BMW 135i w/Dinan Stage 2 vs. Dinan Stage 3 Upgrade

pompano1000 · 05-18-2010, 05:57 PM

Has anyone upgraded their 135i from Dinan Stage 2 to the Stage 3? I'm looking to learn if there is a significant difference in performance upgrading to Dinan Stage 3 and also adding Dinan's intercooler and oil cooler.

Amalfitano · 05-18-2010, 09:24 PM

Do you mean to ask whether having a stage 2 w/ intercooler and oil cooler would adapt just the same as having the stage 3 since it seems the stage 3 is just the stage 2 optimized for the additional cooling?

ben14142001 · 05-18-2010, 10:41 PM

I've heard it's not a huge difference. I have stage 2 and the oil cooler. Adding the intercooler next week, not planning on getting stage 3. I am actually confused by Dinan's numbers because larger FMIC's usually give more gains then they indicate (Usually 15-25 whp/tq with a tune). I think Dinan says 15 hp/ 9 tq more after Stage 3, which also takes the max boost up to 14 psi. I'm really not sure where they get their numbers from/ why the FMIC wouldn't add more horsepower.

MFIZZLENYC · 05-18-2010, 10:51 PM

From the Dinan Website...

Dinan Stage 3 Engine Software has been developed specifically for use with the Dinan intercooler and free flow exhaust, producing 398 horsepower and 429 lb-ft torque. The revised calibrations take full advantage of the Dinan high performance intercooler by increasing boost pressure for maximum power output.

kkrikkett · 05-19-2010, 08:00 AM

Look at there web site under whats new they have the S3 package witch is claming 408hp and 440 lb ft

pompano1000 · 05-20-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MFIZZLENYC

From the Dinan Website...

Dinan Stage 3 Engine Software has been developed specifically for use with the Dinan intercooler and free flow exhaust, producing 398 horsepower and 429 lb-ft torque. The revised calibrations take full advantage of the Dinan high performance intercooler by increasing boost pressure for maximum power output.

According to Dinan, the upgrade to Stage 3 (w/ oil cooler & inercooler) boosts the 135i to 408 H.P. and 440 lbs. Torque (same as the M3)

The Dinan installer says several persons debating whether or not to do the upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3... after upgrading report a significant difference and suggested Dinan better define the difference between Stage 2 and Stage 3 as it's not well explained on Dinan's website.

Ordered the upgrade yesterday... and now into this for approximately $11,000.00. The diiference between stock and the Stage 2 was drastic! Will advise the difference with the Stage 3 upgrade. Currently, Dinan's taking 4 weeks to deliver.

escobar929 · 05-20-2010, 12:03 PM

$11k, holy crap!

makes me appreciate BMS and Procede even more

Matador · 05-20-2010, 12:57 PM

How much for an upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3? de we only pay teh difference + the cost and install of the intercooler?

NYC6 · 05-20-2010, 02:07 PM

You might get a couple of extra goodies but thats alot of beans for not alot of extra go fast.

Amalfitano · 05-20-2010, 02:13 PM

I would love to see before and after dynos, see if it's not just a bigger peak but maybe a better curve entirely. Maybe also before and after 0-60s or 1/4s?

MFIZZLENYC · 05-20-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matador

How much for an upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3? de we only pay teh difference + the cost and install of the intercooler?

yup

pompano1000 · 05-20-2010, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matador

How much for an upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3? de we only pay teh difference + the cost and install of the intercooler?

The following costs include installation (Labor is 11 hours) (Dinan has 20% off right now. Shipping will be extra)
Stage 2 to Stage 3 upgrade... $547.50
Intercooler... $1,877.20
Oil Cooler... $1,746.70

Stage 2, with Free Flow Exhaust, Cold Air Intake, Strut Tower Brace and Pedals
was installed for about $6,200.00

Total Parts: $3,038.40; Total Labor: $1,095.00; Total Patrs and Installation: $4,100.00. Sales Tax not included.

(The intercooler was $1,439.20, after a $359.80 discount (20% discount), plus installaton is $438.00 @ $109.50 an hour labor for 4 hours.) Total: $1,877.20

Matador · 05-20-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pompano1000

The following costs include installation (Labor is 11 hours) (Dinan has 20% off right now. Shipping will be extra)
Stage 2 to Stage 3 upgrade... $547.50
Intercooler... $1,877.20
Oil Cooler... $1,746.70

Stage 2, with Free Flow Exhaust, Cold Air Intake, Strut Tower Brace and Pedals
was installed for about $6,200.00

Total Parts: $3,038.40; Total Labor: $1,095.00; Total Patrs and Installation: $4,100.00. Sales Tax not included.

