Dinan Signature package installed on my YMB M4

sgroer · 07-20-2015, 03:15 PM

Let me start by saying that i know there are Dinan haters out there - that say you don't get a bang for the buck, the tunes are weak, the exhausts are anemic, and it's all marketing.

I'm getting old. (39). Life is getting more complex by the day with kids and a wife and dogs, house, boat, job, etc, etc, etc. I believe I am the target demographic for Dinan. Enthusiasts who want a refined, complete package with no interest in starring in the next episode of warranty wars. I have absolutely no interest in dealing with shenanigans when I take the car in for service - removing tunes, sending my SA some wine and a couple hundreds each quarter, or any other headaches associated with modifying cars.

As background, I've modified every car I've ever owned in some form or fashion - from a heavily modified Passat 1.8T, to a couple Audis (V10 S6, B8.5 S4), to a 2014 911 Carrera S, and then a 2014 911 GT3. Modifying cars is fun and a passion, but almost always, there's an issue somewhere along the line -

This is the first time i've ever done something like this - drop the car off, and get it back with everything I plan to do to it already done, in one fell swoop.

So - on to the review.

First - What was I hoping for: More power, better sound, less squat and dive, and better traction. I'll review each component one by one:

1) Suspension - Extremely comfortable - found myself still very much enjoying Sport+ suspension setting and the car is not as bouncy as OEM. Not once did I notice the suspension being uncomfortable. Handling is much better, body roll is reduced and the car feels more controlled and neutral. It is omewhat firmer, but not at all uncomfortable. It feels like the car gets the power down to the pavement much better than before. I am absolutely thrilled with the suspension - a perfect balance between performance and comfort. And due to it helping with the car control, I highly recommend getting it (or some other) along with the other stuff. I went with an extremely mild .5 inch drop to maintain ride quality and easy to navigate, non scraping DD attributes.

2) Intake - No idea in terms of performance gain, but the sound is awesome. Not intrusive when coasting around, but that air sucking sound and turbo spool when you are on it is definitely there. It's a background sound, as it should be but it makes you smile, IMO a perfect sound level. The fit and finish of the CF intake in the engine bay is top shelf - it looks AWESOME installed.

3) Exhaust - It's OK. Overall pleased with it. But it's probably the one mild disappointment of the setup. Sounds better, has a really good low growl on decel / coasting. Sounds great at idle, lawn mower sound is gone gone gone. At WOT as the car winds up, it's frickin impressive. I just wish it was a little louder and more aggressive. At the same time, i am not a teenager and I totally appreciate that it's a more reserved but aggressive option. I love the sound, just wish there was a little more of it. Something tells me I would have liked the AWE better and I knew that before I went the Dinan route, but I really wanted the full Dinan package for reasons stated above.

4) Tune - There are many who say JB4 is awesome and the obvious choice (for many it is) and others say that Dinan is weenie, and a waste. The car is an animal. Pulls like a bull on steroids, shot in the ass with a dart with its horns on fire. Midrange pull is much more intense and the engine is more alive and alert. It's not more difficult to control at all. Still super easy to drive, but the horsepower headroom when you want it is really stunning. Turbo lag is reduced, the car pulls all the way to redline and doesn't let off. I cannot believe the power. I am so happy with the Stage 2 tune. Very linear and smooth in power delivery, and just miles better than OEM in every way.

So overall, I am absolutely thrilled - to the moon and back. I had already said that the M4 is my favorite of every car I've ever owned. I couldn't imagine significant improvements. And on other cars, with every mod I've ever done, I've found that there is a downside. I can honestly say that other than the roughly $10K lighter my bank account is - there are no downsides. It's perfect. Incredible. And I am one really happy Dinan customer!!!

Pics coming...

Mods thus far (in under 900 miles!)
Vorsteiner V-FF 103
Bavsound
M- Performance - Splitters, front lip, carbon mirror caps, side skirts, rear diffuser (chinese E-bay), rear spoiler
Dinan Exhaust
Dinan intake
Dinan Stage 2 tune
Dinan "Coilover" suspension

The car is really coming together!

