms 4k+.

On another note, I've heard that VRSF has discontinued their 5" intercooler. Is there another FMIC that is recommended that does not require cutting into the plastics?

V2 vs V3. My 135i has a V2 and my WRX has a V3. I barely ever use the gauges on the V3, which is the only reason you'd buy it over the V2. I believe the maps you flash will be identical (as long as you update it vi your PC first). I'd get the V2 for the WRX if I could do it over again since they are cheaper. If you think you'll use and enjoy the gauge feature, get the V3 (you can probably find videos of it on youtube).

I then discovered my CPO car had a Jb4 already installed, which I'm now using. The JB4 lets you switch between maps faster than the cobb will since the JB4 lets you do it through steering wheel controls. Cobb requires plugging in and ~5 minutes to reflash. And with the JB4 I *think* I can run ~e30 on map 5 and it'll auto adapt (but i have to research more if this is true).

darkrom · 04-10-2015, 09:30 AM

Honest opinion? Wasting money buying ANY actual hardware to reach that goal. Slap a JB4 on a 100% bone stock car and put it on map 1 and you've got your goal. Totally stock totally legal everywhere no headaches.

If you want more power you can simply switch to map 5 and make more STILL on stock hardware! Then bolt in mods if you want more.

If I was going to be happy at 320 whp (I'm not) I'd have a 100% bone stock car with a JB4 and be as happy as a pig in shit.

