New 2008 Dinan stage 3 135i

[mfarrzhp]

I just thought I'd share my experience with the 2008 135i Dinan I picked up last month. It has about 52K miles and it looks like I'm the 4th owner all from this forum.

Specs: Black/black
Dinan Stage 3 flash, oil cooler, intercooler, exhaust, intake
SSK, Bilstein PSS10, Brembo BBK, H&R sways, Quaife LSD
I just added VRSF catless downpipes

Review: I flew from FL to OH to get the car in 20 degree weather. It was a great way to experience the car. This is the 8th and most fun BMW I've had. It's modded but still feels like stock quality, except when the coilovers are fully firm. I also have a 2014 335i with all the M Performance options which I don't even want to drive these days. It's looks better inside and out IMO but is not nearly as fun.
Prior to that I had a 2012 135i with ST coils, BMS stage 2 and catless DP, and not sure if it's the N54 or the Dinan but the 2008 feels like it pulls harder. The rest of the comparison is not fair as the LSD, Bilsteins and Brembos really make it a different car. *Edit* I forgot my 2012 was a DCT which was great, but I really prefer the 6MT for everyday driving.
I know a lot of people hate on Dinan and I probably still wouldn't pay retail for it, but for the price I paid it's pretty great.

I haven't had much opportunity to take good pics, but here are a couple:

[Dylanize]

Nice pick up! I don't think most people hate Dinan?

They're like super respected in the BMW world...

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

Nice pick up! I don't think most people hate Dinan?

They're like super respected in the BMW world...

It seems a lot of people hate that Dinan is expensive and doesn't give the same performance as other tuners at a fraction of the cost. I was pleasantly surprised the first time I really got on it.

[swagon]

Originally Posted by Dylanize

Nice pick up! I don't think most people hate Dinan?

They're like super respected in the BMW world...

Ever seen the JB4 versus Dinan threads? Total shit show.

OP, nice car with all the right modifications (especially the Billies and LSD) but the question is why steered you from a 2012 to a 2008?

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by swagon

Ever seen the JB4 versus Dinan threads? Total shit show.

OP, nice car with all the right modifications (especially the Billies and LSD) but the question is why steered you from a 2012 to a 2008?

You got it with the mods. It had every mod I wanted besides the downpipes at a very good price. The 2012 was a daily driver lease. I then got the 335 and this is supposed to be a weekend car but I find myself driving it everyday.

[blue135]

I, too, have a 2008 135i, 6MT with the Dinan Stage 3 with the intercooler, oil cooler, air intake and exhaust. In the 18 mos (12,000 mi) that I have driven it, it has been nothing but fun. I just flat like driving it, especially in the 3500-5500 rpm range where it seems to like the best.

No suspension alterations for me, but after about 10,000 mi of ownership, I went from 17" run flats (yes, it came from Germany with 17" wheels), to 18" 313s with 225/255 Continental DW tires. That made a bunch of difference in both handling and ride. I do not DD the car, but then I don't have to be anywhere everyday.

[methodz]

Well yeah, isn't the Dinan stage 3 for N54 like 400ish hp? That has to be a blast!

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by blue135

I, too, have a 2008 135i, 6MT with the Dinan Stage 3 with the intercooler, oil cooler, air intake and exhaust. In the 18 mos (12,000 mi) that I have driven it, it has been nothing but fun. I just flat like driving it, especially in the 3500-5500 rpm range where it seems to like the best.

No suspension alterations for me, but after about 10,000 mi of ownership, I went from 17" run flats (yes, it came from Germany with 17" wheels), to 18" 313s with 225/255 Continental DW tires. That made a bunch of difference in both handling and ride. I do not DD the car, but then I don't have to be anywhere everyday.

Cheers! I'm glad you enjoy yours as much as I do. That RPM range is especially strong.

[mfarrzhp]

Originally Posted by methodz

Well yeah, isn't the Dinan stage 3 for N54 like 400ish hp? That has to be a blast!

I'm told it's 412HP. The downpipes should add another 15. I've driven some really fast cars, and it feels every bit of 425HP.

[blue135]

Yeah, somewhere around 400 hp, but the numbers are numbers. The driving is what is fun.

[Chunner]

Agreed... ENJOY THE RIDE!

[mike@x-ph.com]

Congrats!!

[Ed P]

I was just checking the Dinan site last night, and I see they have the Stage 2 tune on sale for $670 or so.

Anyone know--do I have to also get their exhaust to do this tune? What other exhausts do people recommend?

[Gangplank]

Nice find on the 1er. Well equipped car w/ good upgrades. The LSD &a Dinan P3 kit especially Welcome to 1addicts!

(To answer the question, no need for exhaust on the Dinan stage 2 tune. There is a thread about the sale w/ lots of info.)

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Ed P

I was just checking the Dinan site last night, and I see they have the Stage 2 tune on sale for $670 or so.

Anyone know--do I have to also get their exhaust to do this tune? What other exhausts do people recommend?

Here's the thread for Dinan's 1/2 price sale on N55 135i Dinan stage 2:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1348167

[Ed P]

Thanks guys - will check out that thread!

[davis449]

I got Stage II put on mine and I love it.

Ever seen the JB4 versus Dinan threads? Total shit show.

Yeah, I just got into one of these shit shows in the Z4 engine forum. I wasn't even arguing superiority. Just trying to explain\reiterate the risks of each and got jumped all over.

[Matticus91]

Awesome car enjoy it!

The Dinan vs JB4 arguments are essentially just price debates. You get what you pay for...

JB4 = big power, not smooth, no warranty, cheap (JB4 stage 2 tuner can be had for less than $300)
Dinan = moderate power, very smooth, warranty, expensive ($700+)