Review: Dinan Stage 2 Suspension (E90 335xi)

808AWD325xi · 05-02-2010, 11:41 AM

My goals were simple. First priority was to maintain a comfortable ride quality, nearest as possible to stock while retaining the stock run-flat tires. Second, significantly reduce body roll during cornering. Third, get rid of the 4X4 look. I decided to purchase a Dinan stage 2 suspension.

The Dinan stage 2 suspension is offered in a XI/xDrive-specific application that reuses the OEM front struts. It consists of custom-valved Koni adjustable rear shocks, performance springs (front and rear), rear sub-frame bushings, bump stops and a rear sway bar.

To my surprise, the ride quality is an improvement over stock -- no more tooth jarring pot holes that sound like their causing welds to fracture. It handles imperfections in the road surface with grace and remains firmly planted during aggressive turns.

I'm comforted by the fact that this suspension system wasn't available in 2007 when I originally took delivery of my XI. Otherwise, I'd regret not having purchased it day one!

scooby9 · 05-02-2010, 12:31 PM

Looks great! I like the mild drop that keeps the practical side of the xi for winter.

MMOTION · 05-02-2010, 01:05 PM

Thanks for sharing. You don't see too many xi's with the Dinan suspension setup, mainly b/c of its price. Definitely a rare setup and was actually considering this but i didn't like the fact that they didn't swap out the front struts.

Are the rear dinan koni shocks yellow/adjustable?

808AWD325xi · 05-02-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooby9

Looks great! I like the mild drop that keeps the practical side of the xi for winter.

Thanks! Me too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMOTION

Are the rear dinan koni shocks yellow/adjustable?

Yes sir.

MMOTION · 05-02-2010, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808AWD325xi

Yes sir.

would you happen to know what % they adjusted the rear koni's to?

808AWD325xi · 05-02-2010, 05:30 PM

Sorry, I didn't inquire about that.

325/528 · 05-02-2010, 08:45 PM

are the new bump stops for the rear or all around?

808AWD325xi · 05-02-2010, 09:19 PM

front bump stops

325/528 · 05-02-2010, 09:27 PM

thanks

PKumarM3 · 05-03-2010, 09:57 AM

wow thats awesome

how much does the Dinan XI suspension run?

808AWD325xi · 05-03-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

wow thats awesome

how much does the Dinan XI suspension run?

Thanks! The stage 2 suspension is ~$1300.00.

MMOTION · 05-03-2010, 10:29 AM

would you be able to find out what is the recommended setting on your rear shocks? how many turns from the softest setting i would need to adjust to Dinan specs.

808AWD325xi · 05-03-2010, 11:29 AM

I suggest calling Dinan directly.

ska///235i · 05-03-2010, 11:37 AM

I want to do this...where do I start?

does it have to be done at a dealer?

please let me know all the details...also, didn't dinan had a sale on alot of their stuff?

MassBimmer · 05-03-2010, 12:48 PM

Very nice...it looks like you still have a little rake, has the suspension settled more since the pics?

808AWD325xi · 05-03-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ska325xi

I want to do this...where do I start?

does it have to be done at a dealer?

please let me know all the details...also, didn't dinan had a sale on alot of their stuff?

No, an independent could do the install as well. Unless you want to DIY.

Dinan extended their sale until May 28th, however, I don't believe that their suspension systems are included in the sale...but, I could be wrong.

Their E90 325xi suspension includes front Koni front struts as well. Check out their web site. I suggest calling them; their very helpful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MassBimmer

Very nice...it looks like you still have a little rake, has the suspension settled more since the pics?

Thank you! I picked up the car on Friday and the pics were taken on Saturday. I haven't noticed any settling.

MMOTION · 05-03-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808AWD325xi

Their E90 325xi suspension includes front Koni front struts as well. Check out their web site. I suggest calling them; their very helpful.

I could be wrong, but I don't think Dinan replaces any of the front struts on xi specific cars. Koni never made/released front struts for our cars.

808AWD325xi · 05-03-2010, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMOTION

I could be wrong, but I don't think Dinan replaces any of the front struts on xi specific cars. Koni never made/released front struts for our cars.

Koni doesn't offer front struts for the 2006 E90 325xi directly. Dinan does.

JoeyBananaz18 · 05-03-2010, 04:57 PM

how much drop did you notice in the front?

MMOTION · 05-03-2010, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 808AWD325xi

Koni doesn't offer front struts for the 2006 E90 325xi directly. Dinan does.

Waiting for my local Dinan rep to get back to me on this. If there are now Koni front struts available through Dinan im gonna jump on a pair.

808AWD325xi · 05-03-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyBananaz18

how much drop did you notice in the front?

