Dinan Stage 1 Suspension versus Stock e92 Sports Package?

Cars are the new horse · 05-16-2010, 04:17 PM

I've searched and can't see to find much in terms of a review on the Dinan Stage 1 suspension (though there are a few for Stage 3). How does it handle compared to stock?

ManyMoonsAgo · 05-16-2010, 07:03 PM

I am interested in this as well, but my gut tells me that Dinan Stage 1 would essentially yield the same results as a Koni FSD/Eibach Pro setup. I do not have actual measurements or first-hand impressions, but Dinan uses custom valved Koni shocks with custom-rate springs in their Stage 1.

As for Stage 3 actually being cheaper than Stage 2 - that is absolutely bizarre, but you are correct. I noticed this myself a few nights ago. Based off their description, Stage 3 = Stage 2 with the addition of camber plates.

Personally, I am leaning towards the BMW Performance suspension. Shocks, springs, sway bar (essentially the same as Dinan Stage 2) for $1200.

GaryS · 05-19-2010, 06:37 PM

FWIW I can only speak to 135i.

Dinan springs are almost identical to BMW Performance springs. They are more handling oriented and less comfort/appearance oriented than Eibach springs.

Dinan shocks are Koni Sports. Dinan sets them to medium. That makes them firmer than Koni FSDs. Even on the softest setting, Sports provide "acceptable" comfort, whereas FSDs are extremely comfortable. BMW Performance shocks are in the middle.

You can read this comparison review of OEM vs Sports vs FSD shocks. It seems intended to hype the FSDs, but I think the descriptions are accurate. http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tests/koni_fsd.jsp

If I recall correctly, the difference between Dinan Stage 1 and Stage 2 is an M3 front swaybar, but the difference in price is hundreds of dollars more than HPA Shop for example charges for the same swaybar.

I believe you would be happy with any of these setups. To answer your main question: "will there be *noticeably* improved handling/turning?" Yes, every second you're driving your car will feel like fun.

Full disclosure: I have BMW Performance springs, FSD shocks, Dinan rear shock mounts, and M3 front swaybar on my car.

e90pilot · 05-19-2010, 11:27 PM

I've got stage 3 on my 325i. The shocks are revalved so the Dinan shocks are more consistant On my car, the bars are not from the M3. The ride is definitly stiffer but the handling is still not where I want it. I would get stage 1 + m3 control arms, bars, tension rods, and rear subframe bushings.

I would strongly reccomend wider front tires as well. Dinan tuned the suspension with 265/275 front/rear tire width. I think they're 9.5" front wheela and a 10" rear wheels.

mkaaes · 07-10-2010, 02:46 PM

I've been running the stage 1 suspension for about 3 weeks now and all I can say is wow. The handling is awesome, turn in is flat and recovers so well it feels like I bought an lsd. Is it a little harsher? Maybe, it is still very comfortable but you can always adjust the settings to your liking. I got a deal on my setup so it only came out to about 1300, it was well worth it. The front is a little higher than I'd like, but the rear is perfect.

e90pilot · 07-10-2010, 02:50 PM

What sway bars are you running? Stock?

mkaaes · 07-10-2010, 04:52 PM

Stock sways for now, I may upgrade later but it feels like there's minimal body roll. Btw I had the factory sports pkg before the dinan.

e90pilot · 07-10-2010, 06:03 PM

If you do upgrade, I reccomend the m3 bars.

