Z8 Dinan Performance Engine Software just installed - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

A_Train · 28th March 2002, 13:01

The Z8 software was installed yesterday. Of course, I could just have easily been on the receiving end of some great ruse and had nothing changed -- and would probably be writing the same impressions since I really want to believe there is a noticeable difference.

Bottom line: Sport mode now feels as much improved over the pre-Dinan Sport mode as the pre-Dinan Sport mode did over the pre-Dinan non-Sport mode (got that?). Feels like getting about one-third of a gear better response throughout the rev range. Would love to say it feels like a full gear but that's just such an unrealistic expectation. But even one-third of a gear improvement, if one really thinks about it, is pretty darn good. The net effect is that the Z8 feels like it has slightly shorter gearing but the car is actually getting a slightly higher maximum speed in each gear. No before / after #'s, such as in-gear acceleration. Impression is all seat of the pants.

Per the Dinan Web site: "While we can not [sic] offer the typical increases in horsepower and torque you have come to expect from Dinan, there is still plenty to be gained from Dinan Performance Engine Software for the new Z8. For example, the software raises the factory rev-limit by 300 rpm, endowing your Z8 with a broader power band and greater road speed in each gear. The Dinan software also removes the factory top speed governor, providing the Z8 with top speed potential that approaches 200 mph! [The dealer service techs said top speed is actually now in the low 170’s.] This is certainly not to suggest that you should operate your vehicle at such high speeds, but it is nice to know you can. In addition, reprogramming the Z8's 'fly by wire' throttle system enabled us to speed up throttle response, as well as eliminate the 'dip' in the power curve that occurs just off of idle." The Dinan site simply substitutes the term "M5" for "Z8" in describing the M5's software upgrade; everything else is verbatim. I inquired and the software is indeed the same as that used on the M5.

It is a half-hour process from start to finish. The Dinan software is already installed on the dealer’s Windows CE handheld device; in this case, it was an HP Jornada with the clamshell style design. First, the Z8's 3 DSC fuses (which also control ABS) are disabled, the CE handheld is then wired to the Z8's CPU and completes the software upload in about 10 minutes. After uploading, the CE is disconnected from the Z8 and the DSC fuses are enabled again. The service techs then fire up the car, do a few simple tests (e.g., rev the engine, disable and enable the in-car DSC button) and then I was on my way home. There is a now a permanent record of the software in the BMW and Dinan databases, as well as a sticker located by the car’s CPU / fuse box indicating that Dinan software is installed.

The work was done at BMW Gallery, a Dinan authorized dealer, in Norwood, MA. They were very friendly, professional, and accommodating.

- A-Train

NO-MERCY · 28th March 2002, 18:16

I did the same. Now take those stock air filters out and drop in some K&Ns.

MEnthusiast · 28th March 2002, 18:56

thanks for the review! You/ Z8 Eldred and Z8 Bob are pushing me ever so closer to doing this to my car. I know this does not void the warranty, but has your dealer expressed any reservations about working on the car? Also, by doing what this software does, do you think there is any long term risk to the engine or other parts of the car? Seems to me the only real problem would be tires/brakes

Diamond Dave · 28th March 2002, 19:01

So now are you taking the A-Train?

DWP

A_Train · 30th March 2002, 02:22

Quote:

Originally posted by NO-MERCY
I did the same. Now take those stock air filters out and drop in some K&Ns.

Will call Dinan about the conical ones, which supposedly make some kind of difference, however tiny. The rectangular ones don't seem to do anything so wouldn't bother with those.

Quote:

Originally posted by MEnthusiast
has your dealer expressed any reservations about working on the car? Also, by doing what this software does, do you think there is any long term risk to the engine or other parts of the car? Seems to me the only real problem would be tires/brakes

No reservations from the dealer at all; they've done much more extensive Dinan mods to other cars they service. No concern at all on my part of any risks; made sure to research the product and am familiar with Dinan reliability, plus their relationship with BMW is comforting. And regarding tires and brakes: worth the fun that might require earlier than otherwise expected maintenance. Go for it, MEnthusiast.

- A-Train

MEnthusiast · 30th March 2002, 04:09

Me thinks me likey............. thanks A_Train

2001's X5/Z8 · 30th March 2002, 05:38

I wish you would have read my posts, I had the dinan software first.....and I noticed a minor difference, then Apples gave me the powerchip, a huge difference.......While the dinan makes a nice difference, if the time comes when you want more, go for the powerchip........

A_Train · 30th March 2002, 06:09

Quote:

Originally posted by MEnthusiast
Me thinks me likey............. thanks A_Train

Good to hear! You'll be happy. Just contact your local authorized Dinan dealer and set up an appointment. Do not resist...

Quote:

Originally posted by 2001's X5/Z8
I wish you would have read my posts, I had the dinan software first.....and I noticed a minor difference, then Apples gave me the powerchip, a huge difference.......While the dinan makes a nice difference, if the time comes when you want more, go for the powerchip........

I read the posts from your Powerchip thread -- thanks for posting! Seemed like due to dyno issues when you tested the Dinan and then later the Powerchip, there was no baseline and relative impressions had to instead be purely SOTP: http://www.bmwm5.com/vbulletin/showt...threadid=15282. Definitely correct me if I'm mistaken.

Never even dyno'd my Z8 pre-and post-Dinan, so my impressions were SOTP, too. Cool you dyno'd yours.

Reagrdless, when it comes to the programming / software, I'm cautious. With mods like exhausts, I say just go for whatever you want because problems, if any, are likely to be less impactful than with software-related probs and easier to remedy, too. Even knowing that one can always reset the software, Dinan made more sense for me.

- A-Train

raland9 · 31st March 2002, 00:55

2001 X5/Z8,

Apparently, it is difficult to obtain accurate dyno results immediately, since according to Powerchip, "...many ECU's have block memory which will retain informationf from the standard chip program...which will clear and be refreshed with new...information usually within 50-100Km's."

Rick

2001's X5/Z8 · 31st March 2002, 01:04

Quote:

Originally posted by raland9
2001 X5/Z8,

Apparently, it is difficult to obtain accurate dyno results immediately, since according to Powerchip, "...many ECU's have block memory which will retain informationf from the standard chip program...which will clear and be refreshed with new...information usually within 50-100Km's."

Rick

that is how it was explained to me by Apples when he installed my powerchip....nevertheless I felt an Imediate difference.....but it did get progessively better over time....

MEnthusiast · 31st March 2002, 04:16

how well is the power chip supported by the dealers? will it void anything?