Contemplating tunes: MHD vs PPK vs Dinan

HyeWarrior · 03-16-2018, 02:40 PM

Long story short, had a JB4 a long while ago, and I was one of those people that had severe issues with it. Tried every trouble shooting under the sun and just got over it.

I'm thinking of going down the tune path again, but honestly, I'm not looking for the most power or most boost. I'd actually prefer a mild boost increase more than anything else. I'm going for a reliable daily driver with some extra kick, hence why I don't need the most power which may give me issues similar with the JB4.

Right now I'm leaning more towards just a Dinan tune, but I was wondering if PPK + Dinan would be a feasible thing. I've been following the N55 MHD thread and it seems that its pretty polished up.

Planning on doing the tune once I have some other parts ordered. Still need a DP, FMIC, and CP; just got an aluminum CSF radiator. Waiting to have everything before installing.

Thanks

BimmerAg · 03-16-2018, 02:55 PM

Sounds like the Dinan will be exactly what you're looking for. Mild performance increase with factory-like driveability and refinement. All three tunes are flash tunes, and will overwrite whatever map is installed, so Dinan+PPK isn't possible

OkieSnuffBox · 03-16-2018, 03:34 PM

I'm with you OP. I just want a nice bump, DINAN and Bimmer Performance Center both have tunes we can do over the OBD-II port (mine is '13 DCT) and they aren't out on the ragged edge.

The car is plenty quick stock, so a little extra oomph is what I'm after as well.

It looks like either tune is in the 45-50whp/65-75wtq range, with an even more massive midrange than the cars already have.

I'm waiting to hear back from Dinan on a few questions I had.

1and1 · 03-16-2018, 05:19 PM

Something to consider- MHD brings to the table the ability to monitor and log, as well as flexibility to fine tune/adjust if needed.

Dinan or PPK are flash & forget.

c1pher · 03-16-2018, 06:04 PM

I really like my Dinan S2 tune. It is one of those tunes Dinan became known for. Awesome drivability, noticeable and real power. You can make more power with another tune, but if you consider Dinan’s S3 requires a larger oil cooler and intercooler, it makes you wonder if the other tunes the make more power are safe enough not to worry about. The S2 is smooth and really seems OEM like. It gets you close to M2 HP levels and about 40 more tq than an M2.

Esteban · 03-16-2018, 06:13 PM

I had PPK then got the Dinan Stage 2 tune. Noticeable bump in hp but bigger jump in torque. Dinan states 355hp and 401 lb-ft torque. Very smooth power (like BMW), not herky jerky at all. And yes, as said above, flash and forget, which was just what I wanted. Also, zero problems with my Dinan tune. Almost like the car came that way.

One thing that has me puzzled is I still have the exact same PPK sounds, it hasn't changed at all for me. Some have said Dinan sounds like PPK, some have said Dinan sounds better than PPK, while I've talked to some that said they lost the PPK burbling sound FX when they added Dinan. I've been told that Dinan overwrites PPK, but honestly, I'm not so sure it completely overwrites PPK, because I still have the PPK sounds. Exactly the same. Is that possible? Does Dinan NOT overwrite that particular parameter? A question for the ages... lol

PS - I have the BMW Performance exhaust as well which enhances the sound of PPK and gives the car a nice, exotic tone. A must have in my opinion. Some complain about drone with the PE but there are ways to avoid it, like by not letting your RPMs dip too low while cruising.

HyeWarrior · 03-16-2018, 06:57 PM

Thanks everyone. So far, seems like the S2 tune is the way to go. I know going directly through Dinan is pretty pricey. I know bimmerbrain can do remote coding, I wonder how much they charge for the S2

Depending on if they're available when the time comes, I'm definitely wanting to get that PE exhaust through ECS as well. One can dream lol

velociti · 03-16-2018, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGM135is

You can make more power with another tune, but if you consider Dinan’s S3 requires a larger oil cooler and intercooler, it makes you wonder if the other tunes the make more power are safe enough not to worry about.

I understand where the thought comes from, but there's overwhelming evidence that MHD's OTS tunes are bulletproof, and in fact, conservative at the top end.