05-16-2010, 04:17 PM	#1
Cars are the new horse Private First Class 89 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 2016 Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Dinan Stage 1 Suspension versus Stock e92 Sports Package? I've searched and can't see to find much in terms of a review on the Dinan Stage 1 suspension (though there are a few for Stage 3). How does it handle compared to stock? Last edited by Cars are the new horse; 02-09-2022 at 11:10 PM..
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05-16-2010, 07:03 PM	#2
ManyMoonsAgo Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Pinellas County, Florida, USA iTrader: (0)	I am interested in this as well, but my gut tells me that Dinan Stage 1 would essentially yield the same results as a Koni FSD/Eibach Pro setup. I do not have actual measurements or first-hand impressions, but Dinan uses custom valved Koni shocks with custom-rate springs in their Stage 1. As for Stage 3 actually being cheaper than Stage 2 - that is absolutely bizarre, but you are correct. I noticed this myself a few nights ago. Based off their description, Stage 3 = Stage 2 with the addition of camber plates. Personally, I am leaning towards the BMW Performance suspension. Shocks, springs, sway bar (essentially the same as Dinan Stage 2) for $1200. __________________ Montego Blue / Saddle Brown / Gray Poplar 6-speed Manual (CDV-free) / BMW Performance Exhaust / Dinan Intercooler / Dinan Stage 2 / Dinan Cold Air Intake BMW Performance Suspension / Dinan LSD / 19" Forgestar F14s / Front and Rear M3 Bushings & Arms / Rear Sway / Dinan Monoballs
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05-19-2010, 06:37 PM	#3
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	FWIW I can only speak to 135i. Dinan springs are almost identical to BMW Performance springs. They are more handling oriented and less comfort/appearance oriented than Eibach springs. Dinan shocks are Koni Sports. Dinan sets them to medium. That makes them firmer than Koni FSDs. Even on the softest setting, Sports provide "acceptable" comfort, whereas FSDs are extremely comfortable. BMW Performance shocks are in the middle. You can read this comparison review of OEM vs Sports vs FSD shocks. It seems intended to hype the FSDs, but I think the descriptions are accurate. http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/tests/koni_fsd.jsp If I recall correctly, the difference between Dinan Stage 1 and Stage 2 is an M3 front swaybar, but the difference in price is hundreds of dollars more than HPA Shop for example charges for the same swaybar. I believe you would be happy with any of these setups. To answer your main question: "will there be noticeably improved handling/turning?" Yes, every second you're driving your car will feel like fun. Full disclosure: I have BMW Performance springs, FSD shocks, Dinan rear shock mounts, and M3 front swaybar on my car.
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05-19-2010, 11:27 PM	#4
e90pilot Freight Dawg 102 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	I've got stage 3 on my 325i. The shocks are revalved so the Dinan shocks are more consistant On my car, the bars are not from the M3. The ride is definitly stiffer but the handling is still not where I want it. I would get stage 1 + m3 control arms, bars, tension rods, and rear subframe bushings. I would strongly reccomend wider front tires as well. Dinan tuned the suspension with 265/275 front/rear tire width. I think they're 9.5" front wheela and a 10" rear wheels. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors Last edited by e90pilot; 05-19-2010 at 11:46 PM..
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07-10-2010, 02:46 PM	#5
mkaaes Lieutenant 26 Rep 419 Posts Drives: 997.2 C4S Join Date: May 2007 Location: seattle iTrader: (2)	I've been running the stage 1 suspension for about 3 weeks now and all I can say is wow. The handling is awesome, turn in is flat and recovers so well it feels like I bought an lsd. Is it a little harsher? Maybe, it is still very comfortable but you can always adjust the settings to your liking. I got a deal on my setup so it only came out to about 1300, it was well worth it. The front is a little higher than I'd like, but the rear is perfect. __________________ Motegi exhaust, nismo tuned cai, tornado superchager, amg 15" applejuicebox, wheels, spoon body kit
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07-10-2010, 02:50 PM	#6
e90pilot Freight Dawg 102 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	What sway bars are you running? Stock? __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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07-10-2010, 04:52 PM	#7
mkaaes Lieutenant 26 Rep 419 Posts Drives: 997.2 C4S Join Date: May 2007 Location: seattle iTrader: (2)	Stock sways for now, I may upgrade later but it feels like there's minimal body roll. Btw I had the factory sports pkg before the dinan. __________________ Motegi exhaust, nismo tuned cai, tornado superchager, amg 15" applejuicebox, wheels, spoon body kit
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07-10-2010, 06:03 PM	#8
e90pilot Freight Dawg 102 Rep 2,103 Posts Drives: E90 325i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (3)	If you do upgrade, I reccomend the m3 bars. __________________ --Marcelo '06 Arctic Metallic 325i \| Sport Package \| 6MT \| Dinan Stage III suspension \| Dinan exhaust \| 330i manifold swap! Click here! \| Active Autowerke tune \| 135i Brake Calipers \| Deiselboost caliper brackets \| E46 M3 front rotors
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