The 2015 BMW 535i is a fantastic car, but many owners crave more power and responsiveness. While waiting for other tuning options, I decided to install the Burger Motorsports JB4 Stage 2 tune. The results were far beyond my expectations. This review covers my experience with the JB4 tune, from installation to performance gains.
Transforming the Driving Experience
My biggest issue with the 535i was its sluggish throttle response. There was a noticeable delay between pressing the gas pedal and the car actually accelerating. This tune completely eliminated that lag. The car now responds instantly to even the slightest throttle input. The improvement is dramatic; it feels like the car shed 500 pounds! The responsiveness now mirrors my previous F30 335i, making the driving experience significantly more engaging.
Easy Installation and Affordable Price
Installation took only about 5 minutes. The majority of the connections are plug-and-play. While a couple of connection points were slightly difficult to access, the overall process was straightforward. The Stage 2 requires tapping into two wires, but the included tools from Burger Motorsports make this simple and clean. The price point is another major advantage. At $529, the JB4 offers substantial performance gains for a fraction of the cost of other tunes, which can run into the thousands.
Significant Power Increase
Burger Motorsports claims the JB4 Stage 2 tune adds approximately 80 horsepower and 100 lb-ft of torque to the N55 engine. My experience confirms these claims. In Sport or Manual mode, the acceleration is ferocious. Full throttle application consistently engages the traction control system. The power increase transforms the 535i into a muscle car, delivering exhilarating performance.
Minor Drawbacks and Overall Impression
While the tune dramatically improves performance, it doesn’t entirely eliminate turbo lag. Although minimized, it’s still noticeable under hard acceleration. Additionally, some features, like on-dash map changing, are still under development. Currently, map changes require a laptop and USB cable.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the JB4 Stage 2 tune is a must-have for any 2015 BMW 535i owner. The improved throttle response and significant power gains transform the driving experience. Whether navigating city streets or merging onto the highway, the car feels more agile and confident. The tune dramatically enhances the 535i’s performance without breaking the bank. I highly recommend it.