Probably about an inch. I didn't measure.

ska///235i · 05-03-2010, 07:54 PM

I didn't see stage packages for the xi but do see some individual parts for suspension
Maybe dinan hasn't update their site

05-02-2010, 11:41 AM	#1
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. 519 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moline, IL iTrader: (0)	Review: Dinan Stage 2 Suspension (E90 335xi) My goals were simple. First priority was to maintain a comfortable ride quality, nearest as possible to stock while retaining the stock run-flat tires. Second, significantly reduce body roll during cornering. Third, get rid of the 4X4 look. I decided to purchase a Dinan stage 2 suspension. The Dinan stage 2 suspension is offered in a XI/xDrive-specific application that reuses the OEM front struts. It consists of custom-valved Koni adjustable rear shocks, performance springs (front and rear), rear sub-frame bushings, bump stops and a rear sway bar. To my surprise, the ride quality is an improvement over stock -- no more tooth jarring pot holes that sound like their causing welds to fracture. It handles imperfections in the road surface with grace and remains firmly planted during aggressive turns. I'm comforted by the fact that this suspension system wasn't available in 2007 when I originally took delivery of my XI. Otherwise, I'd regret not having purchased it day one! __________________ Alpina B3 Flash/BMS OCC/ER CP/ETS 5/HKS BOV/M3 Control Arms Last edited by 808AWD325xi; 05-02-2010 at 02:07 PM..
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05-02-2010, 12:31 PM	#2
scooby9 Major 61 Rep 1,120 Posts Drives: 2007 E90 BMW 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada iTrader: (6)	Looks great! I like the mild drop that keeps the practical side of the xi for winter. __________________ *2007 BMW 335xi 6MT TiAg*
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05-02-2010, 01:05 PM	#3
MMOTION Lieutenant Colonel 109 Rep 1,801 Posts Drives: like you'll never drive again Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: uptown iTrader: (26)	Thanks for sharing. You don't see too many xi's with the Dinan suspension setup, mainly b/c of its price. Definitely a rare setup and was actually considering this but i didn't like the fact that they didn't swap out the front struts. Are the rear dinan koni shocks yellow/adjustable?
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05-02-2010, 05:30 PM	#6
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. 519 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moline, IL iTrader: (0)	Sorry, I didn't inquire about that. __________________ Alpina B3 Flash/BMS OCC/ER CP/ETS 5/HKS BOV/M3 Control Arms
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05-02-2010, 08:45 PM	#7
325/528 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 278 Posts Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul iTrader: (7)	are the new bump stops for the rear or all around?
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05-02-2010, 09:19 PM	#8
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. 519 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moline, IL iTrader: (0)	front bump stops __________________ Alpina B3 Flash/BMS OCC/ER CP/ETS 5/HKS BOV/M3 Control Arms
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05-02-2010, 09:27 PM	#9
325/528 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 278 Posts Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul iTrader: (7)	thanks
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05-03-2010, 09:57 AM	#10
PKumarM3 Air India 145 Rep 1,834 Posts Drives: 2018 Dodge Durango Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (8)	wow thats awesome how much does the Dinan XI suspension run? __________________ PKumarM3
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05-03-2010, 10:29 AM	#12
MMOTION Lieutenant Colonel 109 Rep 1,801 Posts Drives: like you'll never drive again Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: uptown iTrader: (26)	would you be able to find out what is the recommended setting on your rear shocks? how many turns from the softest setting i would need to adjust to Dinan specs.
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05-03-2010, 11:29 AM	#13
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. 519 Rep 1,289 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moline, IL iTrader: (0)	I suggest calling Dinan directly. __________________ Alpina B3 Flash/BMS OCC/ER CP/ETS 5/HKS BOV/M3 Control Arms
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05-03-2010, 11:37 AM	#14
ska///235i ***** noob 1366 Rep 10,479 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	I want to do this...where do I start? does it have to be done at a dealer? please let me know all the details...also, didn't dinan had a sale on alot of their stuff? __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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05-03-2010, 12:48 PM	#15
MassBimmer Major General 306 Rep 7,433 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M50 Join Date: May 2009 Location: MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2009 BMW [9.24]	Very nice...it looks like you still have a little rake, has the suspension settled more since the pics?
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05-03-2010, 04:57 PM	#19
JoeyBananaz18 Brigadier General 398 Rep 4,084 Posts Drives: metrocard Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whitestone, NY iTrader: (3)	how much drop did you notice in the front? __________________ 7/18/09- I pick up my baby- 2009 E92 335i Xdrive, Space Gray over Coral Red. Premium Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, M-Sport Pkg, 193Ms, Gloss Black grills, Custom Gloss Black Mirrors, Performance shift and E-brake boot, M3 spoiler, Euro fog switch, gloss black interior tim, Coco-Mats (red/black), H&R coilovers, 19'' Alufelgen SF-71s......
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05-03-2010, 07:54 PM	#22
ska///235i ***** noob 1366 Rep 10,479 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	I didn't see stage packages for the xi but do see some individual parts for suspension Maybe dinan hasn't update their site __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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