I've tried searching on this forum, but did not find the answers.

I'm thinking about getting the Dinan stage 1. Even more so since they are running a 20% discount on software through 10/31/2010. I love the combination of AWD, power, and handling in a midsized sedan, but additional power is, to me, always a good thing. Money aside, I don't feel completely comfortable with a couple issues:

1) Warranty - Yes, Dinan takes over on the warranty (original 4yr/50K miles) once the software is installed. But how much trouble will it be when there is an issue related to the software? I feel comfortable with BMW honoring their warranty, but I've never experienced this with an aftermarket tuner. Plus, I don't want to visit the shop more frequently because of issues caused by the software.

2) Longevity - I am no mechanic and know little about automotives, but if the boost is raised which would cause additional stress on the turbos/engine, I would think the longevity of the powerplant would be reduced. I can envision myself cruising the E60 for 10+ years, but how badly will the software affect the powerplant/car?

I know forum members have Dinan software, but I have not read any negative posts so maybe I'm just getting my panties-in-a-bunch.

What do you guys think? Thanks in advance for your input/thoughts.

 

As far as the warranty issue with Dinan, I've heard positive and negative things about it how the blame gets sent back and forth. Here's an example of one persons experience with the "dinan warranty".
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105347

 

Thanks for the link. Hopefully, that kind of back-and-forth fingerpointing is no longer an issue. I asked my BMW dealer if they have had warranty issues from Dinan and of course, they said "no".

 

I have the stage 2 tune and luckily I've not had to deal with or worry about any warranty work with my flash. I would recommend you to definitely take advantage of the deals they are currently offering. I cannot imagine having this car any other way. This is how it should have been tuned from the factory.

 

I have no regrets whatsoever. I'm 15 minutes from the main facility in Morgan Hill CA - when the dealer overwrote the tune, I drove to Dinan and had it tuned again. I just waited an hour, and came back home.

 

How did you know they overwrote it, they told you they did or it was noticeable when you drove out the dealership?

 

I was having a problem with idrive and needed an upgrade - I basically asked the dealer if their fix would overwrite it and they said yes. Also, I felt the difference afterward.