Stock E60 M5 owner evaluates Dinan S3 (Roundel Article)

DRM · 30th November 2008, 19:59

For those who aren't members of BMWCCA (and therefore don't get your own Roundel club mag each month), 'thought you'd enjoy this article. Unlike mainstream car magazine tests/technical write-ups (by journalists who don't own the cars they write about; and only spend a brief time with cars they test), this writer actually owns his own stock M5 (he loves it); and spent a whole day with Dinan's S3. This is a funny/informative/entertaining/comparative read by Chris Wright, a Roundel staff writer/photograhper.

BTW, as club mag for BMWCCA, Roundel is exclusively, devoutly devoted to all things BMW. However, it's Editor-in-Chief (Satch Carlson) freely allows dissension/criticism; whether in articles/columns about BMW cars/mods, or the lengthy "letters from BMW owners" section. So, the mag reader gets a balanced view from staff/club members/BMW owners. IMO, Roundel, by itself, is worth annual cost of BMWCCA membership (about $40); and there are many other valuable membership benefits. If you live in the U.S., it's definately worth being a member of BMW Car Club of America.

Anyway, 'hope you enjoy this read.......

PianoProdigy · 30th November 2008, 20:57

Thanks for scanning and posting that. I read the whole thing!

EGBOZ · 30th November 2008, 22:11

DRM, I couldn't agree more - BMWCCA membership at $40 / year is a bargain, even if all you do is read Roundel, the national organization magazine.

As stated by the OP, the magazine's coverage is dedicated to BMW, but in no way is it sugar coated or poorly disguised marketing babble. Add to that the terrific Tech Talk Q&A Column by Mike Miller, and it's a steal. Add to that local Chapter functions, group drives, HPDE track days and Chapter magazine and it's priceless!

I thoroughly enjoyed the article and it did make me think about the Dinan S3 package, until I saw the price again - $75k seems a little steep......

DRM · 30th November 2008, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by EGBOZ

I thoroughly enjoyed the article and it did make me think about the Dinan S3 package, until I saw the price again - $75k seems a little steep......

Thanks; but 'think the writer overstated the true (all in) cost of a full S3 conversion; basing $75k on full list price of pkg + the high end of hourly install labor cost. Suffice to say I was quoted a "pkg deal" price, by a highly experienced Dinan dealer, that was substantially less.

Don't ask why I was actively considering this. While the "all in" cost of buying a slightly used M5/M6, plus adding an S3 pkg was compelling, I passed for the same reasons I don't already own a new gen M5/M6 (as hard as I've tried to "get there"); which I've often been quite vocal about on this forum. Enough said.....

greer · 1st December 2008, 00:08

At $75,000 you are definitely "all in" with the S3 Package on the E60 M5

carlsturm · 1st December 2008, 00:38

That's just a great article. Thanks.

Wow, do I want one.

mfizzlenyc · 1st December 2008, 02:17

+10% off for parts

EGBOZ · 1st December 2008, 02:26

Now you're talkin'

M5Ranger · 1st December 2008, 05:45

It must be my crappy computer because I do not have the spacial resolution to be able to read the text of the article.

Ranger

DRM · 1st December 2008, 05:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by M5Ranger

It must be my crappy computer because I do not have the spacial resolution to be able to read the text of the article.

Ranger

Juan, if you click on the scanned pages, a new window opens up with a larger pic; then you can keep clicking on the pic, which continues to enlarge it 'till the text is clear enough to read. At least, that's how I do it with my sorry, old eyes.