[CkDedmon]

I've seen some concern about getting the Dinan flash on cars with Step.

Is the flash upgrade meant more for manual trans cars, or should I not be concerned about "compatibility" or "driveability"?

I'm pretty set on an E90 w/ Step, but I'd also like to eventually get the Dinan flash...just want to make sure it doesn't have undesirable characteristics.

Thanks!

[McLuVan]

it would work
terry has a 450hp step
haah
no problems yet

[pseto]

what problems/issues have come up with Dinan + Step? I've read about slower throttle response at low RPMs, but anything else?

[ybbiz34]

I have the Dinan flash with the steptronic transmission. It works just fine.

[vase330]

Slower throttle response at very low RPMs lets you drive your car very slow very smoothly like any NA car. No jerkiness or hyper attitude. If you want brute, throw it in DS mode and deep into the throttle. You get all the brute you could ever want. The car is very civilized and refined with Dinan, but you can call up its alter ego at will.

[CkDedmon]

I don't recall specific issues w/ Step that I've seen...I just recall seeing a few comments that made me think twice.

Most people providing reviews on the Dinan flash appear to have manual trans, so I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing anything that would surprise me later.

[BayerischeMW]

there's a difference in that the automatic transmission can handle lower torque numbers, and more torque will put more wear and tear on the transmission. but doesn't dinan come with a warranty?

[CkDedmon]

I'm not worried about the long-term reliability...especially with a product from Dinan.

I'm thinking more about the driveability and the experience. Not sure if my question is clear...or just ridiculous!

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by CkDedmon

I'm not worried about the long-term reliability...especially with a product from Dinan.

I'm thinking more about the driveability and the experience. Not sure if my question is clear...or just ridiculous!

You'll be fine. I know of several members with steptronic transmissions with the flash. They are all very happy with the power.

[funkdoc]

Driveability is very smooth on take off. After a week of the Dinan, I have been using the paddles exclusively with no problems, just consistent, broad torque. I put some 100 octane in over the weekend and had some fun highway blasts.

[Rubber Ducky]

Dinan software and the Step transmission were made for each other, or so they feel. Transmission needs to warm, regardless, but once up to temp the shifting is very fast and seamless.

Floor it and the Step shifts to next gear on its own when it hits the rev limiter.

Slowing down, Step downshifts one gear at a time at about 950 RPM (torque converter holds to almost this RPM also). Its bottom down-shift is into 2nd, but that's the right gear to start up in average traffic (trust me on this - it works just fine).

Be clear: am talking about Step with use of paddles full time, like it were an MT (but a lot faster). If you've little MT experience, the paddles may not be your friend. Using them properly calls for the same anticipation of the right gear to be in next that makes MT so much fun. Using paddles, you can stay in the power-band nicely for moving out and also float the RPMs for best mileage. But it takes practice, just like an MT, to get the most out of the paddle mode.

[CkDedmon]

Thanks for all the great input...this will be my first automatic BMW, so that may be part of my concern! I think it's just time for me to transition from manual to auto, especially with 2 kids in the back seat!

[double35]

Add me to the list of happy with the flash and Step

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by double35

Add me to the list of happy with the flash and Step

The list keeps growing and growing.

[Stinger]

I'm only on day 2 of my Dinan with Step and I have to say you feel the power bump from the Dinan software more when you control the gear changes using the steptronic manual mode or paddles. In Drive the system is smoother than stock with less jerkiness but really I don't notice much in performance gain when in Drive.

Still evaluating...

[E90076]

Originally Posted by Stinger

I'm only on day 2 of my Dinan with Step and I have to say you feel the power bump from the Dinan software more when you control the gear changes using the steptronic manual mode or paddles. In Drive the system is smoother than stock with less jerkiness but really I don't notice much in performance gain when in Drive.

Still evaluating...

+1 on this - how has the tune treated you now that you have had it for a while? Seems to be pretty fast to me but only realy difference I can feel is in the midrange. Some are also saying that the increase in power will now make the car break loose when shifting into third - you experience this? The only time I really feel the car start to loose traction is while going through first and then sometimes I get a little slip going through second.

[sparkyg]

The tune IMOP was made for AT so that in D mode you just cruise and DS it's go time.

The "new" tune in May will prob. adjust the pedal response so you can have go time all the time.

I like it the way it is now so far, subdued in D mode, save me some gas money, and if I wanna go fast I DS it.

[thegeneral101]

yeah like others have said, you will be fine with Dinan and the step trans. although the manual can hold higher torque numbers you aren't reaching the range to worry about it anyway