[Kelvin1000]

My review of JB3 1.22 after having Dinan Stage 2:

Long story short, I was flashed back to stock with the new version 32.10 BMW software...

I have had no CELs codes, limps, hickups or any problems whatsoever and I have tested in 50 and 85 degree weather in South Florida over the last week.

To start off, I have to say that it feels a lot stronger throughout the power band. At peak torque the tunes are similar for a split second but there is no doubt that there is more boost and that it kicks in sooner and stays far longer in the RPM range over the Dinan. There is a lot less taper towards the redline which makes it a lot of fun to drive and gets you to the next gear much, much faster. You can really notice the difference throughout all the gears:

On Map 6:

1ST = Brutal and pretty much useless gear, I can get the traction control to go off even when the DTC button in the 1/2 off position (from a 25mph roll on dry, 80 degree days)

2ND = This is where you really see the lack of drop at the top end as you shoot past 60mph in no time and keep pulling like a bat out of hell.

3RD = Almost as brutal as second with a lot of pull at any RPM (my new favorite gear for sure). You really can't take full advantage of the high RPM part of this gear without risking some jail time.

4th = Feels like my old Dinan 3rd (not exaggerating)

5th = Feels like my old Dinan 4th (not exaggerating)

6th = No need to downshift to pass or quickly get to 90mph

Other observations:

The JB3 with the combination of the new software 32.10 is silky smooth. The turbo spool is more noticeable as well but what really stands out is the exhaust which is a lot more pronounced. I also really like being able to have different maps and being able to use map 0 and put back to stock for car washers, parking attendants, brothers, friends and the wife.

I have not tried Map 7 yet as I have no mods in the car but I will Dyno Maps 3, 4 and 6 as soon as I get a chance and post for you guys to see how it compares to Dinan Stage 2 and to stock form. Terry has done a great job and I am truly satisfied with the product. One the one hand, it really hurts to have spent the $ on Dinan but on the other hand, I really don't care after driving the car with the JB3 1.22.

I always have the option to go back and reflash to Dinan but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. There is no going back after driving this thing.


Kelvin

[cn555ic]

Wow that was a very expensive transition back to a piggyback tune...glad your enjoying more power

[ssabripo]

where are you going to go dyno yours? lemme know and I'll see if I can come down and do mine as well!

[Bubbles]

A leak in the dam. Sounds like trouble

[cn555ic]

"I always have the option to go back and reflash to Dinan but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. There is no going back after driving this thing."

The thing that sucks is that you can't even sell the flash to someone else...I mean that really blows.....I was wondering if you can swap ECU's with another OP that wants the Dinan? Have it flashed already and just trade up ECU....It probably won't work, but just thinking thats all!

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Great review Thanks for sharing. It does suck though that the Dinan flash can't be re-sold.

Mike

[Kelvin1000]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

A leak in the dam. Sounds like trouble

Come down South Bubbles and give my car a try. Then maybe you too will join the darkside...

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

"I always have the option to go back and reflash to Dinan but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. There is no going back after driving this thing."

The thing that sucks is that you can't even sell the flash to someone else...I mean that really blows.....I was wondering if you can swap ECU's with another OP that wants the Dinan? Have it flashed already and just trade up ECU....It probably won't work, but just thinking thats all!

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Wow that was a very expensive transition back to a piggyback tune...glad your enjoying more power

Please spare us your cost musings.

[MontegoE92]

Wait, you spent 2k for the Dinan flash and then another 600 (what does JB3 cost?) for a piggyback?

Was the Dinan flash that bad? What is the reasoning behind your decision?

[XLR8MF]

Welcome to the JB family.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by MontegoE92

Wait, you spent 2k for the Dinan flash and then another 600 (what does JB3 cost?) for a piggyback?

Was the Dinan flash that bad? What is the reasoning behind your decision?

I'm not a rocket scientist but I'm guessing he wanted more power.

[purplewidow]

Originally Posted by cn555ic

"I always have the option to go back and reflash to Dinan but I don't think I can bring myself to do it. There is no going back after driving this thing."

