Review: Dinan Stage 2 Suspension (E90 335xi) - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

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.

ska325xi · 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.

ska325xi · 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. Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 515 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! Last edited by 808AWD325xi; 05-02-2010 at 02:07 PM.
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05-02-2010, 12:31 PM	#2
scooby9 Major Drives: 2007 E90 BMW 335xi Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,098 iTrader: (5)	Looks great! I like the mild drop that keeps the practical side of the xi for winter. __________________ *2007 BMW 335xi 6MT TiAg* Part out thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=837695

05-03-2010, 09:57 AM	#10
PKumarM3 Air India Drives: 2003.5 BMW M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 1,739 iTrader: (8)	wow thats awesome how much does the Dinan XI suspension run? __________________ 09 335xi Sedan 03.5 E46 M3 01 Porsche 911 C4 87 528e 5sp

05-03-2010, 11:37 AM	#14
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,848 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 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? __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals

05-03-2010, 12:48 PM	#15
MassBimmer Major General Drives: E90 LCI 328i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: Milford, MA Posts: 6,799 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [4.50]	Very nice...it looks like you still have a little rake, has the suspension settled more since the pics? __________________ E90 LCI 328i xDrive: BMW Performance Exhaust / BMW Performance Intake / BMW Performance Steering Wheel / VMR V710 / KW V1

05-02-2010, 01:05 PM	#3
MMOTION Lieutenant Colonel Drives: like you'll never drive again Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: uptown Posts: 1,570 iTrader: (17)	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?

05-02-2010, 05:30 PM	#6
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 515 iTrader: (0)	Sorry, I didn't inquire about that.

05-02-2010, 08:45 PM	#7
325/528 Second Lieutenant Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul Posts: 221 iTrader: (5)	are the new bump stops for the rear or all around?

05-02-2010, 09:19 PM	#8
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 515 iTrader: (0)	front bump stops

05-02-2010, 09:27 PM	#9
325/528 Second Lieutenant Drives: pinto Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: lost soul Posts: 221 iTrader: (5)	thanks

05-03-2010, 10:29 AM	#12
MMOTION Lieutenant Colonel Drives: like you'll never drive again Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: uptown Posts: 1,570 iTrader: (17)	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.

05-03-2010, 11:29 AM	#13
808AWD325xi Ballin' out of control. Drives: 2009 BMW 335i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 515 iTrader: (0)	I suggest calling Dinan directly.

05-03-2010, 04:57 PM	#19
JoeyBananaz18 Brigadier General Drives: metrocard Join Date: May 2009 Location: Whitestone, NY Posts: 3,609 iTrader: (2)	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......

05-03-2010, 07:54 PM	#22
ska325xi Major General Drives: 325XI Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 6,848 iTrader: (27) Garage List 2006 333 [0.00] 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 __________________ RPI Scoops, BMW Perf. Intake + Carbon Filter Removal, BMW Perf. Exhaust, PBX, CF Cowl Covers & Lower Snorkel, Matte Black Grills, Rep Hartge Lip, ///M Spoiler, BBS 219m + RE960pp, CF Wrapped Headlights, LUX 5.0 + Solaris Silvers, Vista DRL, Blacklines, Lic. Plate LED, 3M CF Di-Noc Trims, BMW Perf. Alcantara Steering Wheel + Alcantara Trim, ///M DCT Paddles, BMW Perf. Shift Knob + Boot, ///M Novillo Ebrake Handle + BMW Perf. Boot, ACS Pedals

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