To the OP, the Dinan tune is what you're after. I had MHD Stage 1+ on my car and loved it, while my dad opted for the Dinan S2 on his E88. The MHD tune definitely offers more power, but the Dinan offers nice punch while retaining perfect, from-the-factory drivability. Flash and forget.

blue135 · 03-16-2018, 07:19 PM

The E88 I found had the Dinan S3 tune (with requisite appurtenances). Is rock solid and when you want to go, it goes without an interruption. If I had to pay for it, I probably would not have gone past S2, but I would have gone Dinan since I am the kind of person it was designed for (turnkey & no other effort or requirement - I just like to drive).

tracer bullet · 03-16-2018, 08:05 PM

I'd consider Cobb too, they are F/S on the forum now and then. IMO they compare well w/ the rest.

c1pher · 03-16-2018, 09:20 PM

Have to agree on the performance exhaust. I love how it sounds and the burbles are a little more enhanced with the Dinan tune over the PPK2.

Esteban · 03-16-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGM135is

Have to agree on the performance exhaust. I love how it sounds and the burbles are a little more enhanced with the Dinan tune over the PPK2.

You are one of the people I was thinking of when I said above "some have said Dinan sounds better than PPK."

zx10guy · 03-17-2018, 07:35 AM

For those suggesting Cobb or MHD, you have to check to see if you are one of the lucky ones with the newer DME. If you are, either you're out of luck (Cobb) or you have to break out your tools and pull your DME to ship out for a bench flash.

Personally, seeing what is involved in having to pull the DME, I would pass on doing it. I don't need more power than what the S2 tune provides for the driving I do...heck I wouldn't have considered doing any tune had I not been chasing a fix for my DCT lag/stumble/surge issues. I'm more of a cornering person anyways and would rather spend the money that would be thrown in to engine mods into mods to the most important component of a car....the driver. As in driver coaching.

rob24ert · 03-17-2018, 10:16 AM

Hey

Check the prices then compare

MHD will give you the most power
Ppk power doesn’t really change. It’s mainlt for the popping. Do the ppk from a remote tuner for the sound and then Dinan tune on top.

Intake isn’t necessary. Do charge pipe for sure

What issues did you have with JB4?

tracer bullet · 03-17-2018, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zx10guy

For those suggesting Cobb or MHD, you have to check to see if you are one of the lucky ones with the newer DME.

Yeah, this is true. I should have checked OP's model year (looks like 2012) before suggesting it. I think that's outside what Cobb spent time working on.

Esteban · 03-17-2018, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rob24ert

Hey

Check the prices then compare

MHD will give you the most power
Ppk power doesn't really change. It's mainlt for the popping. Do the ppk from a remote tuner for the sound and then Dinan tune on top.

Intake isn't necessary. Do charge pipe for sure

What issues did you have with JB4?

The OP can't get PPK from a remote coder because he has a 2013 with the newer DME. At least not yet, but I've heard the coders are working to change that.

Gangplank · 03-17-2018, 03:52 PM

That's correct. The newer DME MEVD1726 is not comparable with Cobb. Has MHD cracked that code yet?

I have a 2011 built in 9/2010 and my DME version is compatible with COBB and remote coding PPK. Had it done a while back. The PPK is actually a noticeable improvement. It says 20hp but sure feels like more, especially the drive ability of the DCT.

That said I have been considering upgrading to the Dinan or MHD.

MHD - Since I don't have an android I'd have to buy a tablet for $50-75 and then MHD for $250 + $50?k+Dcan cable & USB OTG cable. That's $350 + another $70 if you want the monitor/data logging module. $420.

and then you are off to the races flashing. The Stage 1 tune gives you 335hp/383T & stage 1+ plus is 350hp/435T. S1 is just a CP & 1+ is CP + FMIC. So about 2x what the PPK adds.

Dinan is plug and play. No messing about with doing it yourself. Cost is $752 for the S2 tune and according to Dinan it delivers 355hp/401T. So cost is a bit more but you get easier plug & play and a bit more torque for your money. No concerns with which DME version you have.

Esteban · 03-17-2018, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gangplank

That's correct. The newer DME MEVD1726 is not comparable with Cobb. Has MHD cracked that code yet?

I have a 2011 built in 9/2010 and my DME version is compatible with COBB and remote coding PPK. Had it done a while back. The PPK is actually a noticeable improvement. It says 20hp but sure feels like more, especially the drive ability of the DCT.

That said I have been considering upgrading to the Dinan or MHD.

MHD - Since I don't have an android I'd have to buy a tablet for $50-75 and then MHD for $250 + $50?k+Dcan cable & USB OTG cable. That's $350 + another $70 if you want the monitor/data logging module. $420.

and then you are off to the races flashing. The Stage 1 tune gives you 335hp/383T & stage 1+ plus is 350hp/435T. S1 is just a CP & 1+ is CP + FMIC. So about 2x what the PPK adds.