03-17-2014, 01:34 AM	#1
cbl117 Lieutenant 99 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2013 e92 335i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	N54 Modification Path Hi guys, I bought a 2010 135i about 8 months ago, and I'm starting to modify the car. It has 2 years of CPO warranty starting in april. I'd like to get some opinions on my modification path, but first here is how I plan to use the car. Its a daily driver foremost. I will never be tracking the car. I'd just like to gain a little more performance. Something on the order of 300-320 rwhp. I currently switched out the N54 midpipe for a N55 midpipe and I've put on a set of Hankook V12 225/255 tires. I like the idea of the JB+. Simple to install, decent bump in performance. I'd feel more comfortable installing a 5" FMIC to help cooling. And lastly I'd like to complete the exhaust by getting a Berk Street axle back. I have no intention of ever getting a downpipe. So in summary, upgrade path is: N55 Midpipe - Complete Berk Street Axle Back Exhaust VRSF 5" FMIC JB+ Expectation is 300-320 rwhp. Thoughts?
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03-17-2014, 06:22 AM	#2
135Pats Major General 456 Rep 6,478 Posts Drives: A few BMWs Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland iTrader: (3)	Sounds like a nice setup but just get a JB4 and be done with it. JB+ is a crude boost controller. __________________ E88 N54 Alpinweiss/Coral Red/Motiv HTA 3586r Tial .82AR/Other stuff...652WHP F30 N55 XDrive EBII
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03-17-2014, 06:56 AM	#3
BMist371 Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2012 135i Vert Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Lenoir, N.C. iTrader: (1)	A JB4 by itself will give you more than 320 whp anyways. Most N54 users see 80+whp gains from just a JB4. You have a BMW, like Pats said don't cheap out on a JB+. Just get the JB4 and be happy. After all, who doesn't want 400whp?
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03-18-2014, 10:40 PM	#4
mike@x-ph.com Joint Chiefs of Staff 24172 Rep 190,750 Posts Drives: 07-335/12-328/18-M4/21-M4CP Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (23)	Start with a Jb4 then Catless DP When you get used to it removing the Jb4 takes 10 minutes. __________________ Check out our current sale by clicking on this link! https://x-ph.com/sale/ Phone number 702-494-9435
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03-18-2014, 11:23 PM	#5
ilikebmxbikes Banned 1518 Rep 4,744 Posts Drives: S65 1M Clone & E92 M3 4.6L Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (42) Garage List '08/13 1M Clone 4.0L [10.00] '11 e92 M3 4.6L [10.00]	I think you have a very good upgrade path, my only exception is that I would get a Cobb AP.
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03-19-2014, 12:34 AM	#6
Ginger_Extract California-bound 385 Rep 1,480 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (3)	Don't bother with a JB+. A JB4 on an otherwise stock N54 ought to net around 350whp... __________________ Streets of Willow: 1:27.7 CW 11/15/15; 1:29.5 CCW 8/15/15 \|\|\|\| Autoclub Speedway ROVAL (CCW): 1.52.6 - 12/2/17 Willow Springs - Big Willow (CW): 1:35.8 - 3/31/18 \|\|\|\| Buttonwillow #13 (CW): 1:59.3 1/27/18 https://www.facebook.com/JakeStumphRacing \|\|\|\| http://www.youtube.com/user/RaceMeMZ3
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03-19-2014, 10:27 AM	#7
bmw0bsession Captain 82 Rep 847 Posts Drives: 2011 135i M Sport Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Burbank, CA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW 135i [0.00]	Get a jb4, feel free to drive my car we are both in LA =] __________________ BMW Performance Kidney Grille, CF Lip Spoiler, CF Diffusser, Blackline LCI Tailights, Magnaflow Full Exhaust, BMS Intake, Jb4 w/ E85, Meth Injection, BMS DP, VRSF 5" Intercooler, CP-E Charge Pipe, KW CS Coilover, M3 Subframe Bushings, VMR VB3 Wheels, Stage 2 Fuel Pump, M3 Control Arms, Dinan Camber Plates, Pure Stage 2.
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03-19-2014, 10:37 AM	#8
BGR Captain 518 Rep 788 Posts Drives: C7 GS 7MT; e90 M3 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Midwest iTrader: (1)	What advantage does the N55 midpipe have on an N54?
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03-19-2014, 11:27 AM	#9
Roland135i Roland135i 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: BMW E82 135i JB4 Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: The Netherlands iTrader: (0)	I installed a JB4 a couple of weeks ago. Together with an ITG airfilter (in stock filterbox) and a Performance Exhaust it's just awesome. Running map 5: best money I ever spend on performance
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03-19-2014, 05:22 PM	#11
cbl117 Lieutenant 99 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2013 e92 335i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the responses. I've decided on the Cobb AP over the JB+. I'm just not sure if I want the V3 or a used V2. Any opinions on which version? The N55 midpipe was a nice mod. Recommend it. I noticed a little better throttle response and a tad quicker on the top end. Not too loud, but a nice growl at WOT especially at rpms 4k+. On another note, I've heard that VRSF has discontinued their 5" intercooler. Is there another FMIC that is recommended that does not require cutting into the plastics?
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03-19-2014, 06:20 PM	#12
vivanapoli806 Captain 88 Rep 824 Posts Drives: 2012 535i Xdrive Msport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (2)	Are u sure it's discontinued and not just on back order? Any 5" won't require cutting. I have the cobb v2 and it does the job. They are usually on sale here often for under $500 check the for sale threads
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03-19-2014, 06:30 PM	#13
cbl117 Lieutenant 99 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 2013 e92 335i Join Date: May 2013 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	Yeah its discontinued. I confirmed with Tiago.
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03-19-2014, 06:51 PM	#14
GMD Enlisted Member 0 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	ETS 5" intercooler requires no cutting and is a good product.
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03-22-2014, 02:03 AM	#18
stevo135i New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW 135i cabrio N54 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Just get a JB4
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03-23-2014, 08:35 AM	#19
135iMsportCoupe Private 1 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2010 135i Msport Coupe Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Calabash, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 135i Mspor ... [0.00]	FWIW I had the Dinan Stage II flash installed (375 hp) only to find that the torque output violated a torque-limiting parameter which BMW would not let Dinan alter. Result: bucking under hard acceleration. Solution: Dinan gave me my money back, and with it I purchased the now-available BMW Performance Power Kit. Granted the kit's flash gives only 320 hp, but for only a couple hundred bucks more, you get an auxiliary water radiator, larger fan with more blades, all the ductwork, hoses, and wiring harness needed to connect it all up, new spark plugs...and full warrantability.
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04-10-2015, 09:30 AM	#22
darkrom Colonel 188 Rep 2,224 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (5)	Honest opinion? Wasting money buying ANY actual hardware to reach that goal. Slap a JB4 on a 100% bone stock car and put it on map 1 and you've got your goal. Totally stock totally legal everywhere no headaches. If you want more power you can simply switch to map 5 and make more STILL on stock hardware! Then bolt in mods if you want more. If I was going to be happy at 320 whp (I'm not) I'd have a 100% bone stock car with a JB4 and be as happy as a pig in shit.
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