Same comments as you have read above. Nothing is going to make any appreciable difference short of a supercharger. Dinan claim 9 hp for the cheaper SW (less than stage 3). Cheaper is a relative term when describing Dinan products. Anyway, 9 hp is 3%. You are driving a vehicle that weighs approximately 5000 lbs. 3% is like taking out the spare tire and jack. You won't notice it. But you do get 2 Dinan points towards your custom badge.

I can't speak directly in regards to $$Dinan$$ software on the X5, but from being in the 540, 740 and M5 boards for years the consensus is that $$Dinan$$ is about the most conservative software you can get. When they were developing their software, they were able to carry the same BMW warranty w/o issues, but since BMW itself has dropped $$Dinan$$, they're are better options.I think you're noticing the largest increase in power is coming from your cam, not the software. 3 series guys have been camming that motor for years, so doing it in the X5 is happening because they're becoming more affordable in the used market. I've got a cam in my 740 and the powerband is night and day compared to 540/740 owners I've played w/ while @ Seattle 5/7 meets back in the day.

I was simply addressing the OP's original questions about Dinan products. Like I stated above, for the money you spend you will not see a significant increase in power by just purchasing the CAI, SW, TB and exhaust. The only way you are going to see an increase is some type of Forced Induction.

Like I stated above as well, personally, I like all of the Dinan products installed on the X5. Yes, I don't see significant HP or Torque increases, but you get a meaner growl and a more aggressive feel driving it. For some that may not be worth the money. However, if I had to do it again I would have them installed again. Seeing that for the 4.8is the amount of engine modifications are rather limited.

Yes, Dinan does own the market in regards to S/Cs for the X5, and for significant power gains for the X5 that is the best bet for your money. VF Engineering is supposedly developing an S/C for the N62 engine that will be placable on the X5. I have spoke with their sales department over the past few months and SUPPOSEDLY they will be starting production on it in the Fall/Winter of this year. However, I am not holding my breathe and have actually be looking at some custom applications.

If the OP doesn't want to spend the money on Dinan products for minimal statistical power gains then he should also look into some other products that may meet his needs. Such as the AFE CAI, TB Spacers, and some of the various exhaust solutions that other members have highlighted over the years in this forum. I am sure as he comes across those products he will ask questions about individuals perceptions about those products as well.

You are right, i can't see spending $1200 or more for minimal gains by installing the SW and a CAI. I went crazy with the M3, Dinan SC, Big TB, exhaust and the SW and it made a huge difference, but for the X I think I will just let it stay stock, maybe I will upgrade the stereo, I did that in the M3 too and well it gets expensive too, I can't just settle for new speakers, I need the amp, then the new spealker wire, etc etc etc.

Thanks for the thoughts, it is appreciated.