Dinan 3.45 diff - "Honey, I shrunk my gears" :) - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 03:41

Well gang, after months of hearing about the new gears from Dinan and after riding inside of an M5 with the new gears installed... I took the plunge!

I had the new Dinan 3.45 gear set installed on my BEAST today... and all I can say is "Holy leaping M5s, Batman"!! My BEAST has been transformed into a MONSTER! I had so much fun driving home today after picking it up, I almost did not make it home in time for dinner with my kids!?

Ok... so, you WILL shift more with the new gears...no Biggie for me, as I LOVE shifting the BEAST! The thing pulls so hard in every gear you almost forget what gear you are really in. I was in heavy traffic in 5th gear doing about 75-80 (everyone else was doing 80 also) and just mashed on the happy pedal and in no time I was doing 100+....and "gee Wally, it was pulling like a freight train" all the way up until I let go of the throttle.

You guys just can't imagine how hard this thing pulls with the new gears!!!! My only regret - I waited so long to get them?! You guys who track your car on a regular basis MUST get these gears!

The down side - I will likely wear out my new Pilot Sports on the rear of the BEAST in 5K miles instead of 10K miles now, and I will most certainly use more fuel. I am willing to sacrifice these two for so much driving pleasure!

I will repost my impressions after several more happy days of driving bliss. Man, I think I need to take a drive to Galveston (about 75 miles from my home) to get some milk!

I will of course need to take the BEAST!

Fury · 3rd August 2001, 03:55

Would you mind telling us what you paid.

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 04:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Fury
Would you mind telling us what you paid.

no problem... right at $3500.00 installed.

$2999.00 for the diff (includes my dealer sending Dinan my old gearbox)

plus 6.2 hours of installation time.

Worth every penny - IMHO!!!

Fury · 3rd August 2001, 04:08

Andy,
You are killing me! I'm calling Friday and find out what it would cost with UUC short shift.

Cerberus · 3rd August 2001, 04:22

Andy,

It sounds like you got more than just the differential installed. Your car sounds like it runs awesome now! Sounds like the diff is a big improvement in the seat of the pants feel of the beast. I can't wait until I get to that stage with my beast.

Here is some good advice, leave work an hour earlier tomorrow.

Have fun!
Sandy

Tim W · 3rd August 2001, 04:39

Andy:

Was it just a diff install? Or did they do other things? When we did the diff on my 540 it took maybe 2 hours.

It is amazing how quick it responds huh?

Have a good one!

Tim

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 08:08

Tim,

I suppose this is the standard recommended install time from Dinan. It probably did not actually take that long?

Man, this thing is possessed now!

How are things going with you and selling the Imola machine?

PaulMarin · 3rd August 2001, 08:45

Andy, I've been waiting to say I told you so, so "I TOLD YOU SO". Have fun, take a drive, I remember the charge when I first got mine.

VanCooper · 3rd August 2001, 08:58

Congrats on your new gearing Andy! Hopefully, I'll make it to Houston when you guys are going to be meeting again and I'll be able to feel the freight train! Have fun and safe driving!

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 14:39

Quote:

Originally posted by PaulMarin
Andy, I've been waiting to say I told you so, so "I TOLD YOU SO". Have fun, take a drive, I remember the charge when I first got mine.

Paul,

You were right!!!!!

What a rush!

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 14:41

Quote:

Originally posted by Jet black M5 in Van
Congrats on your new gearing Andy! Hopefully, I'll make it to Houston when you guys are going to be meeting again and I'll be able to feel the freight train! Have fun and safe driving!

William,

Hope you can make down to Houston soon. I'll give you a ride in the BEAST (uh I mean "MONSTER").

uliv1x · 3rd August 2001, 16:09

Hey Andy what else do you have done to your beast
sorry I mean MONSTER is the gearing it or are there other secrets ?

AndyMenard · 3rd August 2001, 16:21

Quote:

Originally posted by uliv1x
Hey Andy what else do you have done to your beast
sorry I mean MONSTER is the gearing it or are there other secrets ?

This is what I've done (performance-wise) since purchasing the car on 06/23/00:

1) Dinan stage II software
2) Dinan Cold Air Intake
3) Supersprint Magnum exhaust
4) UUC street version short shifter
5) Dinan stage II suspension with KMAC adjustable camber plates (effectively stage III)
6) Dinan 3.45 diff (Yummy!

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