I have just registered in this forum and wanted to introduce myself. In terms of love for BMWs it dates back to my purchase of a new 1973 2002 tii. I drove this wonderful car for 13 years and unfortunately totaled it with a collision (truly the other guy's fault).
Anyway I deviated from the marquee with a Mercedes 300E that bored me silly. In 1995 I bought a new 740i and still drive this car; however my dream car is my 2000 M5 which I bought new and have recently gone through the full Dinan S2 conversion. In imola red it looks identical to Steve Dinan's S2 that was featured in Roundel and Car and Driver.
I'll look forward to learning from the other forum members as I check into the site as I can.
In the short run I have a question. I understand that one can upgrade their monitor display software but I do not know how to obtain the software upgrade CD. Can anyone help me with advice.
By the way, although expensive the S2 conversion is absolutely awesome and the articles can only hint at the absolute thrill to drive this amazing car.
Welcome also, and if you do find yourself becoming increasingly addicted and you need some one to drive your S2 to keep the oil flowing, just drop me a line.
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I guess I'll introduce myself here too, thought ive been posting for a few days.
First off, Im from Houston Texas, 24 years old, and work as a software developer.
I bought my M5 just a few days ago, got a really good deal on it. I'm coming from cars where a headder would cost $900 instead of $8000, the aftermarket is a bit shocking but I was expeecting that.
My previous cars have included a Mustang GT (which eventually saw around 350hp) and a Subaru WRX (which was up to 320hp).
My WRX ran 12.9 here at the houston drag strip, and I have been autocrossing it for about a year and a half.
The M5 is a lot of fun so far. It looks to be as quick as my WRX in the 1/4 mile, but without needing the insanely quick launch to do it. I'll miss the AWD of the WRX, but I like the instant power of the M5, and Im enjoying autocrossing a RWD car. I very much enjoy learning to modulate the throttle and steer with it, and always having as much power as I need on course at any rpm.
I imagine Im a bit of a black sheep here, since im the type that would really rather have an M3 or Z06 vette, but I was fortunate enough to get an incredible oppurtunity on the M5. Im not the type who goes ga-ga over the roomy interior and luxury, though some of it is nice. Im still very young, I just want performance =)
Its an incredible engine, and makes a very nicec daily driver. I feel I can dominate the highway with gental throttle inputs in 6th gear.
Welcome to the best board on the web. Tell us more about your S2 advantage. Specific mods, how you like each, which ones are the most appreciated, how fast it is 0-60 1/4 mile.? How is the traction, what tires and wheels are you using. Any cost data, and also where work was done and your experience in having it done. I am moments away from a decision to go forward, but would apprecitate any feed back from you and other S2 Super Beast owners. I ask for specifics since some S2 owners went with variations of the Dinan pkg. I also have a 2000 M5 mine is Jet Black with basically no mods. Are you short shifting? Which exhaust? Most important do you like the 3:45 rear gear, and can you get the extra hp to hook up to the pavement. Don't mean to be nosey but.....................having an S2 must be exciting.
The modification was done in two stages because the headers and enlarged throttle bodies take longer to obtain because they are handmade on order. Anyway the first stage was the cold air intake, the stage 5 software conversion, new suspension, new exhaust system, lightened flywheel, and new differential with shortened final gear. The first differential my dealer (Global Imports in Atlanta) installed was defective and had to be replaced and greatly complicated my story to my wife of why my car was in the the shop so long to get new tires and wheels. The car was faster after the first stage but dissappointing compared to my expectation. What I did not realize is how important the headers and larger throttle bodies were to the overall result.
I did the complete conversion including the "made for Dinan, one piece, 17 lb., aluminum wheels and put 18" Michelin Pilots on, which are a tremendous improvement to the stock Dunlops.
The car is really, really fast and pulls like a freight train through all gears (yes, even 6th! ). I have taken it up to 160 and it wasn't breathing hard only flattening to the road.
What I am most impressed with is that all of the handling, throttle response and agility has only been improved and not tampered with. The lightened flywheel actually makes it easier to shift and the throttle response is absolutely awesome.
I took a guy from Butler Tires which is the high performance tire, balancing, etc. place in Atlanta for a ride and he quite simply stated that it was the most impressive rush he has had in a car that a customer has given him a ride in. This is particularly complimentary since they only work on high performance cars. They had a MB AMG CLK 55 in the day before and he said the S2 made it look pitiful in comparison.
It was not all rosy with Dinan however. Not only was the differential bad but one of the headers was made too big and rubbed the steering box on hard right turns (something I do constantly ). That had to be replaced and one of the new springs in the left rear suspension had a different stiffness response allowing the wheel well to rub the new Michelin Pilot. All of this has now been corrected, but I lost total credibility with my wife who smelled a rat because of the back and forth to Global. My tech, Chris Brown, at Global was phenomenal and adopted the car like a needy child. I had a fixed price agreement with Global that I negotiated so there were no ugly financial surprises. It is expensive and I would have never thought I would have nearly $100K tied up in a car but it is worth every penny. Once they cured the parts problems it is as advertised, "the baddest boy in town"
Quite a way to get back into the Bimmer fold!! S2, baby!
We've got a pretty active group here in Atlanta, and have talked about getting together for a dyno day in the next month or so. I'd absolutely LOVE to see the S2 package in person (dyno or not)! We've got another area M5er (Mike0804) with the full S2 motor package. We'll be posting plans for a gathering in the next week or so.
So, what part of town do you live in? We've organized a few get-togethers in the North Fulton area, along with a time or two out of Road Atlanta. Some crazy b*stards have come in from as far as Columbus and Nashville for past meets.
Originally posted by Evan The first differential my dealer installed was defective and had to be replaced and greatly complicated my story to my wife of why my car was in the the shop so long to get new tires and wheels.
It looks like we'll be starting an Atlanta chapter of the Underground Upgrade Club!!!
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and greatly complicated my story to my wife of why my car was in the the shop so long to get new tires and wheels. The car was faster after the first stage but dissappointing compared to my expectation. What I did not realize is how important the headers and larger throttle bodies were to the overall result.
). I have taken it up to 160 and it wasn't breathing hard only flattening to the road.
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