[Molarz]

I finally installed my Dinan Stage 1 suspension on my 2010 335i Xdrive Coupe M sport. I wanted to post a review since when I was researching info there was very limited since no one really puts the Dinan stuff on their cars. There were a number of helpful members that gave me some input in deciding on my suspension and the reason why I chose the Dinan in the end.

Ill start by explaining why I went with the Dinan. I wanted a drop that was very mild that would achieve the closest to the stock Sport ZSP setup or even 335is. I drive my car in the winter so having a bit of stockish height would at least get me through the snow. I also didn't want to have to crawl over speedbumps and parking ramps so the Dinan was my choice for conservative drop.

The Stage 1 suspension comprises of the 4 springs, bumpstop kit (essentially the 335is OEM kit but marked up ) and the 2 rear koni shocks set to Dinan specs (whatever that is I think it is 1 and a quarter turn from softest setting). I also added the carbon strut bar since I figured although minimal performance would be noticed, anything extra to tie the front end together would be good with the 4 wheel drive going in the front.

So anyway initial impressions..... Ajsalida was very helpful in noting that the Xdrive springs were from the factory very stiff being thicker than their stock counterparts. Once the Dinan suspension was put in.... I notice a slight drop in ride height (nice.... will post measurements in a sec) but overall ride quality was better than stock. The ride became more compliant since the Dinan springs were probably less thick so the ride itself became comfortable (bonus) while still maintaining control and a firm BMW controlled feel. The turn in as most have described with the springs is definitely improved and my car feels more planted under harder accel and load.

Now for measurements since everyone is probably wondering. Car probably sits in the rear exactly like how a sports suspension i coupe would sit and up front just a tad higher than the sports suspension i coupe. So essentially there is some form of negative rake or whatever you want to call it but in real world, you dont really notice and the increased height in the front is good for clearance. Below I will give you my before and after measurements for Front and rear from the fender edge dropped perpendicular down to the top edge of my stock 18 inch style 193 wheels.

STOCK

Front Left 5- 1/8 inch
Front Right 4- 7/8 inch
Rear Left 4 inch
Rear Right 4- 1/8 inch

DINAN (after)

Front Left 4- 5/8 inch
Front Right 4- 6/8 inch
Rear Left 3- 3/8 inch
Rear Right 3- 1/8 inch

I know the numbers are all over the place but I wanted to give everyone as exact measurements as possible. The reality is the stock measurements at all corners are never the exact same.

In the end, am very happy with the Dinan suspension. I think they could have done a better job at posting the post drop measurements on their site since even when I called and spoke to the territory rep, I knew what he said the post drop would be was alot less than what I was going to see on my car. Also, they rebrand the bumpstop kit and they are the OEM 335is bumpstop kit just jacked up in price (thats Dinan for you). All and all, pretty close to what I wanted at the end of the day so I am happy even though I overpaid for everything..... well at least I have the 10 points.

Below are some pre Dinan and post Dinan pics.... sorry I took them on my iphone in the morning and in the afternoon after the suspension was installed. Hope this gives everyone a good idea what they are getting into.

Happy motoring

[Molarz]

cant seem to load pics now but will try later

[ajsalida]

Pics or it didn't happen!

What ever happened WRT to the scraping noise?

[Molarz]

Here are the pics..... and the scraping noise happened to go away once it got warmer so maybe you were right AJ.... it could have been the snow?

First pic Stock suspension

Second pic and on... Dinan suspension

[ajsalida]

Looks good, man. Did you get Konis or stick with the stock shocks?

[Molarz]

Originally Posted by ajsalida

Looks good, man. Did you get Konis or stick with the stock shocks?

Stuck with the stock since the tech said they were still ok.... Feels pretty good now so hope nothing blows soon

[BigHoncho]

Great post!
Can't find the stage1 on the Dinan website anymore. Is ist still available?
http://www.dinancars.com/products/?s...ory=suspension

[335xs2dinan]

Originally Posted by BigHoncho

Great post!
Can't find the stage1 on the Dinan website anymore. Is ist still available?
http://www.dinancars.com/products/?s...ory=suspension

They broke it down into individual components that you can still purchase, check out this link to figure out what components constitute which stage:

http://www.dinancars.com/webresource...62c580a7e4.pdf

[BigHoncho]

Originally Posted by 335xs2dinan

They broke it down into individual components that you can still purchase, check out this link to figure out what components constitute which stage:

http://www.dinancars.com/webresource...62c580a7e4.pdf

Just saw it, thanks!

For everybody who is interested on Stage 1 (E92 335i xDrive 2007‐2013):

* Springs D100‐0497: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d10...ries&mid=1012/
* Handling kit D193‐9041: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d19...ries&mid=1012/
* 2x Koni rear shocks D140‐0945 – I guess it's the Koni 8240-1236Sport: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d14...ries&mid=1012/

So thats $885.16 in total (without tax).

