Dinan Suspension Review

Originally Posted by dunderhi

The Winter rubber still looks good, but I did ask for a quote on the Dinan Exhaust/tune.

I am not very knowledgable on these mods hence my question may be a bit dumb. I love my 550 stock as is just think it could have better sounding exhaust. Can I go for Dinan exhaust directly with Stage 1 & 2 OR what do you guys think about the F10 exhaust cut-outs I saw someehre where they put a switch which when fliiped opens values for extra noise...

I know what you are saying, these women can get easily quite expensive.

Originally Posted by Sam-F10

I am not very knowledgable on these mods hence my question may be a bit dumb. I love my 550 stock as is just think it could have better sounding exhaust. Can I go for Dinan exhaust directly with Stage 1 & 2 OR what do you guys think about the F10 exhaust cut-outs I saw someehre where they put a switch which when fliiped opens values for extra noise...

There is a member on 5post with the username Atlantaf10 who has the cutouts and has the switch in the little compartment to the left of the steering wheel. I met up with him the other day and man it sounds good when the valve is open. I like his setup because I'd heard others who had the cutouts right after the downpipe which is like having straight pipes and it sounds like ****. But his has the cutouts all the way at the end and simply bypasses the rear mufflers, that sounds much better and has no drone or anything. Plus when ever he wants he closes them and it's back to being super silent. Definitely a slick setup.

Originally Posted by jimefam

There is a member on 5post with the username Atlantaf10 who has the cutouts and has the switch in the little compartment to the left of the steering wheel. I met up with him the other day and man it sounds good when the valve is open. I like his setup because I'd heard others who had the cutouts right after the downpipe which is like having straight pipes and it sounds like ****. But his has the cutouts all the way at the end and simply bypasses the rear mufflers, that sounds much better and has no drone or anything. Plus when ever he wants he closes them and it's back to being super silent. Definitely a slick setup.

Cool, would u know where he got it done?

Do u guys know if the Dinan exhaust mod can be chosen without the stage 1 or 2 ?

Dinan exhaust mod is nothing more than a new set of mufflers and tips. Personally, I think it's a total ripoff but, well, what do I know.

So there is no reason it can't be done without any tune.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Dinan exhaust mod is nothing more than a new set of mufflers and tips. Personally, I think it's a total ripoff but, well, what do I know.

So there is no reason it can't be done without any tune.

I just can't understand $3600 for mufflers and tips.

Originally Posted by Sam-F10

Cool, would u know where he got it done?

Do u guys know if the Dinan exhaust mod can be chosen without the stage 1 or 2 ?

He got it done by Jason@buckhead imports

Originally Posted by scuzzlebutt

I just can't understand $3600 for mufflers and tips.

I can't either, but I also can't understand why I''m thinking of getting it plus the Stage 3 tune, except for the fact that I am.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

I can't either, but I also can't understand why I''m thinking of getting it plus the Stage 3 tune, except for the fact that I am.

You and me both.

As for the price, in the tech world, Dinan is spelled A-P-P-L-E. It comes down to quality. Plus, I'm sure the price accounts for Dinan's warranty coverage.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

I can't either, but I also can't understand why I''m thinking of getting it plus the Stage 3 tune, except for the fact that I am.

Same here...it's like a drug. An expensive German engineered drug.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

I can't either, but I also can't understand why I''m thinking of getting it plus the Stage 3 tune, except for the fact that I am.

Cmon you know your going for that dinan badge! Besides it's got warranty what with the high failure rate of mufflers and all.

Originally Posted by jimefam

Cmon you know your going for that dinan badge! Besides it's got warranty what with the high failure rate of mufflers and all.

That's right. This is all worth 10 points. Cool.

Now I just need wheels.

Originally Posted by wdimagineer

Now I just need wheels.

What about tires?

Tires are overrated. Who needs 'em?

My summer wheels will be wrapped in Pilot Super Sports. Winters, I don't know.

Originally Posted by jimefam

Cmon you know your going for that dinan badge! Besides it's got warranty what with the high failure rate of mufflers and all.

If BMW offerered a $15k Dinan package (tires, wheels, program, exhaust, CAI, springs) kind of like they do with Alpina, I would have ordered the car as a DINAN5. Instead, I am building the car I want piece by piece. After the exhaust, there will most likely be the Dinan CAI and Stage 4.

I believe the value of the warranty is not for the muffler, but to provide coverage if BMW decides a modified exhaust voids the engine warranty.

Originally Posted by wdimagineer

Tires are overrated. Who needs 'em?

My summer wheels will be wrapped in Pilot Super Sports. Winters, I don't know.

+1

We need some organization against run flats:

-All the 'occupy wallstreet' types look angry yet bored on television, perhaps they could throw in a few chants against run flats.

-Get all the lovely ladies from the PETA ads to do new versions: I'd ride naked in a car without run flats!