Dinan is plug and play. No messing about with doing it yourself. Cost is $752 for the S2 tune and according to Dinan it delivers 355hp/401T. So cost is a bit more but you get easier plug & play and a bit more torque for your money. No concerns with which DME version you have.

As mentioned above by zx10guy, the newer DME still needs a bench flash for MHD.

vinylengraver · 03-17-2018, 06:34 PM

I am apparently in the minority here, but to me PPK is definitely more than just a sound enhancement.
For one, power delivery is very noticeably smoother (mine is a 6MT) both at low and high RPM.
Zero throttle lag, zero turbo lag.
Boost up from 7-8 psi max to 11-13 psi max ( as per TorquePro)
Car keeps accelerating past 5500 RPM.
And, of course the exhaust sound.
Everything listed above was a definite improvement over my N55's stock characteristic.

To me, with the PPK car has just about as much torque for a 6MT to handle and more power than I can safely use. If I wasn't keeping it OEM+ I would maybe go for Dinan S2. I have a thing for original equipment though... but I understand that not many of us do.

Gangplank · 03-17-2018, 09:11 PM

I'm all about keeping it OEM & for many parts it makes good sense. The PPK is a step up for sure. I'm happy & agree with everything you wrote. It's better, stronger, faster & more drivable.

Cavpilot2k · 03-17-2018, 10:33 PM

I have the Dinan and BMW PE as well and they are a great pair. Amazing sound, noticeable power and smooth delivery. My 135 is my daily driver and I've had zero issues in the 45k Miles since getting the Dinan (other than normal issues common to the N55, like the expected water cooler fail, but that's unrelated to the tune).

chrisw27 · 03-18-2018, 02:42 AM

It should be mentioned that all these options are off the shelf tunes, and leave some power but more importantly driveability on the table.

When i first got my cobb tune for my n55 with fbo mods, the power increase was great but with timing corrections and sub par smoothness. When i had a custom tune done, there was more power but the difference in the quality of the curve was massive. timing corrections minimised, throttle closures eliminated and better throttle response.

Going with MHD will give the option for custom mapping. Twisted tuning and wedge tuning seem to have a good rep, but there are also others around. I would say its almost an essential upgrade.