Sean

chris s · 07-20-2015, 03:30 PM

Great review, thanks. I can totally appreciate where you're coming from, especially after two highly modified, supercharged e92 m3's... Will I take the Dinan route with the f80? Not sure yet, but it's definitely a consideration.

dmk08 · 07-20-2015, 03:39 PM

The dealer can still void your BMW warranty with Dinan installed. You just now have Dinans warranty. I hope you at least got a good discount off MSRP on it all.

Grats on the car and the upgrades. I see youre local maybe we will run into each other.

sgroer · 07-20-2015, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmk08

The dealer can still void your BMW warranty with Dinan installed. You just now have Dinans warranty. I hope you at least got a good discount off MSRP on it all.

Grats on the car and the upgrades. I see youre local maybe we will run into each other.

Yes - But either way with all Dinan components, I don't expect any major run ins. But... it's still a modified car an you never know!

I spend most of my time in the perimeter / sandy springs and roswell parts of town. And track days at both Road Atlanta and AMP.

Thanh386 · 07-20-2015, 03:50 PM

Who was your installer/tuner?

sgroer · 07-20-2015, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thanh386

Who was your installer/tuner?

Performing Imports in Roswell. I was extremely pleased with them. Great communication and attention to detail - making sure ride heights were set right, and just a focus on customer service. They are BMW fanatics. Owner has an 800 HP F10 M5.

AlphaOmega4 · 07-20-2015, 04:08 PM

Congrats on the Signature Package!!

So... you got pics of what everything looks like now??

Would love to see.

also if you can record and post a couple vid clips.. That would be awesome!!

Everything sounds Great other that AWE or MPE still may be the way to go as far as exhaust sound is concerned.. You may have caught some flack from Dinan with AWE exhaust or another aftermarket exhaust but im sure there is nothing they could really say had you chosen the M performance Exhaust..

sgroer · 07-20-2015, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlphaOmega4

Congrats on the Signature Package!!

So... you got pics of what everything looks like now??

Would love to see.

also if you can record and post a couple vid clips.. That would be awesome!!

Everything sounds Great other that AWE or MPE still may be the way to go as far as exhaust sound is concerned.. You may have caught some flack from Dinan with AWE exhaust or another aftermarket exhaust but im sure there is nothing they could really say had you chosen the M performance Exhaust..

Yeah - pics and vids coming. Probably tomorrow. The Dinan exhaust is good. But I do believe there are better options out there if all you want is an exhaust. However, the comfort I get from the full package (both in terms of warranty issues and a feel of it all being unified) outweighs it. MPE seemed too pricey.

Not disappointed at all!

Blksnowflake · 07-20-2015, 05:01 PM

Completely agree with you op. I'd just prefer other exhaust options though.

Dinan_Engineering · 07-20-2015, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgroer

So overall, I am absolutely thrilled - to the moon and back.

Glad you are pleased with the overall package. The more you drive it the more you will fall in love. I can guarantee that. The Dinan M4 is quickly rising on my list of my favorite Dinan cars I have driven although the software tuned 550i is still my favorite to date. That thing was just a nightmarish beast. Fun and scary at the same time.

shortseller · 07-20-2015, 05:33 PM

OP,
Nice report, and I look forward to the rest.

Enjoy

PS, oh yeah quick question, are you running DCT or an MT? Like hearing the car is better planted than it was stock. DCT in these cars with more power can be tricky, glad to hear Dinan has it dialed in.

sgroer · 07-20-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortseller

OP,
Nice report, and I look forward to the rest.

Enjoy

PS, oh yeah quick question, are you running DCT or a MT? Like hearing the car is better planted that it was stock. DCT in these cars with more power can be tricky, glad to hear Dinan has it dialed in.

DCT!

