[DannyP]

Any news from Dinan products?

Thanks,

[vip]

I've been emailing them about exhausts and suspension. They are at least 2-3 months out for releasing a product it appears.

[m2michael23]

Originally Posted by vip

I've been emailing them about exhausts and suspension. They are at least 2-3 months out for releasing a product it appears.

GTHAUS is your choice now! lol

[335ItotheSky]

That's what they said 2 to 3 months ago, when I called them. They said they had 2 "working" vehicles, and the software would be released by the end of the year. But, I'm not holding my breath...

[tdizzle]

Originally Posted by m2michael23

GTHAUS is your choice now! lol

$$$$$$$

[335ItotheSky]

Expensive, but BMW Dealers will install it, at least mine will, and will warranty the vehicle instead of flagging it.

Dinan did tell me they were getting more power out of the N55 than the N54.

But, the cost is pretty ridiculous- starting at $2k for Stage 1/2. Though, you can upgrade to Stage 3 for just $500.00 more at any point.

They do require you to use their intercooler and you must have factory oil coolers, or purchase theirs.

So, in reality, if you have a 335i M Sport you're looking at $3,500.00 in parts+Labor for Stage 3. Then again, you may be gaining close to 100 h.p. and even more ft. lbs. of torque., which again is fully covered by BMW or Dinan (if your dealer refuses to cover Dinan products, which is unusual).

If you have a Dinan dealer nearby, as those of us in SoCal do, the labor is extremely reasonable. So for $4k+/- you can have stage III performance.

Please note this is all based on the conversation I had with the tech. I can't fully recall his name, but I believe it was David.

Though, adding that much power to the stock platform is going to make for an interesting ride. Undoubtedly you're going to want to install performance suspension bushings, which are cheap, but the labor is high and possibly upgraded suspension.

There's a fully prepped Dinan F30 335i M-Sport vs. a M3 on Youtube.com. The test was conducted by one of the major publishers. They choose in favor of the 335i, but it did have $14,000.00 worth of upgrades, though, it was still around $10k less than the M3 and they were comparing the vehicles on a track.

To get "street level" M3 performance out of a 335i M-Sport, there's no reason one would need to spend $14k. Maybe $7 or $8k. The rest of the cost comes from Stoptech Brakes, which are not needed for street driving for 95% of drivers. The M-Performance brake system for $2k (or under) is the best bargain out there, if you want upgraded brakes.

Though, testing does not show they provide increased stopping distance. Maybe there is less fade, but the brakes on the 335i M-Sport (if you have gray Brembos) are just fine. Steel braided lines and different brake pads are more than enough IMHO.

Off on a tangent, but I'm truly looking forward to the Dinan software release. I had a totally stock vehicle flagged by BMW (not for adding any modifications), when it suffered a major mechanical issue. I didn't learn about the flag, until I attempted to trade the vehicle in, and was told BMW would not take the car. Rather, I was told BMW NA would not allow them to take the vehicle in as trade. It was not fun and although the flag was "eventually" removed, it was not worth the hassle. I lost far more than $5k in trade-in value, which they eventually raised, but not to a fair level, and I couldn't find a single lemon lawyer to take the case, despite contacting 5 to 7 lawyers and having accumulated close to 50-days in the shop for the same issues.

So, I'm hesitant to take routes not endorsed by BMW, save for minor add-ons, since they (BMW) will and do "Flag" vehicles, even if the vehicle breaks due to BMW's own incompetence.

[DannyP]

I looked for the video and couldn't find it. Can you send the link. Thanks

[335ItotheSky]

there's not much about Dinan on youtube, unfortunately, but here is the 335i Coupe vs. the M3.

Not an F30 335i they're comparing, pardon my memory, but since Dinan claims the F30/N55 will put out more power and have better handling dynamics, both times I called, I think the comparison will still hold true.

My dealer also works very closely with Dinan. They told me the F30 335i Dinan is using as a test mule is incredible, compared to the sadly missed M3, and recalled a scene whereby they nearly crashed the current (F30 Mule) car pulling into the smooth concrete service bay, as the torque comes on so strongly.

If you're in Southern California, they (my dealer) have no issue with installing a Dinan STAGE III system on my '13 335i M-Sport / 8AT-sport, while honoring BMW's Full Factory Warranty.