The thing that sucks is that you can't even sell the flash to someone else...I mean that really blows.....I was wondering if you can swap ECU's with another OP that wants the Dinan? Have it flashed already and just trade up ECU....It probably won't work, but just thinking thats all!

kind of strange to sell software you own to someone else that adds 100ft/lbs of tq..i mean this isn't vista or something ok..there isn't a cd to trade/sell off. no module and only authorized dealers and reps can install it. still shocked that a garage product is going to have the longevety of the dinan but no doubt it is impressive where terry started and where he is today.

[Kelvin1000]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

I'm not a rocket scientist but I'm guessing he wanted more power.

For those of you who question me, I offer the following reasoning / circumstances which led me to where I am today:

1) My car was flashed back to stock for repair reasons after the install of a fuel pump so the Dinan was removed by default.

2) I was already unhappy with the fact that Dinan detuned their revision from the original flash I purchased (despite what many have said to indicate otherwise, I am sure this is the case). I would rather pay under $600 to get that back and more, rather than pay them $5,000 to get the stage 3.

3) I got a Christmas special and a chance to beta test the JB3 1.22 and you always have that 15 day trial period. So for me, it was a free put with no strings attached.

4) I figured I still own the Dinan flash I paid for and can go back to it, ANY TIME I WANT.

5) Really... ask yourself this question: How is paying $600 for a mod that will give me about 30 - 40 more whp, different from paying $200 for an intake, $1,000 for an exhaust or $2,000 for an intercooler which will yield less results on top of the Dinan???

We enthusiast are crazy to begin with as this car really doesn't need any more power than it comes with from the factory. But this is a review of the JB3 1.22 not an evaluation on my spending logic, which I will admit, is faulty at best.

Cheers,


Kelvin

[vase330]

No one faulting ya. Your money. Spend it as you wish. You could have gone to strip club and spent it on lap dances for all we care.

Now I am 100% with you on the detune. The logic you have as what to do is your own, we don't have to approve. But that said, most people get a tune for more power, and I can guarantee you a decision to go for more power will be ireversible. Once you ditch a less performant tune, you are never going back.

I know people with stage II who have gone to PROCede too, so you are not as strange as you think.

[Kelvin1000]

Originally Posted by vase330

No one faulting ya. Your money. Spend it as you wish. You could have gone to strip club and spent it on lap dances for all we care.

Now I am 100% with you on the detune. The logic you have as what to do is your own, we don't have to approve. But that said, most people get a tune for more power, and I can guarantee you a decision to go for more power will be ireversible. Once you ditch a less performant tune, you are never going back.

I know people with stage II who have gone to PROCede too, so you are not as strange as you think.

[midlife]

Originally Posted by purplewidow

.... still shocked that a garage product is going to have the longevety of the dinan but no doubt it is impressive where terry started and where he is today.

bill gates started microsoft in his garage ...
so therefore windows is a multi billion dollar garage product ??

[AV9]

awesome review...only makes me want it more!

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

I'm not a rocket scientist but I'm guessing he wanted more power.

You (Kelvin) and Vase are thick as thieves.

[3er858]

Originally Posted by avzbmveh

awesome review...only makes me want it more!

+1

I'm still wondering if the 1.22 is invisible to the new diagnostic BS BMW now has...

[vase330]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

You (Kelvin) and Vase are thick as thieves.

Why do you include me with him? He went JB3, I didn't. I happen to understand his logic though. Ha ha ha, I'm running stock right now. Oh wait, my car been seating idle in the garage a lot recently. I have been at work a lot so no time to play.

But, when and if I go to another tune; and I doubt it would be JB3 anyway; you will be the first to know. In the meantime I am watching to see what happens to all these guys. Unfortunately my numerous dealer visits have made me more conservative than I remember being.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by vase330

Why do you include me with him? He went JB3, I didn't. I happen to understand his logic though. Ha ha ha, I'm running stock right now. Oh wait, my car been seating idle in the garage a lot recently. I have been at work a lot so no time to play.

But, when and if I go to another tune; and I doubt it would be JB3 anyway; you will be the first to know. In the meantime I am watching to see what happens to all these guys. Unfortunately my numerous dealer visits have made me more conservative than I remember being.

***Riddled with guilt***

Ok, enjoy your "stock" car.

[Sniz]

Originally Posted by midlife

bill gates started microsoft in his garage ...
so therefore windows is a multi billion dollar garage product ??

yes, and hopefully Terry's "updates" will be better than Bill's.




*joking w/ the yes, other part not joking.