Impressions - Dinan S2 Suspension

LarryWomack · 29th March 2007, 16:16

Well, I've had the Dinan S2 suspension for just about a week. It gives the beast much more certainty in the front end - a lightness reminiscent of my old E46 M3. The change was remarkable. Understeer was eliminated. In fact, I now know why understeer is also referred to by another name - plowing. No longer is there any resistance to get the 4000+ lb. beast into a turn. My local Dinan authorized BMW dealer did the installation competently.

In short:

Understeer - Gone
Ride Quality - Nearly Unchanged
Appearance - Improved

bernhtp · 29th March 2007, 22:44

What is the effect on comfort and street driveability? How is it over bumps? Any effect on the EDC? How much did it cost, parts and labor?

MRichmond · 29th March 2007, 23:52

I agree with Larry's conclusions.

Tom --

Comfort is compromised very, very slightly. At most, a half-stop on the EDC meter. (EDC is not affected because the system does not replace the shocks.) So, "comfort" is now about midway between "comfort" and "sport."

The parts cost $872, and Dinan estimates 10.5 hours of labor. In round dollars, the total tab should be around $2,000.

bernhtp · 30th March 2007, 00:31

My understanding is that it lowers the car about .5 inch? Does it maintain the full suspension travel?

I could easily deal with more stiffness since I normally run in either normal or sport, and almost never in comfort.

LarryWomack · 30th March 2007, 02:14

bernhtp,

I really don't sense any change in street comfort. Both street and highway handling is significantly enhanced. MRichmond is right on at $2000. My Dinan installer gave me a 10% discount on both parts and labor. That together with a four-wheel alignment put me just a tad under $2000.

MRichmond · 30th March 2007, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by bernhtp

My understanding is that it lowers the car about .5 inch? Does it maintain the full suspension travel?

I could easily deal with more stiffness since I normally run in either normal or sport, and almost never in comfort.

It lowers the front 7/8" and the rear 3/4". I have never bottomed out. If you rarely use the comfort setting, I think this will be an unqualified good for you. The slight lowering does improve the appearance too -- a more aggressive stance without anything approaching the "slammed" look.

NY M5 · 31st March 2007, 04:38

I know that people do not really have any issues with scrapping the front with Dinan S2 by itself. However, with a Hartge front lip, do you think the scrapping would be significant? The Hartge doesn't add much in terms of actual lip depth, so I would figure it would be OK...

Thoughts?

LarryWomack · 31st March 2007, 05:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by NY M5

I know that people do not really have any issues with scrapping the front with Dinan S2 by itself. However, with a Hartge front lip, do you think the scrapping would be significant? The Hartge doesn't add much in terms of actual lip depth, so I would figure it would be OK...

Thoughts?

Well, I don't know for sure. All I can say is that the Dinan S2 did not lower my front end enough to cause problems with those dang concrete stops in most parking lots. Curbs are another story! There caution is always warranted.

So if the Hartge front lip lowers the front by 1/4" or less there shouldn't be a problem. Just my 2 cents.