Feedback on a Dinan Software Upgrade
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Members
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21
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From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
My Ride: 2006 550i M-Sport in Titanium Silver Metallic w/ HUD, Logic 7, iPod Interface, SAT, NAV, Style M-172 wheels
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
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
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,247
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From: Ypres, Belgium
My Ride: BMW ///M 525xi Carbon Black - Dakota Black Leather - Riegel Ahorn Anthrazit trim - Alloy wheels 135 8Jx18" - Sport Seats - Bi-Xenon Headlights - Nav. System Professional - Bluetooth phone prep. - Auto-Dim. Int + Folding exterior mirrors - Rear Blind (electric) and side blinds - PDC - Foldable rear seats - Trailer Clutch
--
1980 - E21 320
1984 - E21 323i - White
1988 - E34 520i - Light Blue
1995 - E39 528i - Dark Blue -- Momo 17" wheels
2001 - E39 530d - Stahblau -- ///M-kit
2002 - Mini Cooper S - Dark Silver -- wifes car
2006 - E60 525xi - Carbon black -- ///M-kit
Mods: Anti carjacking system CJ-1
Looks like that is a lot of money for such a low gain or am i wrong?
Senior Members
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: UK
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?
ABC
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,475
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From: Sweden, EU
My Ride: 07' 530d - M-Sport - Titanium Silver / Black Dakota leather
08' 120i - M-Sport - Alpine White III / Black Sensatec
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?
Contributors
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 952
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From: San Diego
My Ride: 2015 535D M Sport
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.
Senior Members
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 332
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From: San Diego
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i w/SMG - JetBlack - Dinan Software - Dinan Exhaust - Anthracite Trim - Anthracite Headliner - Sport Package
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.
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.
Attachment 29400
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.
Attachment 29400
Senior Members
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 511
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From: NorCal
My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT
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
And did you do a search??? DINAN SOFTWARE
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 332
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From: San Diego
My Ride: 2007 BMW 550i w/SMG - JetBlack - Dinan Software - Dinan Exhaust - Anthracite Trim - Anthracite Headliner - Sport Package
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
And did you do a search??? DINAN SOFTWARE
How has the suspension been for you?
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 511
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From: NorCal
My Ride: 2011 E92 335i M-Sport 6MT
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?
How has the suspension been for you?
Contributors
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 14,776
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From: So Cal, USA
My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
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!