DINAN M5
I’m a horsepower junkie. My respectful admiration of automotive art and innovation constantly falls short of my lust for speed and performance. From muscle cars to super cars, track, race circuit, or street – I want to know what’s under the hood, how fast it goes, and if I can put it in my E34 5-series under budget.
Today we’ll review some of the newest additions to the FCP Euro catalog and give some insight on what makes a BMW a DINAN. I’m at an advantage being that I’ve owned some of these products and know their capabilities. However I will curb my enthusiasm, put my speed demon tendencies in neutral, and fly straight in.
For decades, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have rivaled on who could produce the best high performance sedan. Both companies have invested millions in Motorsports development and licensing outsourced companies to produce some of the most powerful, highly demanded cars. Some of these better known gladiators are ALPINA vs. BRABUS, and M Motorsports Division vs. AMG. As well, there have been many other companies which have taken both platforms and done extraordinary innovations to push the styling and performance envelope. However DINAN Engineering has been in the game long enough to refine their style of performance tuning. In doing so, they produced some very sought after vehicles and performance upgrades.
Courtesy of DINAN Engineering
DINAN Engineering’s History
DINAN Engineering was founded in 1979 by Steve Dinan, developing high performance parts and modified BMW vehicles. Some of well-known unicorn or rare vehicles were the Turbocharged DINAN 5 based on the E34 535, the E24 DINAN 6, based on a turbocharged E24 635csi, the Twin Turbo E32 DINAN 7, and the E31 DINAN 8. Using the successes of their cars and their engine builds within the Motorsports world, they have expanded their products into the mainstream of BMW consumers. Today they are a licensed leader of performance parts for BMW, offering performance upgrades not only for the coveted M-series, but for most models BMW produces.
What’s available to evolve a BMW into DINAN?
From entry-level to very aggressive performance products and services, DINAN’s approach has been to produce the best performance products without losing focus on luxury. Offering a variety of products on different performance stages allows the BMW owner to choose the perfect level of performance. There are many other comparable vehicle upgrade manufacturers and tuners available on the market. Where they fall short is where DINAN prevails. Every product DINAN Engineering develops is covered under warranty and will not void your current BMW manufacturer warranty.
There are 7 basic categories which DINAN produces product within:
Engine Management
Engine Tuning
Intake and Exhaust Upgrades
Drivetrain
Suspension Tuning
Brake System Upgrades
Exterior and Interior Accessories
Engine Management
Engine management is the most simplistic yet technically complex upgrade to your BMW. Most think of ECU tuning as one of the first upgrades to perform on any vehicle. What DINAN has done is create software packages that control every targeted signal entering and exiting the BMW factory Engine Control Unit. Using these variables they can manipulate and remap the data within the ECU to increase power and performance without sacrificing drivability . This comes from decades of research, development, and road testing. Many of DINAN’s performance products can work in conjunction with their tunes. These types of flashes are fine tuned to be more specific to the bolt-on components adding more power and fun to your BMW. These software packages are available through a Bluetooth Flash unit or chip depending on your BMW’s year, chassis and model.
Engine Tuning
We touched on DINAN’s approach on engine management and how remapping or flashing your existing ECU can greatly improve the stock performance of your BMW. However For those wanting more “oomph” behind the pedal, engine and exhaust upgrades are the natural progression.
Engine tuning is the second stop on this trip. Here’s where most of the overall grunt is produced and refined. Though full DINAN engine builds are passionately desired, most enthusiasts opt for the more obtainable bolt-on upgrades which improve the ponies produced. This can range from component upgrades such as enlarged throttle bodies, Intercoolers, high-capacity oil coolers, to forced induction units. With these components matched with DINAN software, your BMW will be a force to be reckoned with. Oh yes, your shark will definitely smell blood in the water.
Intake and Exhaust Upgrades
With every engine component and ECU flash, one aspect can’t be denied. An engine that can breathe better, performs better. This is where DINAN takes this ideology and improves the air and exhaust flow. Air induction offerings begin at the tuned air Intake system.
With more air entering the engine you need a way to expel it more efficiently. Thus DINAN introduced their tuned free-flowing exhaust upgrades. These provide an increased flow which is essential for HP gains. The exhaust note is sexy yet are not as violently loud or raspy as other performance exhaust systems on the market. These items can be mated with associated flash or chip software increasing the performance yet keeping your BMW civilized enough for residential neighborhoods.
Drivetrain Tuning
Time to optimize the drivetrain. DINAN engineers have produced some of the best transmission software, transmission components, short shift kits, and differentials to bring that power to the ground deliciously. It doesn’t matter if you have an automatic, SMG, a full manual transmission, or an open or limited slip differential. They have it all covered.
One of the more popular upgrades are the DINAN Short Shifter Kits. These allow the driver to transition through the transmission gearing with shorter more precise throws. When paired with a DINAN Lightened Flywheel and Clutch package, better engagement and quicker response time has been noted while the flywheel and clutch packages increase the load capabilities of the manual transmission. A must for those track events or late night runs.
Suspension, Brake Upgrades, and Handling
With more power at the helm, you need to be able to control how the car behaves on the road. Paying attention to detail, DINAN Engineering offers comprehensive packages for suspension, handling and braking. These items range from bushings, upgraded control arms, larger sport braking systems, springs, strut braces, struts, stabilizer bars and coilover systems. Each item is tuned, licensed and brandishes the DINAN name.
Three of the more popular upgrades are the DINAN Strut Tower Braces, DINAN Stabilizer Bars, and DINAN Sport Springs. These three items change the handling of a stock BMW dramatically. Offering a lower stance, less body roll and firmness creating a more sport feel and connectivity to the road.
Exterior and interior Accessories
Don’t just perform better, look good while you’re doing it. Along with well-developed performance packages, DINAN Engineering also offer various accessories for your BMW. Thought their products range through most year model BMW. Some items are more obtainable for later model BMW vehicles. These items include Carbon Fiber Front Valance Splitters, Rear spoilers, DINAN Signature Wheels and other exterior programs which round out the entire package.
Sometimes it’s the smaller details and afterthoughts that are game changers. Items like DINAN pedal kits, license plate frames and Marque plates may be subtle in appearance, but they are the finish to any BMW. These accessories are unique and show an owner’s attention to detail. They look pretty cool too.
Courtesy of DINAN Engineering
The DINAN Badge & Point System
Unlike the competition, DINAN offers a point system in which your BMW or Mini can participate. This is called the DINAN Badge and Point System. DINAN Engineering offers a 10 point program for all BMW’s outfitted with their products. In order for you to obtain this badge, you must fill out a request form detailing the DINAN products your beast is equipped with. If you satisfy the requirements, DINAN will send you the badge for free.
This isn’t something that can’t be bought. You earn it. Rightfully so, for a DINAN car is an achievement, the upper echelon, adding to the exclusivity of your BMW. Who wouldn’t want to flaunt that at the next meet and greet, or at stoplight next to a tuner Honda or Nissan car? Houston, prepare for take off.
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About the author: William Yelder
William is an enthusiast, entrepreneur, BMWCCA member, and admitted adrenaline junky from Freehold, NJ. Preferring the classic lines over modern convenience, he’s continuously improving the performance of his ’95 BMW 5-Series, One bolt at a time.