[leebro1]

question for those M5 with the dinan computer upgrade...is it worth it and can you feel the difference between the normal and sport mode?

john

 

[MarcK]

I've been asking myself the same question since I've had the Dinan software upgrade installed a few weeks ago. There is no hp gain. The normal mode is a bit closer to the original sport mode, but the difference is quite subtle, and I may not even have noticed it, if they hadn't told me. The speed limit of 155mph is removed (so I'm told), but I'll probably never get to that speed anyway, so this is more of a "but I could if I wanted to" factor. To me the most noticable difference are the extra 300 RPM with the limiter cutting in at 7300. We all know how quickly you hit the limiter when you're in a hurry, especially in first gear. So the extra room is useful. However, I wouldn't feel comfortable staying above 7000 too long. I assume BMW had a reason to cut at 7000. Bottom line: Small incremental improvements. Not the best $400 investment I ever made, but not a waste, either.

Marc

 

[steveB]

I had the dinan upgrade performed last Friday, and I agree with Marc--small incremental improvements.

 

[RaMsEs]

If normal mode becomes like sport, then what is the new sport mode like?

 

[Miles S. Jacobs]

The arrangement that BMW made with Dinan in the United States was a marketing move. Dinan has nothing to offer the E39. If you want to use Dinan then you have to buy an M3.
BMW should bring in Schnitzer and Alpina to the United States because these guys have the years behind them to build and modify the E39 engines. Dinan is way overpriced. If you want to supercharge a 1994 540i then it will cost you $12,000. To get a Dinan badge they offer you more points by buying rims and tires than by adding real performance options.

 

[Parkerfe]

Originally posted by leebro1:
question for those M5 with the dinan computer upgrade...is it worth it and can you feel the difference between the normal and sport mode?

john

I say NO !! I had it installed at Gobal Imports and had it removed the next day. The only difference was the raising of the rev limiter which is not really eeded. Further, BMW will void the warranty on any engine and transmission problems you have if it finds out about the Dinan software. And as to Dinans so called warranty, I have heard horror stories of blown engines that leave Dinan and BMW pointing their fingers at each other leaving the customer with no M to drive. An M engine ain't cheap either. Keep the engine stock. The car already has more performance than 99.9% of us can use on the track much less the street ! Spend your money on tires, brake and suspension upgrades. Your M will then be faster !

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[RaMsEs]

I considered getting mine chipped after hearing that the procedure can be done at an actual BMW dealer, and that they would give no warrany hassles. If such is not the case then count me out. BTW, the other condition of me getting it chipped was if the software actually took into account and better utilized the cold air induction and exhaust systems I planned on installing.

 

[bobafett]

Dinan has a deal with BMW where all of their work is still protected by the BMW warranty. YOu can chip it, exhaust it, etc. and nothing will vvoid it. That was a concern of mine. I'm still not chipping it up due to a lack of improvements (save 7300 rpm)

--Dan

 

[Parkerfe]

Originally posted by bobafett:
Dinan has a deal with BMW where all of their work is still protected by the BMW warranty. YOu can chip it, exhaust it, etc. and nothing will vvoid it. That was a concern of mine. I'm still not chipping it up due to a lack of improvements (save 7300 rpm)

--Dan

I would check with BMWNA on that . I have ! The deal is that Dinan has a so called deal with SOME BMW dealers that if there is a warranty problem caused by the Dinan part that Dinan will cover it. The problem has been that Dinan denies it was their product and BMW claims it is and the customer is left with a down car while BMW and Dinan argue. Call your local BMWNA tech rep for your self. The deal is between SOME BMW dealers and Dinan not between BMW itself and Dinan. I've already seen an M-5 owner in the Atlanta area who has had to sue his BMW dealer and Dinan trying to get bent valves replaced which the dealer claims was caused by a Dinan modification and Dinan claims is a BMW defect. He goes to arbritration in 3 weeks. He has already been with out his car for around 6 weeks. Be careful with Dinan products...they can bite you at warranty claim time !

 

[Barry]

To add my $.02 worth, I had my E39 540 6spd chipped with cold air intake at Dinan before my M5. After several weeks I noticed some "surging" at low RPM's and then twice the car just died at a traffic light. I took it to my dealer and for the first time ever, they were able to reproduce the problem I had BUT they said it was due to Dinan modifications and there were no fault codes. (I found that hard to believe if the car just cuts out, something is wrong). Anyway, I took it to Dinan, they had it for 2 days and said there is nothing wrong with what they did.

Once again the customer is caught in the middle. It was never resolved!