I go to BMW of San Diego, but I might take the vehicle up to Dinan themselves, since they're only 150 miles away to have the software and suspension upgrades installed. I have a feeling the labor will be less expensive. I'd love to have a "Dinan Badge" on my vehicle, but I'm going to see what the next M3/M4 looks like, before taking the plunge.

Lots of issues to mull over.

But to reiterate, having my factory warranty flagged (voided by the dealer I purchased my last BMW from in the San Fran. Bay Area) on a week-old, $80k X5 35d, was utter hell, when it came time to trade-in the vehicle (which is when I found out about the warranty). I lost close to $10k in my trade-in. So, I'm hesitant to take routes that are "disallowed," for absurd reasons by BMW North America and their minions.

Great cars, conservative horsepower numbers and times from the factory to start with, but absolutely atrocious customer care, if ever, sadly, you have a major issue with your vehicle. Thankfully the 3-series is a far more sorted vehicle than the X5 35d. Though, it was cool to get 33-mpg. in a vehicle with a GVWR of 6,000 lbs.!

I am bugging Dinan every week at this point, per the individual I spoke with. They encouraged me to tell others to call in, as they have had the test cars up and running since Feb. I have no clue what the hold-up is and Dinan isn't saying a word...other than the vehicles are producing more power and the software will be released prior to the end of the year.

Enjoy the video! Even though my memory did fail me on the details. Sorry about that, but still a pretty great video to watch, in regard to what Dinan is capable of transforming a vehicle into...

[RoundelM3]

I had an E92 tuned to Dinan S3 level and it was great - I bought the stage II software during one of their sales and saved $400; a year later, I used that $400 to upgrade to stage III after installing the larger intercooler and oil cooler. Never once had any issues with warranty coverage or anything service-related. Great performance, no change in reliability (aside from HPFP, as mine was a 2007), and well worth what I paid IMO. I also had the CF cold-air intake (bought at 50% of advertised price from a dealer clearing out stock) and the axle-back exhaust (bought at a 50% discount from someone who used it for a month and decided to go cat-back). All in all, it was a great experience, and I'd do it again, but as I'm about to retire, I'll be sticking with the MPPK and MPE for now on my F30.

[DannyP]

I'll start bugging then!! I have the $$ in a seperate account not to be tempted to spend it in some other stuff!! I will go for the stage III from the start.

Thanks,

[DannyP]

Just talk to Jeff at Dinan and they will be launching the exhaust prior to the software upgrade. Probably end of year or beginning of 2013.

[M-terkait]

http://www.dinancars.com/products/3-Series

F30 link is up but broken or the items isn't listed yet!!

[PabloK]

Originally Posted by M-terkait

http://www.dinancars.com/products/3-Series

F30 link is up but broken or the items isn't listed yet!!

Nice, maybe something will happen sooner than later.

[mhannis]

Dinan now has stuff listed on their site:

Stage 3 Performance Engine Software N55 - Get 373 horsepower & 408 lb-ft of torque out of your turbocharged BMW engine while keeping everything you love about your BMW, including the warranty coverage.



ugh nevermind redirects to the e92...

[Eric SS]

Originally Posted by mhannis

Dinan now has stuff listed on their site:

Stage 3 Performance Engine Software N55 - Get 373 horsepower & 408 lb-ft of torque out of your turbocharged BMW engine while keeping everything you love about your BMW, including the warranty coverage.



ugh nevermind redirects to the e92...

At least I can buy a $39 license plate frame...

[335ItotheSky]

Dinan is up and working now, for me, at least.

Stage III gets you to 373 H.P. / 400+ ft. lb. torque. But, you must install a larger intercooler and a larger oil cooler, which replaces your stock oil cooler (even if you have the additional oil coolers that come on the M-Sport 335i).

Costs: $2,500 for software (not including labor)

Intercooler: $1,500.00 if you have M-Sport bumper (not including labor)

Replacement of M-Sport Oil Coolers: $1,499.99 with M-Sport Bumper (not including Labor)

Total cost: $5,500.00 + labor.


Obviously, if Dinan is releasing this very expensive kit, the transmission can handle the additional power (and then some), as Mr. Dinan talks about modifying the turbo blades in the video on the Stage III software product page.

