Today I took my car to the dealer to have the Stage 3 Dinan software loaded. I already have the throttle body and exhaust. I spoke to the shop foreman and he said the installation was a bit tricky - specifically working with Dinan's system to load it. He said he had to speak with one of Dinan's engineers to get it to work.

So here's the question. On my invoice, it says they loaded D903-4553A Stage 1 Software. According to Dinan's website, D903-4553A is Stage 3 Software for the 545 Automatic. WTF? Did I just blow $700 on the wrong code? Could the wrong code even be loaded into my car? Is the dealer just an idiot and the invoice is wrong? I asked the foreman and he of course said it was the right program. I had to get home, so I didn't have time for him to show me (he volunteered to show me the computer). BTW, I couldn't notice any huge changes in the car.

Thoughts?

 

They gave you the wrong software. You need "D903-5053" for your 6-speed manual. (The "50" refers to the 550i in the part #). Looks like they gave you version "A" for automatics, meaning you now have a 6600 rpm redline vs. what you're supposed to get: 6750 rpm. Road test your car to verify your redline is at 6600. If so, you have the wrong software. I'd go back and have them reflash your ECU with the correct part #. If you have questions, call my Dinan rep Phillip Briseno at 408-779-8584, extension #110.

 

Thanks man. Is it a big deal to re-flash? Is my ecu going to be dorked now? Will the correct software simply map over the wrong version?

 

It only takes several minutes for the reflash and the program should overwrite the old one. I'd call Dinan Engineering just to be sure. I would actually contact Dinan and have them contact the place you got your software from, that way Dinan can tell them directly that you have the wrong version for your car. For now, your ECU is thinking you have a 4.4L V8 with an automatic, so it won't take into account the extra air and power you have from your 4.8L V8 manual which could explain why you haven't really noticed a difference in power/drivability, especially in throttle response.

 

If it makes you feel better it is IMPOSSIBLE to give you the software for a 545A!
It recognizes you cars year/model/engine/transmission when the MIPP device gets connected.
Your invoice is probably incorrect because the parts depart. never put the updated part number into their invoice system, consider it a typo.

DO NOT WORRY, IT CAN'T HAPPEN.

 

I can see that. The part number they quote is 4553A, yet the description is Stage 1 software and per the Dinan website 4553A is Stage 3 for the 545 automatic. Clearly there is an inconsistency, which I presume is in the dealer's system. The foreman told me when he hooked up the Dinan computer, he had some trouble with their software when he tried to configure the download for my car. He said he ended up speaking with a Dinan engineer directly.

One would think there is a foolproof method where the Dinan software knows via the VIN exactly what the car is. The only other variables are things like throttle body, CAI, etc.

In any case, I'll call Dinan Monday to confirm. I didn't have a chance to drive the car enough to notice anything substantial. Bottom line is I really don't expect to feel a signficant difference until I get the CAI installed. Hopefully that happens soon. My sense is real purpose of hte software is to optimize performance around the CAI/throttle body combo.

BTW, curious how you know so much? Are you a Dinan insider??

 

I can't speak to the software issues, sounds like you may have it sorted out. In terms of "huge changes", sorry, there won't be any. Your throttle response should be better and your rev limiter should be raised, but the butt dyno shouldn't notice any real power gains (unless your butt dyno is extremely sensitive)

best of luck

 

JetBlack was a former Dinan employee. I met him a few weeks ago when I was taking my car in for a suspension checkup. So it's obvious he knows his stuff!

 

BTW, I couldn't notice any huge changes in the car.

Thoughts?
[/quote]

I had the Stage 3 installed on my CAI, TB 545 w/Step in February and I agree, no huge changes noticed. I plan to check with my G-Tech Pro RR when the weather warms here although I also had a SuperSprint exhaust installed at the same time so it won't be a true back-to-back. Also, I've been talking to Scott at Dinan at X103 who has been very helpful. I was told that Phillipe has moved on to another function.

 

Correct I used to be a regional sales manager there for 4 years Dont' hold it against me.

If you want to know anything specific about Dinan please send me a PM. I would be happy to explain any mis-beliefs or about their Pricing Concept (higher then most)

I left in 2003 because I wanted to actually be able to buy a BMW. Now involved in mortgage banking and Wall street securities.

Anyway I have programed many cars and the issue that your dealer was having is because he forgot to clear all fault codes with the GT1 before connecting the MIPP. Same thing happened to me when I was at Dinan two weeks ago. The tech tried the MIPP 1st, it did not take so he had to go clear my fault codes with the GT1.