Pros and Cons of adding Dinan S3 to 4.6is

SeattleYates · #1 09-21-2006, 11:20 AM

I was considering adding a Dinan S3 (the full signature kit with supercharger) to my 2003 4.6is, which only has 36K miles on it. Any comments on the pros/cons of this mod? Here are a few potential issues I've identified (please tell me how important they are, and add others!):

Pros
- 450 hp and big boost in torque, especially at low-end

- nicer (throatier) sound
- Doesn't dramatically alter exterior appearance of the vehicle
- Even with this add-on, I'd be way ahead financially vs. buying a new X5 and modifying it to comparable performance level

Cons
- Cost (15K+ Ouch!)
- Wear and tear - is the suspension/transmission, etc. of the stock 4.6is up to handling that additional power?
- Doesn't dramatically alter exterior appearance of the vehicle
- Resale - rumor is that people don't like to buy used X5's with Dinan kits because they assume the car has been driven aggressively by prior owner

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Dinanaholic · #2 09-22-2006, 01:17 AM

Want to save some $$ and still get your 450 HP? I'd recommend the ESS unit as their kit uses the exact same Vortec supercharger as the Dinan for $8400.. Supposedly you can revert everything to stock when you go to sell the vehicle so no resale issues & you can sell them both seperately when you are done. I'm still saving for mine but would even help you with your install

X5Flyboy · #3 09-22-2006, 08:56 AM

My 2001 4.4 Sport has the Dinan S2 - just could not justify the extra $$$ for the turbocharger - but it has made it into an awesome vehicle - my 2001 & 2006 are completely different rides (both are 4.4 Sport) - Part of my justification was due to the 2001 being a used car purchase - it allowed the dealer to get deep into the X5 to weed out any questionable parts (and I wanted a flat out sportscar feel) - it still boils down to what do YOU want your X5 to do - either way, may you have as much fun with yours as I do with mine

Dinanaholic · #4 09-22-2006, 11:18 AM

This basically comes down to a personal preference & cost. Since Yates already has the 4.6 he can still outrun a 4.4 Dinan S2. The Dinan S2 package will bring his 4.6 up to around 370 HP which is exactly what I currently have. It will cost him $5342 + about $1300 to install = $6,642. SeattleYates since you are a local, if you want to meet on the Eastside on weekend I'll let you drive my rig then you can see for yourself if it is enough. For me - again, I'd personally go to the 450 hp mark with the ESS supercharger unit for $8400 + install. It is the same Dinan S3 Vortec Supercharger without the extra $2500 Dinan willl charge. I drove in as ESS S/C 4.6 in Texas and it will absolutely smoke my 4.6 S2. It is unreal how much a difference the Supercharger makes... If I had to do it over again I'd go with the supercharger out of the box as this is exactly what I am saving for now...

SeattleYates · #5 09-22-2006, 12:08 PM

Thanks for the input guys (BTW, Dinanaholic, I just PM'd you). Sounds like the S2 mods make a significant difference, and I've pretty much decided to get that package, regardless of what I decide on the Supercharger issue.

If I do go with a SC, the decision between Dinan and ESS will be a tough one. It's more than just about money, because I'm guessing that the dealer (Seattle BMW, which is also a Dinan dealer) will be less inclined to blame everything that goes wrong on the supercharger, and would more likely be able to work out repair responsibility between BMW and Dinan...

bigfish · #6 09-23-2006, 02:56 AM

Bruce,

I have an 03 4.6is with K miles on it with the Diann S package on it. It is unreal how much different it feels. The torque, the sound the overall performance. But here's the kicker, were do you stop? I am looking at adding an inter-cooler and dropping the supercharger pulley wheel size when the warranty expires to increase boost pressure to around 9.5lbs and reduce intake temp's. It just boils down to what you are looking for out of your X??

I came across a local shop (Nor Cal) that does some amazing things with BMW's I am currently talking with them to see if they want to use my X as a test bed for taking the next step into tuning X5's?? They have built a 600+ hp M5 that is running 15lbs of boost. Check them out at discovery-automotive.com. I think they have also built the worlds most powerful Z as well??

Bigfish

xxx · #7 09-23-2006, 04:08 AM

Why dont you all just buy a sports car?

2002Silver4.6is · #8 09-23-2006, 09:49 AM

What is the 0-60 on the S2 and the S3?

SeattleYates · #9 09-23-2006, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigfish

...with the Diann S3 package on it. It is unreal how much different it feels. The torque, the sound the overall performance. But here's the kicker, were do you stop? ...

Sounds like you're having a really hard time stopping, Bigfish!

Do you have any sense about the impact of the S3 package on wear and tear on the 4.6is. My understanding is that the 4.6is has a heavier duty suspension, brakes, and tranny than a stock X5, so perhaps the supercharger isn't "too much" for it, but I don't want to trash the vehicle just for more power...

SeattleYates · #10 09-23-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxx

Why dont you all just buy a sports car?

Excellent question. I've already GOT a sports car ('96 Porsche 911 Cabriolet), and a couple of motorcycles, too but that's a totally different driving experience. I drive the X5 day in and day out (more than the 911 and bikes combined), and am looking to make it more fun to drive, since I spend so much time in it. Although it is (in the words of the Bimmer article reviewing the S3 X5 4.6is) a bit like trying to make a bear dance, I (like lots of other folks here) LOVE my X5, and just want to optimize the enjoyment/excitement of the time I spend driving it.

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