I'm guessing labor is going to be $2,500-$3,000 at a minimum, at BMW Dealers. I'm going to call Dinan and see what they charge, as they're only 60-miles away from me. I'll report back, when I get a quote. Since I leased my car, I think the JB4 is going to be the route I take and in 2.5 yrs. I'll upgrade to the M4. Since the software is VIN-specific, it would be a waste when I turn in the vehicle...

I may consider Stage II, which is $2,000 and is still a respectable power boost, providing 401 ft. lbs. of torque and 355 h.p. This seems the most obvious route to take as it doesn't require any additional modifications to the vehicle and you end up with M3 power levels, though the F30 is lighter than the M3, so in theory, it should provide some amazing 0-60 / 1/4-mile times.

Why spend an additional $3,500.00+Labor for just 20-some horsepower. It makes no sense at all. And for $2k you get full warranty coverage. Since it's just $1,300.00 more than the JB4, I think Dinan's Stage II is the most compelling tune on the market, at the moment.

But, again, I think this confirms the transmission can handle a far higher load than is advertised. Otherwise, why would Dinan be selling software (a tune) that would result in them having to replace $4-$5k transmissions on every vehicle that uses their software, etc.?



Just FYI- it's not BMW that offers the actual warranty. It's Dinan that matches BMW's warranty. Though, many dealers, including mine (San Diego BMW) partners with Dinan directly.

The labor time for installing the software (at my dealer) is less than 1-hr. I'm guessing it'll be around $80-bucks. The process for Stage 2, I'm told: the software is emailed to my dealer, upon purchasing, and one of the techs uploads it to the vehicle, that's all there is to it...No qualms with the fact that it's a leased vehicle.

Stage 3 seems suited to vehicles that are regularly tracked. For normal day-to-day driving, with the occasional foot to the floor "flogging" It doesn't make any sense, from a cost-benefit analysis.

Link to N55 F30 335i / X-Drive 2011-2013 products page.
http://www.dinancars.com/products/3-...%284%29#page=1

Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, contradictions about the above? Or, has anyone already spoken to Dinan, since they released the F30 software/tune?

[buildbright]

at prices.

[PabloK]

I think these are all E92 parts.... Nothing specifically is up for the f30 yet.

[shivaswrath]

Well good news is that they have the "F30 2012" section UP on their website...
Just no parts.

[shivaswrath]

SNAP, they took it down!
HA, that means it's coming soon and they were beta testing the page layout...WOOT!
I need me an Oil Cooler!

[The Nerd]

Not trying to hijack the thread or start an MPPK vs Dinan debate.....but, most of us with the MPPK are seeing 305-310 WHP (which equates to 360-365 crank hp) once broken in. If you're not going the JB4 route, why would one consider the much more expensive Dinan Stage 2, when its putting out similar power to the MPPK. Heck, my barely broken in, fresh MPPK engine dyno'd at 304whp a while back. Now, with the Borla S-type catback in the near future and a few more miles on the engine, I'll probably be close to 315whp.

[335ItotheSky]

Originally Posted by The Nerd

Not trying to hijack the thread or start an MPPK vs Dinan debate.....but, most of us with the MPPK are seeing 305-310 WHP (which equates to 360-365 crank hp) once broken in. If you're not going the JB4 route, why would one consider the much more expensive Dinan Stage 2, when its putting out similar power to the MPPK......

The Dinan H.P. is Wheel Horse Power. They actually remove the tires and bolt the dyno to the wheel studs, to avoid wheel slippage which can skew results.

There is a large difference between 375 Wheel Horse Power and 305-310. The costs are relatively close, as well.

Dinan's Stage 2, which requires no modification, other than a software tune, puts out 355 wheel horse power and 400+ wheel lb. tq.!

Dinan Stage 2 costs $2,000.00+.5 hours of labor (my dealer doesn't charge for labor for the install, as I'm told it only takes 15-mins. max.)

MPPK after install "might" be $300-500 less, but in this situation you get what you pay for.

The high cost is for Stage 3, which is geared toward those who regularly run their F30s on the track, or someone who wants the absolute highest amount of H.P., while maintaining their full BMW warranty.

Stage 2, for $2,000.00 allows the F30 to put out a tad more rear wheel horsepower than a '13 M3! You simply get more for your money, by taking the Dinan route. Not to mention, Dinan's reputation as a tuner is legendary, hence the BMW dealer network and support.

Long story short: a Dinan Stage 2 F30 puts out significantly more power than a F30 with an MPPK tune.