Thanks - Just went out for another drive. It's perfect!

GOLFFRR · 07-20-2015, 05:59 PM

awesome list of mods! Looking forward to the pics

JTO24 · 07-20-2015, 07:56 PM

Nice! I like the Dinan "coil overs" and the exhaust is nice from an aesthetics POV.. based on reviews here it seems like it's good, just needs more oomph. I'm considering both at the moment.

cays · 07-20-2015, 07:56 PM

Yeah, nice report, thanks. This review is exactly what I was looking for.

3er · 07-20-2015, 09:16 PM

Great review - I'll stay tuned for the pics!

rmedeir1 · 07-20-2015, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgroer

1) Suspension - Extremely comfortable - found myself still very much enjoying Sport+ suspension setting and the car is not as bouncy as OEM. Not once did I notice the suspension being uncomfortable. Handling is much better, body roll is reduced and the car feels more controlled and neutral. It is omewhat firmer, but not at all uncomfortable. It feels like the car gets the power down to the pavement much better than before. I am absolutely thrilled with the suspension - a perfect balance between performance and comfort. And due to it helping with the car control, I highly recommend getting it (or some other) along with the other stuff. I went with an extremely mild .5 inch drop to maintain ride quality and easy to navigate, non scraping DD attributes.

Sean

How does the car do in clearing speed bumps with the drop and the MPerf lip? This is my biggest concern in dropping the car at all.

M4 away · 07-20-2015, 10:03 PM

Nice and congrats. Dinan always produce a quality product. I have never had any issue with their stuff.

Have you considered their Sway Bars and adjustable Toe links? They are on my list.

Ian1973 · 07-20-2015, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmedeir1

How does the car do in clearing speed bumps with the drop and the MPerf lip? This is my biggest concern in dropping the car at all.

I scrape occasionally and I'm not lowered. I would think even with a modest drop you will have a lot of problems.

I have been debating the intake and stage 2 tune(already have stage 1). It's just so much money for what essentially slightly better sound and way better looks. Though I don't lift the hood like ever. lol

Congrats though.

8600RPM · 07-20-2015, 10:45 PM

I wish folks would at least stop with the b.s about di and superior smoothness and drivability. I've had 2 piggy and both had stock smoothnes.

You paid more for minimal improvements with your own money for your own reasons so who cares about what folks think I agree

Ian1973 · 07-20-2015, 10:47 PM

I don't know, I had a Cobb tuner on my 335 and it was definitely not smooth or even near stock power delivery. I of course loved the power, but the delivery got a little old.

8600RPM · 07-20-2015, 11:19 PM

Well smooth and power delivery are different. Of course adding huge power will change delivery. Also you are not talking the f80 here .

