Dinan Suggestions

[eddybilt]

I'm thinking about adding a Dinan S1 kit to my 2003 X5. And since my front tires are wearing on the outside edge, adding a set of Dinan Camber plates. After reading the thread about installing camber plates I figured I might as well lower my X as well due to the fact that the strut assemblies are just about completely removed to install the plates. I'm looking for a nice ride, to cut down on some of the sway in cornering...and hopefully add a few more miles to my tires....I've moved from a 530i to the X5.
My questions are as followed;

Are there any issues with the tires rubbing the wheel wells if my rig were dropped 1.5" which seems to be the average new spring drop amount? I have stock 19"s that came with sport Package and I plan on keeping these wheels.

Is the ride smoother or rougher?

What spring/link Kits do you reccommend?(I don't have adjustable suspension)

Will the factory warranty be voided if these changes are made?

Who do you recommend for installation in my area? Northern Caleeforrrrniiiia.

Thanks for the input....

Ed

[asawadude]

Originally Posted by eddybilt

I'm thinking about adding a Dinan S1 kit to my 2003 X5. And since my front tires are wearing on the outside edge, adding a set of Dinan Camber plates. After reading the thread about installing camber plates I figured I might as well lower my X as well due to the fact that the strut assemblies are just about completely removed to install the plates. I'm looking for a nice ride, to cut down on some of the sway in cornering...and hopefully add a few more miles to my tires....I've moved from a 530i to the X5.
My questions are as followed;

Are there any issues with the tires rubbing the wheel wells if my rig were dropped 1.5" which seems to be the average new spring drop amount? I have stock 19"s that came with sport Package and I plan on keeping these wheels.

Is the ride smoother or rougher?

What spring/link Kits do you reccommend?(I don't have adjustable suspension)

Will the factory warranty be voided if these changes are made?

Who do you recommend for installation in my area? Northern Caleeforrrrniiiia.

Thanks for the input....

Ed

The H&R springs will result in a 1.5" drop with the H&R springs compared to a 1.2" drop with the Eibachs. Members here have noted that the Eibachs have a near stock ride whereas the H&R result in a much more bumpier ride.

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/11328-lowering.html

The rear air suspension will require a DIS/MOD drop - see article "Suspension Height Adjustment - DIS" on the front page.

If you have an issue with front camber and want to get it fixed before you install the front camber plates, there was writeup by Hayaku, but it seems to be missing. (Admins, Adam - any idea what happened to the free camber article?)

You have choices with the camber plates - Dinan or Rogue Engineering. See article "Rogue Engineering Camber Plate Install DIY" on the front page.

Rubbing should not be an issue with your suspension drop. There are plenty of members here running 22" wheels and a drop with no issues. You might think of upsizing to at least 20" wheels; your dropped X5 will probably look odd with the stock 19's. The empty space in your wheel wells will become more apparent after you drop your vehicle.

Your warranty should not be affected. I had a Dinan S2 540i that had some moderate engine and suspension modifications and had no issue with the dealer with warranty issues.

I personally would not do the Dinan S1 or S2 mods to an X5; there is very little bang for the buck because the weight and bulk of the X5. Put it this way - I wasn't happy with what I got out of the S2 package on an 540i 6-speed which weighs 1200 lbs less than X5 and drives 2 wheels instead of 4. Get a lot of opinions before making a decision.

[CanadianX5]

I have a 2001 4.4sport and have lowered with H&R's. I have the rear air suspension. The kit came with springs for the front and shorter endlinks for the rear. The shorter links trick the rear suspenion and lowers the ride height.( No dealer dis thing was needed)
I believe its only needed with full air sus on all corners.
Nothing rubs even when I had 22"s on.
The ride is slightly bumpier but the handling is like a sports car.
I put about 5000kms on new tires this summer with this setup and recently swapped to winters.
I did not notice any abnormal tire wear on the summer tires.
And I also have 30mm H&R spacers on the rear.

[eddybilt]

Wow,thanks for the info....I forgot to mention. I don't have air suspension in the rear. So I believe there is a link that can be installed to drop the rear.
As for upsizing the wheels...I was under the impression that the over all tire diameter was the same. Weather it's a 17" or 20" rim. The only difference between 19" and 20"s is that the 20"s have shorter outside tread to rim thickness which I believed equalled a rougher ride. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

[eddybilt]

Is there anymore feed back on Dinan????

[X5Flyboy]

I did the Dinan S2 on my used '01 4.4 sport - had it done by my local dealer (who has treated me so right, I can't begin to say because none of you would believe it) - Anyway, awesome roar, lots more low end acceleration, she just scoots! - being a used X5, I used the Dinan upgrade to have the mechanic check everything out and replace anything questionable - it's a new car as far as I'm concerned - mileage drops off (down 0.5-1.0 hwy) but around town it's 12-15mpg depending on how much you want to listen to the roar off the line - hp increased to 318,redline now 6200 - the '01 now has a muscle car feel and is quite different from my '06 4.4 sport(21hwy, 17-18local)

I've had no problems with tire wear. I'll be in the Concord area with my '01 next summer sometime. I'd be glad to show it off to you. Good luck.

[eddybilt]

bump

[eddybilt]

Thanks for the info mark...shoot me an email when you are in the area I would like to see the your setup.
Ed

[noncom23]

If it was available, would you also do it all in the 06'?

Originally Posted by burkleymh

I did the Dinan S2 on my used '01 4.4 sport - had it done by my local dealer (who has treated me so right, I can't begin to say because none of you would believe it) - Anyway, awesome roar, lots more low end acceleration, she just scoots! - being a used X5, I used the Dinan upgrade to have the mechanic check everything out and replace anything questionable - it's a new car as far as I'm concerned - mileage drops off (down 0.5-1.0 hwy) but around town it's 12-15mpg depending on how much you want to listen to the roar off the line - hp increased to 318,redline now 6200 - the '01 now has a muscle car feel and is quite different from my '06 4.4 sport(21hwy, 17-18local)

I've had no problems with tire wear. I'll be in the Concord area with my '01 next summer sometime. I'd be glad to show it off to you. Good luck.

[X5Flyboy]

Originally Posted by noncom23

If it was available, would you also do it all in the 06'?

I really like the extra mileage with the '06 and for '04-'06 Dinan doesn't have a complete upgrade - May add the cold air intake and the strut brace - Like I said, buying a used car, you are always abit leery of what condition it is in - Having the Dinan S2 done really gave my mechanic a chance to check EVERYTHING - Yeah, it was for fun, but equally for piece of mind - For me, these are "forever" cars - I MAY replace one when the diesel makes it to the USA - but I really don't know how to make such a choice - they are very much two different rides - Right now all mods are on 'hold' - my new townhouse has priority - buying the '06 definitely used up a bunch of "home decorating" funds