It seems like there are a whole mess of options for the B46/48 engines. Here's what I've found. Which did you choose, and why? How do you like it? Anybody have any before/after dyno charts or the like?

Burger Motorsport B48 JB4 Beta Stage 1 –*$530, claims 40hp at the wheels, offers ability to limit power in 1st and 2nd gear. Intercepts MAP & TMAP sensors. Can be switched to one of several maps/modes via OBD CANbus listener.

JB B48 Power Module - $350, not sure what the difference between this and the JB4 is? No CANbus listener & logging ability might be it?

NM Engineering F56 Power Module – $400, claims 23hp/23ftlb on 91 octane or 44hp/34ftlb on 100 octane. Intercepts TMAP sensor. Offers maps for 91 octane and 100 octane.

RaceChip Ultimate for MINI – $680, claims 51hp/60ftlb (probably a crankshaft number?), haven't seen much about it on NAM; from what i've read it's a bit of a pain to install and leaves loops of extra cable for you tie up.

Way Motor Works Power Module – $500, might be a private labeled RaceChip or JB4?

Remus Powerizer – appears to be a re-branded Racechip, not even sure if it's available in the US.

update, July 17: TMC tuning box — £299, no US distributor yet but they will ship. (Thanks Sootyvrs for finding this one!)

update, July 17: Dinan "Dinantronics Sport" for MINI B46/48 engines — $300, Bluetooth connected to change settings via phone app (and monitor boost), Dinan's BMW tuning pedigree is impeccable.

Am I missing anything? Which one of these is the best made and thought-out? Is there a vendor that's doing particularly good for MINI support? Is Racechip $180 better than NM? Is JB4 $180 better than JB? What do you get for the extra dough?

 

 

NM

familiarity with NM engineerings products,
simple plug/play instructions
no codes
can be removed in less than 10min (after inital install learning curve)
100% ROI - meaning guaranteed power increase.

the number one question i like to ask is "would you buy it again" - my answer, YES

 

I have had the racechip ultimate on my car for 16000 miles and have never had one issue.

After running against a f56 cooper s with a jcw tune I would say racechips stated power gains are very conservative.

 

I have the NM Power Module in mine. I have it set to high, and the car is a monster. I like to joke that, like a Tesla, this is a way to add "Ludicrous Mode" to my MINI. According to NM, all testing was done with 91 octane fuel and it is safe to use on high setting with standard premium gas as long as there are not extrnded periods of wide open throttle (racing). Since there is no 100 octane gas in my area, I add a little Lucas Oil Octane Booster whenever I fill up and there have been no problems. Super easy to install and worth every penny!

 

They all do pretty much the same thing, raise boost by intercepting DME signals. None has the ability to control timing, load tables, etc. They all rely on the DME's knock sensor to reduce knock (usually by retarding timing).

They will all make very similar gains on the same platform (same car, climate, octane, mods, etc). If one chip is making more power than another chip, it is simply because it's adding more boost than the other (+4 psi vs +5psi for example).

Some has better enclosure and harness than the others.

JB4 is a little different because it gets data from the OBD connection. Hence it's more customizable. On the flip side, you lose the ability to connect anything to the OBD port. Scangauge, OBD-based gauges, etc are no go. Valved exhaust with OBD controller like Armytrix probably wouldn't work either.

For simple plug and play and best pricing, I think NM would be the one to go. Very simple to operate, AKI91 use low and AKI93 use high, done. If you're not planning to use E85/meth/race gas, there's no reason to go beyond the NM's +5 high setting or JB4 +6 psi map2. NM's enclosure and harness looks nicely made and the company is reputable.

 

Another vote for the NM. I love the ease of install and removal and that the harness is cut to the needed length. I can have mine out in about five minutes and using a stiff wire (coat hanger) with a small hook on the end it can be installed by only removing the intake duct. Add this to the JCW Tuning Kit and you have a real little beastie on your hands.

 

Not sure if you can still buy this one as I think it's been superceeded by the CanBus version with selectable maps?

This one is just stage one (I think is +4 psi boost) but you can upgrade it to the canbus version from what i have read.

I know in UK there is also TMC which there is a review here -

http://www.minif56.com/forum/289-min...ox-review.html

Link to the tuning box is here for the Cooper S

http://www.tmcmotorsport.com/TuningB...x?SID=10110206

 

NM Power Module - easy to install and works as others have testified.

I would have gone with the JB4, but I use the ScanGauge II.

 

fao f55 midnight
how hard is it to remove the throttle switch sensor?

 

Install is very easy, take off the cold air duct and then everything is accessible.
My install was very clean and only took a few minutes, having spent a couple decades as Chrysler/dodge/jeep/viper ase/certified factory trained master tech helped.

 

Lots of great info here, thanks guys! We can add another to the list: Dinan now makes a piggyback chip for B46/48 engines:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-power-up.html

http://www.dinancars.com/product/d44...6-b48-engines/

$299, and Dinan has a very good BMW pedigree. Plus, Bluetooth and a phone app to change settings. Nice.

 

The OBDII plug on the JB4 allows you to plug in another device into the OBDII port.

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33083

 

I think you may have misread the thread; BMS says in post #207 that you should not:

http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showpo...&postcount=207

"With the JB4 in place nothing else can be attached to the OBDII port. Use the JB4 Mobile software for whatever live info you need other than boost. Boost should be monitored using the in dash boost gauge."

 

Just ordered the dinan lets see how it goes

 

Cooool. Let us know! :-D

(I'm not in a hurry, as I haven't even finished the engine break in period yet.)

 

only had mine for a few months bratling lol

 

Double post see below

 

Another one from a UK company DTUK who were more known for tuning boxes for diesel cars.

http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/...)_s-2.0-192-ps

They also do one for the JCW with dyno result below

http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/...oad_graphs.php

 

Any update? What do you think?

 

its just landed in london and going through customs so once fitted i will let you no.
have you seen this link for info https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-power-up.html

 

I saw that too, sounds pretty rocking. Almost makes me want to spend ridiculous money on a JCW

 

Dinan... Your MINI has a BMW engine and Dinan is exclusive to BMW performance and much more affordable in comparison to the others. I just installed one in my F56 recently and have been beyond pleased with the results!!!

 

Glad you are enjoying it. Tell your friends. =)

 

Does anyone have more info on the WMW tuning box for the B48? I emailed way a couple of times and didn't get any response.

https://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-f56-cooper-s-b48-tuning-module.html