[voyagergab]

I'm just glad someone from Dinan is answering questions here.

Of course end user reviews are needed to convince people.

[top6491]

I might just look into that test drive somewhere here in San Diego.

[tree]

It's great to see Dinan involved with this thread.
I did the Dinan stage one a couple weeks ago, and initially was bothered by a slight hesitation at times. I'm happy to report that either the car is getting used to how I drive, or I'm getting used to the car's shifting habits. Overall, I am impressed by the increase in power/performance of the car. I have DHP, and in comfort mode, the increase in available power during city/highway driving is definitely noticeable. In sport mode, it's awesome. I use my car as a DD. I never felt like it was "under-powered" but now it is really a lot of fun. i've had it up in the mountains of Colorado once or twice and really enjoyed the drive on twisty 2 lane roads. Not quite as fun as my now departed e39 M5, but close.
Fuel economy seems reasonable. my last tank of gas, 98% city driving with a lot of stop and go due to construction, in hot weather, was 17.7 mpg.
This upgrade was definitely more $ than a JB, but I have had NO dashboard warning lights, and comforted to know that I have not voided my car's warranty. I'm a happy customer.
I've owned/leased many BMW's for the past 20 years, and this is the first Dinan upgrade I have done. I am very pleased, and would do it again. The other upgrade I've done is the Bavsound stage one. Also an awesome upgrade. Now I find I take the long way home more often than not.

[Dinan_Engineering]

Glad you are enjoying the Dinan tune, tree. It sounds like you are getting the exact response out of the vehicle as was intended. Also, I agree the BavSound upgrades are impressive, especially when you consider they are just replacing the existing speakers and not adding a stand alone subwoofer.

I looked at your previous comments and wanted to note that you may be eligible for a slight power upgrade. If your tune was installed before 8/19 you are running an older version of the software/firmware. After that date a newer version was released that elicits a bit more torque (goes from 375 to 392). In further development we found some ways to crank a bit more torque safely out of the engine. If you are interested in that upgrade just contact your local Dinan dealer and set up an appointment. There will be no charge to you so if you still plan on taking it in to check anything or when you do an oil change you can just do it at that time as well.

[tree]

Thanks for the info about the upgrade. I will definitely go get it. More torque=more fun!
In the future, if there are more upgrades and refinements, how should I expect to learn of them?

[Dinan_Engineering]

Originally Posted by tree

Thanks for the info about the upgrade. I will definitely go get it. More torque=more fun!
In the future, if there are more upgrades and refinements, how should I expect to learn of them?

Well, once the app(s) are released all updates will be run directly through there so there will be no need to go to a dealer as you would be able to do it yourself. Until then however we try to push all new info through our social media and online areas (facebook, website, etc) as well as our newsletter. The newsletter would be the most automated as you just need to enter a e-mail address on the website and you are put onto the list. We send out 1-2 emails a month that detail all new products, news, events, and other media stories so there is no need to worry about getting spammed.

[voyagergab]

Can you tell me what is the Dinan unit connected to exactly under the hood? And what does it control.
Thanks in advance.
The future ability to install updated via the Bluetooth connected app sounds really cool.

[Dinan_Engineering]

Originally Posted by voyagergab

Can you tell me what is the Dinan unit connected to exactly under the hood? And what does it control.
Thanks in advance.
The future ability to install updated via the Bluetooth connected app sounds really cool.

Below is a quick diagram that I pulled from another thread since it was easy to grab. Short answer is the DINANTRONICS Performance Tuner plugs DIRECTLY into the factory ECU thereby ensuring we are tapped into all signals entering and exiting the ECU.



We don't simply control boost and let the knock sensor tell the ECU to autocorrect the other variables like some tuners do. This leads to poor drivability conditions since the ECU is playing a reactive role. While the BMW ECU is plenty smart enough to adapt quickly you may still feel poor throttle response or lurching in general amongst a myriad of other shortfalls. Our goal is factory like drivability meaning a smooth delivery of power throughout the RPM band like you have come to expect from BMW. We do this by proactively changing all the variables involved with delivering more power.

