Dinan Engine Software Upgrade -any diff??

[CharlieHustleX5]

Another suggestion would be to try the software upgrades from Superchips, TMS or Conforti...

[TheGodfather]

Have any of you 3.0i engine up graders ever ran a dyno for your X?

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

Have any of you 3.0i engine up graders ever ran a dyno for your X?

I would if I needed to know the exact numbers my X is putting out, but for the minimal amount of gains I already expect, I dont exactly see a point. At most, I'd be 10-14hp and 12-18ft.lbs more than stock. Even if it were slightly less, I wouldn't be disappointed. Its clear the 3.0i version of the e53 lacks power upgrades, aside from a supercharger kit.

Maybe if dyno runs were cheap/free and nearby I'd throw it on to see the numbers.

[louniex]

I also have the same question but on a 4.4. Would I see any "real" difference just upgrading the engine software and tranny software?

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by louniex

I also have the same question but on a 4.4. Would I see any "real" difference just upgrading the engine software and tranny software?

I am pretty sure upgrades on a 4.4 engine would be very worth it. And improvement felt would be much more obvious than on a 3.0

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

I am pretty sure upgrades on a 4.4 engine would be very worth it. And improvement felt would be much more obvious than on a 3.0

You really think a maximum 9 ft/lb hp and 11 ft/lb tq increase can be felt more in a 4.4 and not in a 3.0?

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by CharlieHustleX5

You really think a maximum 9 ft/lb hp and 11 ft/lb tq increase can be felt more in a 4.4 and not in a 3.0?

I had thought that the same upgrades to a base 4.4 engine would result in more significant torque and hp gains because of the higher output capacity of the engine to begin with. Perhaps I am referring more to the maximum performance gains.

I suppose you are correct, 9 hp added to a ~225 hp car is quite significant compared to 9 to a ~280 (cant quite remember the specs)

[m5james]

Originally Posted by louniex

I also have the same question but on a 4.4. Would I see any "real" difference just upgrading the engine software and tranny software?

There is a CAI thread w/ a poll asking if anyone actually felt a difference or if it was placebo from spending the type of money $$Dinan$$ charges. It has some interestingly replies...mostly along the lines of no and that it only sounds louder.

I think the biggest problem is they do one or the other...software or physical mods, when in fact they should be installed together as a system.

For me. I installed a pre-VANOS intake manifold for $50 from a wrecked 7 series...the same one $$Dinan$$ sells for well over $1000. Paired w/ some www.powerchipusa.com software and its a whole different machine. Next is a BBK setup yanked from a 750I'll for $200...anyone wanna guess what $$Dinan$$ charges?

[m5james]

In stock form the 3.0 engine is very small on power, but don't underestimate what the 3.0 is capable of vs the 4.4, 4.6, or 4.8 engine. BMW I6's are notorious for loving boost, and if given the right recipe, will destroy any V8 powered X5...minus maybe the X5M. Spend some time on the FI forums of the Bimmerboard, Bimmerfest, E46fanatics, etc and you'll see what I mean.

Sure, spending 10k on a 3.0 might seem useless now, but when the truck itself is only selling for 10k, spending 20k total for having X5M power at 1/6th the cost isn't so unreasonable. It all depends on the persons personal modification goals. I almost bought an 3.0 5speed years ago, but then I came across the black on black 740iL I still have now. Had I gotten the X5, it was the perfect package just screaming for boost. Had I known (at the time) all that I'd be spending on my V8 powered engine just to get it ready for boost, I still wonder how much closer I'd be to my goals. Had I just gotten the X5 instead way back, I'd probably be there since I'm well over 15k in mods to my 740iL, and it's not even boosted yet

In reply again to the OP's original question...it's my opinion that $$Dinan$$ is a complete waste of money in that they are WAY WAY WAY overpriced and known to be on the conversative side of power compared to other tuners. They WERE the company to goto back in the day, but there are easily 4-5 other companies doing the same things they offer for far less. The only time I'd ever suggest $$Dinan$$ to anyone is if they're still under the factory warranty or a Certified vehicle since they warranty is the same as purchasing a stock BMW, hence why they're on the more conversative side of HP...safety and warranty. For anyone past their warranty period, they are the last place I'd goto. After owning a handful of factory (MR2T, RX7TT, F350TD, etc) and even aftermarket FI (Tacoma V6, R6, R1) vehicles, $$Dinan$$ has the the WORST power per dollar ratio of anyone in the market, period...but some people just love the bragging rights of the badge.

[StanF18]

Originally Posted by m5james

In stock form the 3.0 engine is very small on power, but don't underestimate what the 3.0 is capable of vs the 4.4, 4.6, or 4.8 engine. BMW I6's are notorious for loving boost, and if given the right recipe, will destroy any V8 powered X5...

OK, I'll bite. Give me this "recipe" for how you plan to have a blown 3.0 X5 beat a naturally aspirated 4.8is. Without using nitrous oxide and blowing the I6 to kingdom-come after 2 traffic light races. I'm talking about a mod where the pistons are still in one piece 6 months later.