(The intercooler was $1,439.20, after a $359.80 discount (20% discount), plus installaton is $438.00 @ $109.50 an hour labor for 4 hours.) Total: $1,877.20

Thanks very useful. Not sure the cost justifies the modest gains from Stage 2 to 3 ...

pinternational · 05-21-2010, 05:43 AM

I upgraded from the stage 2 to the stage 3 about a year ago i guess and it really is a significant difference. Car feels more 'open', smoother.. worth it imho. If you have the money, it's def worth the upgrade. Do it.

.

Not sure why ben14142001 wouldn't spend the extra 550 to make his car a true stage 3 after having spent 5 grand on getting it so close.

NYC6 · 05-21-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinternational

I upgraded from the stage 2 to the stage 3 about a year ago i guess and it really is a significant difference. Car feels more 'open', smoother.. worth it imho. If you have the money, it's def worth the upgrade. Do it.

.

Not sure why ben14142001 wouldn't spend the extra 550 to make his car a true stage 3 after having spent 5 grand on getting it so close.

Do you by chance happen to have a dyno printout of Stg I & II ?

CoolToolGuy · 05-21-2010, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pompano1000

According to Dinan, the upgrade to Stage 3 (w/ oil cooler & inercooler) boosts the 135i to 408 H.P. and 440 lbs. Torque (same as the M3)

IIRC the 408 hp number includes the Cold Air Intake - without the CAI it is 398 hp.

Have Fun,
Rick

ben14142001 · 05-21-2010, 02:51 PM

It's a good point. I was under the impression that the intercooler brought about most of the gains for stage III, thus the difference of upgrading the tune is minimal. I'm going to slap on the intercooler and see how it feels, but I'll probably end up just having them flash it to Stage III if I only have to pay the difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinternational

I upgraded from the stage 2 to the stage 3 about a year ago i guess and it really is a significant difference. Car feels more 'open', smoother.. worth it imho. If you have the money, it's def worth the upgrade. Do it.

.

Not sure why ben14142001 wouldn't spend the extra 550 to make his car a true stage 3 after having spent 5 grand on getting it so close.

GaryS · 05-21-2010, 04:59 PM

The last I heard, the intercooler by itself adds 5 hp, but it feels like more because it gives you better response and prevents the boost from dropping due to heat-soak. Then if you get the Stage 2 flash reinstalled, the check-box for intercooler installed will give you a stronger boost map.

ben14142001 · 05-21-2010, 05:30 PM

^See, that makes absolutely no sense though. It's a spearco unit, which has shown to give 10-15whp/tq on a stock car. Tuned cars usually get 20+ whp/tq. Dinan's numbers boggle my mind.

GaryS · 05-21-2010, 07:18 PM

Well if you're not confused enough, I see this in the e90 forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparkplug

I ran that set-up (stage 2 + FMIC) for quite some time before getting the upgraded oil cooler and stage 3. I had the free flow exhaust (i.e. better mufflers) but I don't think that would make a huge difference. I also didn't notice a big difference (maybe a tenth in the 1/4 mile) going from stage 2.5 to 3. But I sure did going from Stage 2 to 2.5.

You're right. When installing Stage 2 with the FMIC it asks if it's there...

Right now I'm running S3, FMIC, FF exhaust and the new CAI. Expensive but lots of mofo mojo, smooth and on-tap.

But I can say that FMIC with Stage 2 made a big difference. You'll like it.

ben14142001 · 05-22-2010, 12:30 AM

^ Haha, thanks for the info. That's pretty much what I was expecting.

