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Feedback on a Dinan Software Upgrade

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Old 06-20-2007, 02:32 AM
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I am thinking about doing this upgrade to my 2006 550i, but I was hoping to get some feedback from others that have already had it installed. What performance gains have you seen as a result of this change?

Thanks in advance! - David


Dinan Performance Engine Software (Automatic Transmissions)
Engine Tuning

Part #:

Price:
D900-455A
$499.00

Labor Hours: 0.5 hours
Emission Status: 49 State Emission Legal
Special Notes: K&N free flow air filter element recommended for optimum performance.
Peak Horsepower Gain: 8 @ 6500 rpm*
Peak Torque Gain: 6 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm*
Point Value: 2

Feedback on a Dinan Software Upgrade-bmw_side20070619.jpg
Old 06-20-2007, 03:04 AM
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Looks like that is a lot of money for such a low gain or am i wrong?
Old 06-20-2007, 03:07 AM
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Originally Posted by BMW ///M 525xi' post='437726' date='Jun 20 2007, 12:04 PM
Looks like that is a lot of money for such a low gain or am i wrong?
I assumed that, like us, the OP noticed the gain and was querying the perceived added value in terms of overall driving experience.

ABC
Old 06-20-2007, 03:26 AM
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Originally Posted by BMW ///M 525xi' post='437726' date='Jun 20 2007, 01:04 PM
Looks like that is a lot of money for such a low gain or am i wrong?
Yeah, but look how many garage doors he have!
Old 06-20-2007, 08:34 AM
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That is not much of a gain in output. I doubt it would even be noticable. Over $60 per HP is way too expensive. Just go driving on a cool day or at a lower altititude and you will probably see a bigger gain.
Old 06-20-2007, 09:18 AM
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Ok guys I will add some feedback

THERE IS MORE TO THE SOFTWARE THAT JUST HP/TQ GAINS!!!

1. Throttle response - Is extremely better, my normal mode feels like its in sport and my sport mode feels like it should have come from the factory.

2. Increased redline - Redline gets a much needed bump in RPM's. With the ability to acheive more road speed in each gear, my car would out accelerate a stock 550 even if the software added no HP/TQ

3. Top Speed Gov. - None (tested out myself)

4. (Last but not least) Hp/Tq - Although the gains are modest all of the other benefits make this car seem so much more responsive. Do you think you might notice if your car lost 8-10 hp same thing in the other direction

Bottom line is I could not go back to stock.

Here is another story from Roleez, has Dinan software also.


Originally Posted by Roleez' post='401072' date='Mar 10 2007, 03:52 AM
Got the car back ... finally! Sorry no absolute numbers, but I don't care about that to be honest. Steve Dinan greeted me at the door and told me that the car is now a 375 to 380 hp monster. And he did a test run to make sure the top speed limiter was removed ... at 175 mph!!! HOLY SH*T!!! I'll never do that on a personal note, but to say that Steve Dinan took my car that fast is big-time bragging rights for any car enthusiast! WOW! Anyway, to make a long story short, the car hauls a$$. Throttle response is immediate without having to press the pedal down farther like before to get the same response. I notice 90 degree turns around residential neighborhoods in 3rd gear is much more torquey and responsive compared to before where a turn in 3rd gear needed 3/4 throttle to get the car moving smoothly. Now it's just 3rd gear and 1/4 or less throttle! Same thing on the freeway ... 6th gear at 70 mph: tap the throttle just a tad and the car thrusts forward effortlessly; add 1/4 throttle and the car lurches forward. I'm sure the response has a lot to do with the lightweight wheels in addition to the throttle body, K&N filter, and exhaust. Unsprung weight savings: approx. 47 lbs. The car responds smoothly; no jerkiness whatsoever. And that annoying manual transmission "jerk" when adding throttle (lightly) after coasting with no throttle (whether in town or on the freeway) is GONE!!! Amen to that!

I got to drive Dinan's 645Ci SMG with the 3.45 diff + lightened flywheel for comparison. Literally, NIGHT AND DAY. Now I see why Dinan is urging me to get those mods to really put the power down. Just tap the throttle in any gear and the car responds with so much torque, it's not even funny. Acceleration from a stop is ROCKET fast! I did note that the cruising revs went up: 65 mph in 6th (in my car with stock 2.93 diff) yields an engine speed of about 2200 rpm, but in the 645, engine rpm was about 2450 rpm. Not a huge change considering that both cars have the same gear ratios, but nonetheless, it's definitely something to consider if you want to transform your V8 into a monster.

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Old 06-20-2007, 09:23 AM
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Software alone isn't enough unless you have other mods to complement it, i.e. throttle body + exhaust. The software programming will take advantage of the increased airflow to provide more power. You will see slight improvement in throttle response with software alone, but that's about it (unless you dare to test what the car can do past 155 mph with the limiter removed). I have driven Steve Dinan's Dinan5 545iA, and compared to my 550i manual, throttle response isn't as quick and instant with the auto (b/c of the torque converter).

And did you do a search??? DINAN SOFTWARE
Old 06-20-2007, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Roleez' post='437805' date='Jun 20 2007, 10:23 AM
Software alone isn't enough unless you have other mods to complement it, i.e. throttle body + exhaust. The software programming will take advantage of the increased airflow to provide more power. You will see slight improvement in throttle response with software alone, but that's about it (unless you dare to test what the car can do past 155 mph with the limiter removed). I have driven Steve Dinan's Dinan5 545iA, and compared to my 550i manual, throttle response isn't as quick and instant with the auto (b/c of the torque converter).

And did you do a search??? DINAN SOFTWARE
Hey there you are. How have you been Rol?
How has the suspension been for you?
Old 06-20-2007, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by JetBlack' post='437806' date='Jun 20 2007, 10:25 AM
Hey there you are. How have you been Rol?
How has the suspension been for you?
What's up, Chris?! Long time no talk. I seriously LOVE the Stage 1 suspension! Grippy and way more assuring than stock thru the corners, yet comfy when cruising the freeways. Is that your next upgrade or you savin' for the new M3?
Old 06-20-2007, 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by ipp' post='437730' date='Jun 20 2007, 04:26 AM
Yeah, but look how many garage doors he have!

HAhahahaha

I wonder whats behind those doors... I choose door #3!


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