The 2015 BMW 535i is a fantastic car, but there’s always room for improvement. After waiting impatiently for a Dinan tune and craving more power, I opted for the Burger Motorsports JB4 Stage 2 tune. Dyno results suggested a minor performance boost, but the actual experience was mind-blowing. This review will detail my experience with the JB4 Stage 2 tune on my 2015 BMW 535i.
Transforming Throttle Response and Driveability
My biggest gripe with the F10 5 Series was its sluggish throttle response. The half-second delay between pressing the accelerator and the car reacting was frustrating, often causing me to lag behind traffic. The JB4 tune completely eradicated this issue. The car became incredibly responsive, reacting instantly to even the slightest throttle input. This transformation made the 535i feel as nimble as my previous F30 335i, as if it had shed 500 pounds.
Simple Installation and Affordable Price
Installation took a mere 5 minutes, thanks to the plug-and-play design of most connections. While some connectors were slightly difficult to access, the process was straightforward. Concerns about the stage 2 requiring wire tapping were alleviated by the included tools, making the installation seamless. A huge thanks to Terry Burger for personally installing the tune!
Compared to the exorbitant $3,000 to $4,000 charged for a Dinan 550i tune, the Burger Motorsports JB4 tune is incredibly affordable at $529. The performance gains justify the price, and honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to pay double.
Unleashing the Power Within
Burger Motorsports claims the N55 JB4 Stage 2 tune adds 80 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque. Does it feel like it? Absolutely! In Sport or Manual mode, the acceleration is ferocious. Full throttle application consistently engages the traction control. The car launches with such force that it feels like a muscle car, possessing the power of a 400HP engine.
Minor Drawbacks and Overall Verdict
While the tune dramatically improved performance, it didn’t eliminate turbo lag entirely. However, it significantly minimized it, making it noticeable only under sudden full throttle acceleration. Additionally, features like on-dash map changing are still under development, requiring a laptop and USB cable for adjustments.
Despite these minor drawbacks, I wholeheartedly recommend the JB4 Stage 2 tune to all 2015 BMW 535i owners. It’s a must-have upgrade that transforms the car’s responsiveness and overall driving experience. The enhanced acceleration makes highway driving, lane changes, and passing effortless. I’m thoroughly impressed with the JB4 tune and the significant improvement it provides.