Someone somehow needs to make BMW understand that while run flats may be the/an answer on some cars, the F10 is NOT one of them.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

If BMW offerered a $15k Dinan package (tires, wheels, program, exhaust, CAI, springs) kind of like they do with Alpina, I would have ordered the car as a DINAN5. Instead, I am building the car I want piece by piece. After the exhaust, there will most likely be the Dinan CAI and Stage 4.

I believe the value of the warranty is not for the muffler, but to provide coverage if BMW decides a modified exhaust voids the engine warranty.

BMW can't just void your warranty without good cause. For them to deny coverage or void your warranty because of an aftermarket part they must show how that part caused the claim in the first place. Ecu tuning causing an engine problem is far more believable than what muffler you have on. I know the dealer try and pull that crap but legally they have alot of hurdles to go through but most people don't push back when a dealer is abusing their authority.

Perhaps I missed it in the Dinan Suspension thread, but can anyone with a 2012 550i M Sport without ARS speak to the precise handling effects of the new Dinan springs?

For example, do they reduce the excessive body roll on cornering which is present even in Sport and Sport+?

Thank you for your input!

Originally Posted by dunderhi

If BMW offerered a $15k Dinan package (tires, wheels, program, exhaust, CAI, springs) kind of like they do with Alpina, I would have ordered the car as a DINAN5. Instead, I am building the car I want piece by piece. After the exhaust, there will most likely be the Dinan CAI and Stage 4.

I believe the value of the warranty is not for the muffler, but to provide coverage if BMW decides a modified exhaust voids the engine warranty.

What a pity that the Alpina B5 is not offered in the US. I might very well have gotten it

Yea I would have definitely gotten the Alpina B5!

Dinan Mods Under Construction!

Originally Posted by jimefam

BMW can't just void your warranty without good cause. For them to deny coverage or void your warranty because of an aftermarket part they must show how that part caused the claim in the first place. Ecu tuning causing an engine problem is far more believable than what muffler you have on. I know the dealer try and pull that crap but legally they have alot of hurdles to go through but most people don't push back when a dealer is abusing their authority.

This is true in theory.

In practice, if BMW decides to black flag your car, you've got to fight. How much time, energy and money can you afford to spend doing that? For most people, not a lot.

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

This is true in theory.

In practice, if BMW decides to black flag your car, you've got to fight. How much time, energy and money can you afford to spend doing that? For most people, not a lot.

On my brother in laws 350z it took one letter, they denied service because he had the usual bolt on's. We sent a certified letter that notified them that as required by law if they were voiding his warranty we would need to be given cause for such action. They told him they would fix the car(it was one of those oil consumption motors) BUT if they found proof that it was caused by something he did he would be responsible for the bill they'd run up. It was an attempt to scare him into backing off. He didn't and they replaced his entire long block under warranty and that was with him having CAI, headers etc.

Your right they'll try to punk you if possible but in reality the burden of proof is on them and a simple letter and some resolve is all it takes to get things done. Now understand I'm talking about an exhaust or springs things that don't even pass a common sense test as to whether they'll give cause to void the engine warranty. I'm not talking about a tune which definitely would put you in one hell of a fight, but let's not try and justify paying ALOT more than something is worth because you think your mufflers are gonna void your warranty.

Originally Posted by jimefam

BMW can't just void your warranty without good cause. For them to deny coverage or void your warranty because of an aftermarket part they must show how that part caused the claim in the first place. Ecu tuning causing an engine problem is far more believable than what muffler you have on. I know the dealer try and pull that crap but legally they have alot of hurdles to go through but most people don't push back when a dealer is abusing their authority.

No dealer abuse required. Let's say a turbo fails. The BMW regional rep takes a look at the car and says the turbos weren't design to operate with such a low back-pressure in the exhaust system; warranty claim denied. The dealer can't do anything at that point, unless he wants to eat an $8k turbo job for a loyal customer. The car's owner must make a compelling case to BMW or in a court of law.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

No dealer abuse required. Let's say a turbo fails. The BMW regional rep takes a look at the car and says the turbos weren't design to operate with such a low back-pressure in the exhaust system; warranty claim denied. The dealer can't do anything at that point, unless he wants to eat an $8k turbo job for a loyal customer. The car's owner must make a compelling case to BMW or in a court of law.

It's BMW who must make a compelling case in court not the other way around. The problem comes in the owner not blinking when confronted with such absurd claims. Sure we see things from the consumers side and can understandably be weary of the idea of court and lawyers etc but the reality is the dealer doesn't want those headaches either specially when they know it's their fault and if they take it that far they'll end up eating the repairs anyways plus all the effort and lose a customer. Turbos are less strained with reduced back pressure not the other way around.
Oh and an 8k turbo job? You really think it costs the dealer that?

Originally Posted by dunderhi

If we could get some DC/Balto area Festers interested, I would like to meet up at the Cars & Coffee next Saturday. I'm not an early riser, but I could get there around 9:00 am. I haven't been to one of these yet, so it might be interesting to try.

Cars & Coffee

I'm heading to the C&C tomorrow for 9:00 am for anyone wants to see how my setup drives/rides.