Dinan builds its own 1 series M (Stage 3 135i)

[Jason]

From Road & Track:
http://blog.roadandtrack.com/dinan-b...medium=twitter

Dinan builds its own 1 series M


April 8, 2010 by Mike Monticello




There’s been talk lately, as well as numerous spy photos to back up the rumors, that BMW will finally build an M version of its little 1 Series (see: Spied! 2012 BMW 1 Series M in our Spy Shots section). Well, Dinan—possibly the most experienced and well-respected BMW tuner in North America—has beaten the boys from Bavarian Motor Works to the punch with its latest project. Called the Stage 3 135i, Dinan’s changes turn the 1 Series into a proper sports coupe.

While the latest scuttlebutt pegs BMW’s upcoming 1 Series M (most likely on the market by 2011 in Europe and 2012 in North America) at around 350 bhp, Dinan has pumped the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 up to 380 bhp (from the stock 300) on 91-octane fuel, or 408 bhp on 93 octane. Let’s just say the difference between the Dinan 135i and the stock version is extremely noticeable, with acceleration aplenty and power galore, as well as some actual personality from its freer-flowing twin-outlet exhaust.

Dinan’s suspension tweaks make possibly an even bigger difference, turning the stock, steady-state understeering car into a quick-turning, flickable corner-carver. And, ride quality suffers only marginally, the reward in improved handling completely outweighing any degradation. Also, check out how perfect the ride height looks.

Here’s the thing: You can wait until who-knows-when for BMW to build an M version of its own, or you can have Dinan build up your 135i right now ($11,890 for the engine tuning and suspension). And, although we won’t know for a little while, Dinan’s car just might end up being the better performer.

[Haywood]

I'll wait for a true M car from BMW. If they don't build the M1, this would be a good alternative, though.

[onefastman]

This is why I don't think BMW will do it or if they do it won't sell well because you can get a jb3, kw's, m3 suspension parts, and an LSD for much less than what they will charge.

[acivick]

Eh, I've had it for months

[ruffstik]

Where's $12g's when you need it!

[Feyd]

Anyone got any info on the wheel brand/sizes?

[jmunro]

IMO, not worth the money... for $10-12k above the 135 price you'll get atrue M car with LSD, DCT, better body panels with wider fenders, better suspension, and an engine with much more potential

[Ash83]

Originally Posted by jmunro

IMO, not worth the money... for $10-12k above the 135 price you'll get atrue M car with LSD, DCT, better body panels with wider fenders, better suspension, and an engine with much more potential

36K + 12K is 48K

M3 is 57K you are still 9K away from the an true M.

[acivick]

In case anyone was wondering, those wheels don't even have a part number yet. They will be out in a couple months though, with specific 1 series fitments.

[ben14142001]

^ I was wondering, haha. They look hot!

[jmunro]

Originally Posted by mvaccaro

I think he is refering to the M1

Thanks for the clarification ... didn't realize I had to clarify since we were talking about the M1. Assumed everyone would catch on...

[BrokenVert]

I like those wheels.

[A2G]

Originally Posted by jmunro

Thanks for the clarification ... didn't realize I had to clarify since we were talking about the M1. Assumed everyone would catch on...

Maybe he means that the true M car is the M3 not M1

[jmunro]

Lol, the M3 is moving further away from the original intent of the M. I think the M1 will re-establish the true meaning of M

[Oulixes]

This is a most interesting news, since the power increase in the 135i is substantial, and comes from a reputable tuner. It is likely that the often talked about but yet never confirmed M1 by BMW, if any, will have more conservative ratings.

[adrean8j]

What exactly is so big about this story? We already know that there are tunes available for the 135i to put it up to 380hp and suspension stuff has been available for years......so how is this new?

[kirby135i]

Originally Posted by adrean8j

What exactly is so big about this story? We already know that there are tunes available for the 135i to put it up to 380hp and suspension stuff has been available for years......so how is this new?

+1...i guess bc its a "package" deal...still way overpriced.

[BrokenVert]

Adrian. It's stage 3 because it includes an LSD and wheels. Although stage 3 should also include a turbo back exhaust.

[adrean8j]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

Adrian. It's stage 3 because it includes an LSD and wheels. Although stage 3 should also include a turbo back exhaust.

AdrEan.....The article didn't say that (although I assume you have already looked and know it does include that stuff...no dispute there). I standby what I said before that the stuff added is nothing new to us here on the forum:

1. ECU tuning has been done
2. Wheels have been done
3. Suspension has been done
4. LSD has been done

[BrokenVert]

^sorry about your name. But all of these things are new for Dinan.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by A2G

Maybe he means that the true M car is the M3 not M1

I actually prefer the M5, but I like the previous gen M5 for looks.
The new 5 body is much better, so the new M5 should be sweeeet.

M3=NICE!
M5=WOW, DAMN NICE!

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by BrokenVert

^sorry about your name. But all of these things are new for Dinan.

What did Dinan do to the engine, besides boost?
I hope they did it right and strengthened the internals.
After all, they have to warranty it too.

I'm sure BMW-M won't just boost the pressure. The N55 engine will have stronger internals.
If the M1 costs about the same as the Dinan tune, the M1 will be the better buy.