Did DINAN ever modify the 325i cylinder heads?

[Boomerang]

I guess this is just a general question, i found a car recently that had a whole bunch of DINAN stuff on it (once in a lifetime find) and the head had a cam in it. besides the manifold and throttle body that was on it is why i ask.
I did my homework and searched google but havent found anything useful.

Thanks in advance!

[Emre]

My understanding is that Dinan has never actually done anything with engine internals. Unlike Hartge, for example, Dinan has always been known as a "bolt-on mods" type of operation.

They're also developed a reputation for selling overpriced and underdeveloped parts. In one famous example, they required cutting away structural parts of the car in order to make their supercharger kit fit. That sort of thing leaves a bad taste in the mouth of guys who were raised on Alpina and Schnitzer in the 60's and 70's.

The consensus is that Dinan is basically lots of hype and little substance: a company with great P.R./marketing skills and maybe not so much in the way of engineering. Their big claim to fame was that they were the only BMW tuner in the USA. They got in tight with BMW NA and a couple of high-power guys within the BMW CCA and took off from there.

These days, most people stick with tuners like Turner Motorsport, Bimmerworld, and TC Kline Racing. Guys who actually develop parts and test them to destruction on the track before selling them to the customer.

Emre

[Boomerang]

nice post!
thats what i wanted to hear and what ive read from others, you made good points on the cutting for the super charger and underdeveloped parts.
Ive seen a lot of the other brands that you mentioned and everyone says they are legit as well.
thanks!

[PiercedE30]

Don't forget EvoSport or RRT. They build the parts that go on their race cars. EvoSport has done some VERY trick things to the motors in their race cars.

[nando]

how about those new Dinan exhausts.. $10-15k, and you gain 5-10hp. LOL. but it says DINAN on the tips!! :o

[BlueIX]

Isn't it true that the chips they offer only play with fuel and thats it? You still pay full price (Some $200-300) for a chip but get half the product.

[ptownTSI]

I think Dinan's success has been remarkable, they are marketed at every BMW dealer and people are willing to pay outrageous prices for silly mods. $2500 for exhaust on an M5, $2500 for an upgraded rear differential on a 550i, $2000 for camshafts on a 550i. all of it is so pointless.

[CleanAzzE30z]

The thing with Dinan is the research and development is pretty comprehensive. Im also in the camp that believes that their shit is insanely overpriced. Another thing about their chips (at least for the E30s) is that they are the only chips that are CA legal. They only tune WOT, which is also why they are easier on the gas consumption. Just a little info.


Mariano

[uofom3]

The thing with Dinan is the research and development is pretty comprehensive. Im also in the camp that believes that their shit is insanely overpriced. Another thing about their chips (at least for the E30s) is that they are the only chips that are CA legal. They only tune WOT, which is also why they are easier on the gas consumption. Just a little info.


Mariano

Good points.

Dinan is crap. For the money, you can do MUCH, MUCH better. You're buying a name and the false hope 0f massively improved performance.

[MattE30]

Don't you keep your warranty if you buy dinan?

For someone who doesn't own a 20 year car, that might be worth the price.

[bimmer8604]

Dinan = warranty.

thats why you pay so much and get relatively little.

Kyle

[Emre]

Don't you keep your warranty if you buy dinan?

Nope. Read the fine-print. Dinan bits will absolutely invalidate the relevant parts of your BMW warranty. However, Dinan offers their own warranty to cover their parts.

It's not really the same thing at all.

Let's say you put a Dinan supercharger on your brand new Bimmer and two months later you spin a rod bearing. What do you think will happen? The factory warranty on your engine is now gone. So, you've got to take it up with Steve Dinan. What's t stop him from turning around and saying "it's not my fault your engine spun a bearing. I didn't build your engine."

Emre