07-20-2015, 03:15 PM	#1
sgroer Private First Class 130 Rep 111 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 - YMB Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Roswell, GA iTrader: (0)	Dinan Signature package installed on my YMB M4 Let me start by saying that i know there are Dinan haters out there - that say you don't get a bang for the buck, the tunes are weak, the exhausts are anemic, and it's all marketing. I'm getting old. (39). Life is getting more complex by the day with kids and a wife and dogs, house, boat, job, etc, etc, etc. I believe I am the target demographic for Dinan. Enthusiasts who want a refined, complete package with no interest in starring in the next episode of warranty wars. I have absolutely no interest in dealing with shenanigans when I take the car in for service - removing tunes, sending my SA some wine and a couple hundreds each quarter, or any other headaches associated with modifying cars. As background, I've modified every car I've ever owned in some form or fashion - from a heavily modified Passat 1.8T, to a couple Audis (V10 S6, B8.5 S4), to a 2014 911 Carrera S, and then a 2014 911 GT3. Modifying cars is fun and a passion, but almost always, there's an issue somewhere along the line - This is the first time i've ever done something like this - drop the car off, and get it back with everything I plan to do to it already done, in one fell swoop. So - on to the review. First - What was I hoping for: More power, better sound, less squat and dive, and better traction. I'll review each component one by one: 1) Suspension - Extremely comfortable - found myself still very much enjoying Sport+ suspension setting and the car is not as bouncy as OEM. Not once did I notice the suspension being uncomfortable. Handling is much better, body roll is reduced and the car feels more controlled and neutral. It is omewhat firmer, but not at all uncomfortable. It feels like the car gets the power down to the pavement much better than before. I am absolutely thrilled with the suspension - a perfect balance between performance and comfort. And due to it helping with the car control, I highly recommend getting it (or some other) along with the other stuff. I went with an extremely mild .5 inch drop to maintain ride quality and easy to navigate, non scraping DD attributes. 2) Intake - No idea in terms of performance gain, but the sound is awesome. Not intrusive when coasting around, but that air sucking sound and turbo spool when you are on it is definitely there. It's a background sound, as it should be but it makes you smile, IMO a perfect sound level. The fit and finish of the CF intake in the engine bay is top shelf - it looks AWESOME installed. 3) Exhaust - It's OK. Overall pleased with it. But it's probably the one mild disappointment of the setup. Sounds better, has a really good low growl on decel / coasting. Sounds great at idle, lawn mower sound is gone gone gone. At WOT as the car winds up, it's frickin impressive. I just wish it was a little louder and more aggressive. At the same time, i am not a teenager and I totally appreciate that it's a more reserved but aggressive option. I love the sound, just wish there was a little more of it. Something tells me I would have liked the AWE better and I knew that before I went the Dinan route, but I really wanted the full Dinan package for reasons stated above. 4) Tune - There are many who say JB4 is awesome and the obvious choice (for many it is) and others say that Dinan is weenie, and a waste. The car is an animal. Pulls like a bull on steroids, shot in the ass with a dart with its horns on fire. Midrange pull is much more intense and the engine is more alive and alert. It's not more difficult to control at all. Still super easy to drive, but the horsepower headroom when you want it is really stunning. Turbo lag is reduced, the car pulls all the way to redline and doesn't let off. I cannot believe the power. I am so happy with the Stage 2 tune. Very linear and smooth in power delivery, and just miles better than OEM in every way. So overall, I am absolutely thrilled - to the moon and back. I had already said that the M4 is my favorite of every car I've ever owned. I couldn't imagine significant improvements. And on other cars, with every mod I've ever done, I've found that there is a downside. I can honestly say that other than the roughly $10K lighter my bank account is - there are no downsides. It's perfect. Incredible. And I am one really happy Dinan customer!!! Pics coming... Mods thus far (in under 900 miles!) Vorsteiner V-FF 103 Bavsound M- Performance - Splitters, front lip, carbon mirror caps, side skirts, rear diffuser (chinese E-bay), rear spoiler Dinan Exhaust Dinan intake Dinan Stage 2 tune Dinan "Coilover" suspension The car is really coming together! Sean Last edited by sgroer; 07-20-2015 at 11:41 PM..
	Appreciate 17 Tweet Quote