If you are really interested in a technical breakdown I encourage you to call our offices and speak to a sales rep as they are far more knowledgeable than I could ever be. I'm just a simple marketing guy.

[voyagergab]

Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply.

[jbeemer13]

I ordered the Dinan Tune through Performance Technic for my 535i. Can't wait to get it installed so I can check it out for myself! I will update the thread once its done and provide feedback!

[Klecha man]

Originally Posted by jbeemer13

I ordered the Dinan Tune through Performance Technic for my 535i. Can't wait to get it installed so I can check it out for myself! I will update the thread once its done and provide feedback!

let me know how you like it as I'm in the same area as you are. Are they offering any early adopters discount? 2K is steep...

[jbeemer13]

Originally Posted by Klecha man

let me know how you like it as I'm in the same area as you are. Are they offering any early adopters discount? 2K is steep...

Sure I will update once i get it installed. The tune has arrived but trying to work out a time to get it installed. Hopefully in the next couple weeks.

If they are offering a discount i didn't get it Really just spent the extra money since car is still fairly new and still under warranty.

[tree]

I just got my software updated to the 392 ft-lbs of torque. I'm totally impressed by this tune. The performance is great, the support from Dinan and my local dealer has been superb. The low end torque rivals, or beats the feel of my old e39 M5 around town and at reasonable highway speeds. All from a little electronic box? Wow!

[voyagergab]

Originally Posted by tree

I just got my software updated to the 392 ft-lbs of torque. I'm totally impressed by this tune. The performance is great, the support from Dinan and my local dealer has been superb. The low end torque rivals, or beats the feel of my old e39 M5 around town and at reasonable highway speeds. All from a little electronic box? Wow!

You felt the difference from the original 175 lb ft?

Thanks very much for reporting back.

[Dinan_Engineering]

Originally Posted by tree

I just got my software updated to the 392 ft-lbs of torque. I'm totally impressed by this tune. The performance is great, the support from Dinan and my local dealer has been superb. The low end torque rivals, or beats the feel of my old e39 M5 around town and at reasonable highway speeds. All from a little electronic box? Wow!

Glad you found the update to be noticeable. I thought the same thing when they updated it. Wasn't sure I would feel less than 20 lb-ft of torque. But it definitely was noticeable. The big thing is though that the update from the old map also changed the power delivery curve in general slightly and I think that extra smoothening for lack of a better term is what is being felt more than an increase in the raw power. Although the extra power doesn't hurt. I assume your going to Ralph schomp?

[voyagergab]

So I have a 535ix with a Megan exhaust. Does the stage 1 tune work with that?

[Dinan_Engineering]

Originally Posted by voyagergab

So I have a 535ix with a Megan exhaust. Does the stage 1 tune work with that?

Yes. Don't see any reason why it wouldn't.

[tree]

Originally Posted by Dinan_Engineering

Glad you found the update to be noticeable. I thought the same thing when they updated it. Wasn't sure I would feel less than 20 lb-ft of torque. But it definitely was noticeable. The big thing is though that the update from the old map also changed the power delivery curve in general slightly and I think that extra smoothening for lack of a better term is what is being felt more than an increase in the raw power. Although the extra power doesn't hurt. I assume your going to Ralph schomp?

This is a good description of what I'm noticing. The car feels better than it did before the upgrade. It's great for the consumer that Dinan continues to refine this product, and that you are participating in this discussion. And yes, I use Schomp BMW. Very happy with their service.

[MWPos]

Well Top6491, which one of us will be the first in San Diego??

[RSBro]

I don't suppose you're building a stand-alone ECU for the 550i, eh?

[MWPos]

I learned today from Dinan that the harness for the F10 535 tune can be removed, reflashed, and re-used. This will make it an easier sell to my accountant...in a few years I can take it off of my 2011 535i and put it on a 14 or 15 535i upgrade

I also learned that the harness is common to the 335, 435, and 535...further increasing its possible resale value...I can feel a Dinan stage 1 coming on...

[cdmulders]

Good thread. I am interested in the Dinan tune, but from what I have read here, my BMW extended warranty would become void if I installed the Dinan tune. I'll have to pull out the fine print on my extended warranty to verify.