05-18-2010, 05:57 PM	#1
pompano1000 Enlisted Member 9 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 135i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Boca Raton, Florida USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 135i Coupe [0.00]	BMW 135i w/Dinan Stage 2 vs. Dinan Stage 3 Upgrade Has anyone upgraded their 135i from Dinan Stage 2 to the Stage 3? I'm looking to learn if there is a significant difference in performance upgrading to Dinan Stage 3 and also adding Dinan's intercooler and oil cooler.
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05-18-2010, 09:24 PM	#2
Amalfitano Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 135i STEP, Future //M2012 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	Do you mean to ask whether having a stage 2 w/ intercooler and oil cooler would adapt just the same as having the stage 3 since it seems the stage 3 is just the stage 2 optimized for the additional cooling?
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05-18-2010, 10:41 PM	#3
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	I've heard it's not a huge difference. I have stage 2 and the oil cooler. Adding the intercooler next week, not planning on getting stage 3. I am actually confused by Dinan's numbers because larger FMIC's usually give more gains then they indicate (Usually 15-25 whp/tq with a tune). I think Dinan says 15 hp/ 9 tq more after Stage 3, which also takes the max boost up to 14 psi. I'm really not sure where they get their numbers from/ why the FMIC wouldn't add more horsepower.
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05-18-2010, 10:51 PM	#4
MFIZZLENYC Private First Class 16 Rep 174 Posts Drives: F10m5 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: CA/NY iTrader: (0)	From the Dinan Website... Dinan Stage 3 Engine Software has been developed specifically for use with the Dinan intercooler and free flow exhaust, producing 398 horsepower and 429 lb-ft torque. The revised calibrations take full advantage of the Dinan high performance intercooler by increasing boost pressure for maximum power output. __________________ 2013 f10 M5 Dinan Stage 1 Tune with Dinan Mufflers 2009 135i ESS stage 2- Sold 2000 M5 Dinan S2 SIlverstone- RIP
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05-19-2010, 08:00 AM	#5
kkrikkett Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 274 Posts Drives: 09 135 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: BC iTrader: (4)	Look at there web site under whats new they have the S3 package witch is claming 408hp and 440 lb ft
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05-20-2010, 12:03 PM	#7
escobar929 Brigadier General 154 Rep 4,528 Posts Drives: M2 CS Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Hollywood, FL iTrader: (14) Garage List 2020 M2 CS [10.00] 2020 M240i [0.00]	$11k, holy crap! makes me appreciate BMS and Procede even more
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05-20-2010, 12:57 PM	#8
Matador Private 6 Rep 74 Posts Drives: 135i SGM Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (0)	How much for an upgrade from Stage 2 to Stage 3? de we only pay teh difference + the cost and install of the intercooler? __________________ SGM\|Terra\|Sprt-Premium\|Dinan Stage II\|Dinan Performance Exhaust\|35% tint\| BMW SSK\|Breyton GTS-R
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05-20-2010, 02:07 PM	#9
NYC6 Banned 71 Rep 2,070 Posts Drives: '10 135i PPKI/06 C6 Z51 Vette Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: LI/NY iTrader: (0)	You might get a couple of extra goodies but thats alot of beans for not alot of extra go fast.
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05-20-2010, 02:13 PM	#10
Amalfitano Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 269 Posts Drives: 2009 135i STEP, Future //M2012 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 135i [0.00]	I would love to see before and after dynos, see if it's not just a bigger peak but maybe a better curve entirely. Maybe also before and after 0-60s or 1/4s?
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05-21-2010, 05:43 AM	#14
pinternational Enlisted Member 11 Rep 46 Posts Drives: 2008 TiAg 135i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	I upgraded from the stage 2 to the stage 3 about a year ago i guess and it really is a significant difference. Car feels more 'open', smoother.. worth it imho. If you have the money, it's def worth the upgrade. Do it. . Not sure why ben14142001 wouldn't spend the extra 550 to make his car a true stage 3 after having spent 5 grand on getting it so close. Last edited by pinternational; 05-21-2010 at 05:51 AM..
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05-21-2010, 04:59 PM	#18
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	The last I heard, the intercooler by itself adds 5 hp, but it feels like more because it gives you better response and prevents the boost from dropping due to heat-soak. Then if you get the Stage 2 flash reinstalled, the check-box for intercooler installed will give you a stronger boost map.
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05-21-2010, 05:30 PM	#19
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	^See, that makes absolutely no sense though. It's a spearco unit, which has shown to give 10-15whp/tq on a stock car. Tuned cars usually get 20+ whp/tq. Dinan's numbers boggle my mind.
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05-22-2010, 12:30 AM	#21
ben14142001 Captain 27 Rep 707 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Nashville iTrader: (1)	^ Haha, thanks for the info. That's pretty much what I was expecting.
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