07-20-2015, 03:30 PM	#2
chris s Major General 1251 Rep 6,913 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	Great review, thanks. I can totally appreciate where you're coming from, especially after two highly modified, supercharged e92 m3's... Will I take the Dinan route with the f80? Not sure yet, but it's definitely a consideration. __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-20-2015, 03:39 PM	#3
dmk08 Gone Fishin’ 7318 Rep 12,125 Posts Drives: Walks Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (19)	The dealer can still void your BMW warranty with Dinan installed. You just now have Dinans warranty. I hope you at least got a good discount off MSRP on it all. Grats on the car and the upgrades. I see youre local maybe we will run into each other.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 03:50 PM	#5
Thanh386 Private First Class 31 Rep 160 Posts Drives: BSM F82 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Who was your installer/tuner?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 04:08 PM	#7
AlphaOmega4 Captain 433 Rep 914 Posts Drives: YMB M4 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: On The Beach In FL iTrader: (1)	Congrats on the Signature Package!! So... you got pics of what everything looks like now?? Would love to see. also if you can record and post a couple vid clips.. That would be awesome!! Everything sounds Great other that AWE or MPE still may be the way to go as far as exhaust sound is concerned.. You may have caught some flack from Dinan with AWE exhaust or another aftermarket exhaust but im sure there is nothing they could really say had you chosen the M performance Exhaust.. __________________ In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 05:01 PM	#9
Blksnowflake Mlightened 1852 Rep 2,242 Posts Drives: Yaz M3 Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: TX iTrader: (1)	Completely agree with you op. I'd just prefer other exhaust options though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 05:33 PM	#11
shortseller Brigadier General 1003 Rep 3,396 Posts Drives: ‘18 ABM F80ZCP/dct Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: NOVA iTrader: (0)	OP, Nice report, and I look forward to the rest. Enjoy PS, oh yeah quick question, are you running DCT or an MT? Like hearing the car is better planted than it was stock. DCT in these cars with more power can be tricky, glad to hear Dinan has it dialed in. __________________ Last edited by shortseller; 07-20-2015 at 07:16 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 05:59 PM	#13
GOLFFRR 10837 Rep 27,613 Posts Drives: GOLFFRR cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: we sell BMWs to "ALL" US states iTrader: (4)	awesome list of mods! Looking forward to the pics __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, EMAIL OUR GUY KOTE FIRST! Kote M Sales:Kotem@bmwofcamarillo.com Cell:805-368-9101 vipfinance@bmwofcamarillo.com for warranties!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 07:56 PM	#14
JTO24 never could compete with Lloyd Braun 5276 Rep 5,379 Posts Drives: 2022 G80 M3 6MT Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (7)	Nice! I like the Dinan "coil overs" and the exhaust is nice from an aesthetics POV.. based on reviews here it seems like it's good, just needs more oomph. I'm considering both at the moment. __________________ 2022 G80 M3 6MT \| Skyscraper Gray \| Kyalami Orange 2018 F87 M2 6MT \| Alpine White (sold) 2016 981 Cayman 6MT \| Jet Black (sold) 2015 F80 M3 DCT \| Tanzanite Blue \| Gold Brown (sold) 2013 E92 M3 6MT \| Mineral White \| Fox Red/Black (sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 07:56 PM	#15
cays Private First Class 143 Rep 155 Posts Drives: 3 Germans Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Yeah, nice report, thanks. This review is exactly what I was looking for.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 09:16 PM	#16
3er Major 946 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (0)	Great review - I'll stay tuned for the pics! __________________ *2019 ///M5 Competition* On Order: 2023 ///M3 Competition xDrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 10:03 PM	#18
M4 away Private 20 Rep 64 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: At the track! iTrader: (0)	Nice and congrats. Dinan always produce a quality product. I have never had any issue with their stuff. Have you considered their Sway Bars and adjustable Toe links? They are on my list.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 10:45 PM	#20
8600RPM Lieutenant Colonel 658 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	I wish folks would at least stop with the b.s about di and superior smoothness and drivability. I've had 2 piggy and both had stock smoothnes. You paid more for minimal improvements with your own money for your own reasons so who cares about what folks think I agree
	Appreciate 1 Quote

07-20-2015, 10:47 PM	#21
Ian1973 Colonel 736 Rep 2,134 Posts Drives: 15 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Charlton, NY iTrader: (0)	I don't know, I had a Cobb tuner on my 335 and it was definitely not smooth or even near stock power delivery. I of course loved the power, but the delivery got a little old.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2015, 11:19 PM	#22
8600RPM Lieutenant Colonel 658 Rep 1,749 Posts Drives: e92 m3 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	Well smooth and power delivery are different. Of course adding huge power will change delivery. Also you are not talking the f80 here .
	Appreciate 0 Quote