03-16-2018, 02:40 PM	#1
HyeWarrior Major 769 Rep 1,111 Posts Drives: 2019 HKS M2C Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Contemplating tunes: MHD vs PPK vs Dinan Long story short, had a JB4 a long while ago, and I was one of those people that had severe issues with it. Tried every trouble shooting under the sun and just got over it. I'm thinking of going down the tune path again, but honestly, I'm not looking for the most power or most boost. I'd actually prefer a mild boost increase more than anything else. I'm going for a reliable daily driver with some extra kick, hence why I don't need the most power which may give me issues similar with the JB4. Right now I'm leaning more towards just a Dinan tune, but I was wondering if PPK + Dinan would be a feasible thing. I've been following the N55 MHD thread and it seems that its pretty polished up. Planning on doing the tune once I have some other parts ordered. Still need a DP, FMIC, and CP; just got an aluminum CSF radiator. Waiting to have everything before installing. Thanks
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03-16-2018, 02:55 PM	#2
BimmerAg Lieutenant 437 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: May 2017 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0)	Sounds like the Dinan will be exactly what you're looking for. Mild performance increase with factory-like driveability and refinement. All three tunes are flash tunes, and will overwrite whatever map is installed, so Dinan+PPK isn't possible __________________ 2011 BMW 135i ///M-Sport, DCT Bilstein B12 kit, Dinan camber plates, M3 front control arms, Whiteline poly RSFB, MHD Stage 1, cp-e Charge Pipe, H&R Front sway bar, BMW performance diffuser
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03-16-2018, 03:34 PM	#3
OkieSnuffBox Major 1806 Rep 1,011 Posts Drives: '13 135i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: OKC, OK iTrader: (0)	I'm with you OP. I just want a nice bump, DINAN and Bimmer Performance Center both have tunes we can do over the OBD-II port (mine is '13 DCT) and they aren't out on the ragged edge. The car is plenty quick stock, so a little extra oomph is what I'm after as well. It looks like either tune is in the 45-50whp/65-75wtq range, with an even more massive midrange than the cars already have. I'm waiting to hear back from Dinan on a few questions I had.
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03-16-2018, 05:19 PM	#4
1and1 Loves me some MHD! 2009 Rep 1,816 Posts Drives: faster than he should... Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tally, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List '09 135i [10.00]	Something to consider- MHD brings to the table the ability to monitor and log, as well as flexibility to fine tune/adjust if needed. Dinan or PPK are flash & forget. __________________ 1and1 (well, I suppose it's "Just1" now...) Sold 135i - E82.N54 2009 BSM - MHD / xHP / DCI, PR CP & 7.5" Race IC / N55 mid & Borla . . WL RSFI, Koni, Eibach & Dinan CP's, M3 CA's / EBC Red's & Firehawk 500's X1 - E84.N20 2013 MGM - JB4 - The Wife's, now with new turbo & ewg
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03-16-2018, 06:04 PM	#5
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 5584 Rep 4,501 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 Corvette Z06 [10.00] 2024 Ford Bronco Ra ... [10.00] 2018 Porsche 911 GTS [10.00] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	I really like my Dinan S2 tune. It is one of those tunes Dinan became known for. Awesome drivability, noticeable and real power. You can make more power with another tune, but if you consider Dinan’s S3 requires a larger oil cooler and intercooler, it makes you wonder if the other tunes the make more power are safe enough not to worry about. The S2 is smooth and really seems OEM like. It gets you close to M2 HP levels and about 40 more tq than an M2.
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03-16-2018, 06:13 PM	#6
Esteban Major General 82648 Rep 7,248 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I had PPK then got the Dinan Stage 2 tune. Noticeable bump in hp but bigger jump in torque. Dinan states 355hp and 401 lb-ft torque. Very smooth power (like BMW), not herky jerky at all. And yes, as said above, flash and forget, which was just what I wanted. Also, zero problems with my Dinan tune. Almost like the car came that way. One thing that has me puzzled is I still have the exact same PPK sounds, it hasn't changed at all for me. Some have said Dinan sounds like PPK, some have said Dinan sounds better than PPK, while I've talked to some that said they lost the PPK burbling sound FX when they added Dinan. I've been told that Dinan overwrites PPK, but honestly, I'm not so sure it completely overwrites PPK, because I still have the PPK sounds. Exactly the same. Is that possible? Does Dinan NOT overwrite that particular parameter? A question for the ages... lol PS - I have the BMW Performance exhaust as well which enhances the sound of PPK and gives the car a nice, exotic tone. A must have in my opinion. Some complain about drone with the PE but there are ways to avoid it, like by not letting your RPMs dip too low while cruising.
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03-16-2018, 06:57 PM	#7
HyeWarrior Major 769 Rep 1,111 Posts Drives: 2019 HKS M2C Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (1)	Thanks everyone. So far, seems like the S2 tune is the way to go. I know going directly through Dinan is pretty pricey. I know bimmerbrain can do remote coding, I wonder how much they charge for the S2 Depending on if they're available when the time comes, I'm definitely wanting to get that PE exhaust through ECS as well. One can dream lol
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03-16-2018, 07:19 PM	#9
blue135 Major 1468 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Convertible. SRG Z4 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Sarasota, FL iTrader: (1)	The E88 I found had the Dinan S3 tune (with requisite appurtenances). Is rock solid and when you want to go, it goes without an interruption. If I had to pay for it, I probably would not have gone past S2, but I would have gone Dinan since I am the kind of person it was designed for (turnkey & no other effort or requirement - I just like to drive). Last edited by blue135; 03-16-2018 at 07:20 PM.. Reason: S2 not S3 in 3rd line
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03-16-2018, 08:05 PM	#10
tracer bullet Major General 6189 Rep 6,188 Posts Drives: '25 Z4, '15 X3 35i (135i sold) Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I'd consider Cobb too, they are F/S on the forum now and then. IMO they compare well w/ the rest.
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03-16-2018, 09:20 PM	#11
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 5584 Rep 4,501 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2025 Corvette Z06 [10.00] 2024 Ford Bronco Ra ... [10.00] 2018 Porsche 911 GTS [10.00] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	Have to agree on the performance exhaust. I love how it sounds and the burbles are a little more enhanced with the Dinan tune over the PPK2.
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03-17-2018, 07:35 AM	#13
zx10guy Brigadier General 6303 Rep 3,636 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	For those suggesting Cobb or MHD, you have to check to see if you are one of the lucky ones with the newer DME. If you are, either you're out of luck (Cobb) or you have to break out your tools and pull your DME to ship out for a bench flash. Personally, seeing what is involved in having to pull the DME, I would pass on doing it. I don't need more power than what the S2 tune provides for the driving I do...heck I wouldn't have considered doing any tune had I not been chasing a fix for my DCT lag/stumble/surge issues. I'm more of a cornering person anyways and would rather spend the money that would be thrown in to engine mods into mods to the most important component of a car....the driver. As in driver coaching.
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03-17-2018, 10:16 AM	#14
rob24ert First Lieutenant 87 Rep 394 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Hey Check the prices then compare MHD will give you the most power Ppk power doesn’t really change. It’s mainlt for the popping. Do the ppk from a remote tuner for the sound and then Dinan tune on top. Intake isn’t necessary. Do charge pipe for sure What issues did you have with JB4?
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03-17-2018, 03:52 PM	#17
Gangplank Brigadier General 1575 Rep 3,076 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	That's correct. The newer DME MEVD1726 is not comparable with Cobb. Has MHD cracked that code yet? I have a 2011 built in 9/2010 and my DME version is compatible with COBB and remote coding PPK. Had it done a while back. The PPK is actually a noticeable improvement. It says 20hp but sure feels like more, especially the drive ability of the DCT. That said I have been considering upgrading to the Dinan or MHD. MHD - Since I don't have an android I'd have to buy a tablet for $50-75 and then MHD for $250 + $50?k+Dcan cable & USB OTG cable. That's $350 + another $70 if you want the monitor/data logging module. $420. and then you are off to the races flashing. The Stage 1 tune gives you 335hp/383T & stage 1+ plus is 350hp/435T. S1 is just a CP & 1+ is CP + FMIC. So about 2x what the PPK adds. Dinan is plug and play. No messing about with doing it yourself. Cost is $752 for the S2 tune and according to Dinan it delivers 355hp/401T. So cost is a bit more but you get easier plug & play and a bit more torque for your money. No concerns with which DME version you have. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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03-17-2018, 06:34 PM	#19
vinylengraver First Lieutenant 392 Rep 317 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 135i Join Date: May 2017 Location: Langley, BC iTrader: (0)	I am apparently in the minority here, but to me PPK is definitely more than just a sound enhancement. For one, power delivery is very noticeably smoother (mine is a 6MT) both at low and high RPM. Zero throttle lag, zero turbo lag. Boost up from 7-8 psi max to 11-13 psi max ( as per TorquePro) Car keeps accelerating past 5500 RPM. And, of course the exhaust sound. Everything listed above was a definite improvement over my N55's stock characteristic. To me, with the PPK car has just about as much torque for a 6MT to handle and more power than I can safely use. If I wasn't keeping it OEM+ I would maybe go for Dinan S2. I have a thing for original equipment though... but I understand that not many of us do.
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03-17-2018, 09:11 PM	#20
Gangplank Brigadier General 1575 Rep 3,076 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	I'm all about keeping it OEM & for many parts it makes good sense. The PPK is a step up for sure. I'm happy & agree with everything you wrote. It's better, stronger, faster & more drivable. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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03-17-2018, 10:33 PM	#21
Cavpilot2k Chief Warrant Officer 1050 Rep 1,638 Posts Drives: like a damn lunatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I have the Dinan and BMW PE as well and they are a great pair. Amazing sound, noticeable power and smooth delivery. My 135 is my daily driver and I've had zero issues in the 45k Miles since getting the Dinan (other than normal issues common to the N55, like the expected water cooler fail, but that's unrelated to the tune). __________________ "Prius" is Latin for Eunuch. "Hrothgar": 2012 135i: 6MT M-Sport, BSM/Blk; Nav, Premium, Convenience, HK Dinan Stage 2 +PPK /// BMW PE /// VRSF CP /// K&N /// Koni Sports /// RSFB Inserts /// MPS4S 225/255 /// Other Stuff
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03-18-2018, 02:42 AM	#22
chrisw27 Private 9 Rep 71 Posts Drives: E82 135i N55 DCT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (1)	It should be mentioned that all these options are off the shelf tunes, and leave some power but more importantly driveability on the table. When i first got my cobb tune for my n55 with fbo mods, the power increase was great but with timing corrections and sub par smoothness. When i had a custom tune done, there was more power but the difference in the quality of the curve was massive. timing corrections minimised, throttle closures eliminated and better throttle response. Going with MHD will give the option for custom mapping. Twisted tuning and wedge tuning seem to have a good rep, but there are also others around. I would say its almost an essential upgrade.
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