Don't know whats that rear upper shock mount kit D110-0008 for – is it also includes in Stage1? http://www.dinancars.com/product/d11...ries&mid=1012/

Stage2 also includes the rear anti‐roll bar und Stage3 additionally front camber plates.

None of these kits include shocks in front, as Koni released them in 2012 or 2013, Part# is 8741-1535LSport + 8741-1535RSport.

Molarz Could you elaborate a bit more on handling kit D193‐9041 that is a 335is OEM kit? Any part#?

[carguy138]

This was very helpful, thanks!

My plan is to this setup except with,

Bilstein sport shocks f/r,
E90 m3 sway bar for rear
Whiteline subframe inserts for rear.

I'm waiting for the weather to warm up before installing but will,post a review as well.

[335xs2dinan]

Originally Posted by BigHoncho

Just saw it, thanks!

For everybody who is interested on Stage 1 (E92 335i xDrive 2007‐2013):

* Springs D100‐0497: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d10...ries&mid=1012/
* Handling kit D193‐9041: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d19...ries&mid=1012/
* 2x Koni rear shocks D140‐0945 – I guess it's the Koni 8240-1236Sport: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d14...ries&mid=1012/

So thats $885.16 in total (without tax).

Don't know whats that rear upper shock mount kit D110-0008 for – is it also includes in Stage1? http://www.dinancars.com/product/d11...ries&mid=1012/

Stage2 also includes the rear anti‐roll bar und Stage3 additionally front camber plates.

None of these kits include shocks in front, as Koni released them in 2012 or 2013, Part# is 8741-1535LSport + 8741-1535RSport.

Molarz Could you elaborate a bit more on handling kit D193‐9041 that is a 335is OEM kit? Any part#?

I believe the handling kit includes bumpstops AND the rear upper shock mounts, click on specs on the dinan website. The rear upper shock mounts are needed bc the Dinan rear shocks have 12mm threads up top and are externally adjustable from the trunk while the off the shelf Koni Yellow rear have 10mm threads up top and need to be removed from the vehicle to adjust them ie the Dinan rear wont fit the stock rear upper shock mounts.

[Molarz]

The handling kit includes the rear upper shock mounts. They actually are intended to allow another 10mm of travel in the suspension (at least what the instructions say anyway).

I didnt record the OEM part numbers for the bump stops but it did say on the package that they were for 335is.... and when I called Dinan they confirmed it was meant for my car..... inherently this makes sense since if you figure that the drop is mild and lowers close to what a 335is ride height is then the bump stops for an OEM 335is would be appropriate.... although I still suspect the 335is sits a bit lower in the front so a little extra travel for the bump stops would be good in a way for our xdrives.

Now that I think about it.... it makes more sense to just buy the Dinan handling kit since they do include the rear shock mounts which are billet aluminum with some other bushings and delrin components and look good quality.... this explains the 250 dollar price tag. However if you were just installing the springs without the rear shocks... then getting the Dinan springs and then sourcing out OEM 335is bump stops from the dealers would make the most sense.

Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by BigHoncho

Just saw it, thanks!

For everybody who is interested on Stage 1 (E92 335i xDrive 2007‐2013):

* Springs D100‐0497: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d10...ries&mid=1012/
* Handling kit D193‐9041: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d19...ries&mid=1012/
* 2x Koni rear shocks D140‐0945 – I guess it's the Koni 8240-1236Sport: http://www.dinancars.com/product/d14...ries&mid=1012/

So thats $885.16 in total (without tax).

Don't know whats that rear upper shock mount kit D110-0008 for – is it also includes in Stage1? http://www.dinancars.com/product/d11...ries&mid=1012/

Stage2 also includes the rear anti‐roll bar und Stage3 additionally front camber plates.

None of these kits include shocks in front, as Koni released them in 2012 or 2013, Part# is 8741-1535LSport + 8741-1535RSport.

Molarz Could you elaborate a bit more on handling kit D193‐9041 that is a 335is OEM kit? Any part#?

[BigHoncho]

Originally Posted by Molarz

The handling kit includes the rear upper shock mounts. They actually are intended to allow another 10mm of travel in the suspension (at least what the instructions say anyway).

I didnt record the OEM part numbers for the bump stops but it did say on the package that they were for 335is.... and when I called Dinan they confirmed it was meant for my car..... inherently this makes sense since if you figure that the drop is mild and lowers close to what a 335is ride height is then the bump stops for an OEM 335is would be appropriate.... although I still suspect the 335is sits a bit lower in the front so a little extra travel for the bump stops would be good in a way for our xdrives.

Now that I think about it.... it makes more sense to just buy the Dinan handling kit since they do include the rear shock mounts which are billet aluminum with some other bushings and delrin components and look good quality.... this explains the 250 dollar price tag. However if you were just installing the springs without the rear shocks... then getting the Dinan springs and then sourcing out OEM 335is bump stops from the dealers would make the most sense.

Hope this helps.

I believe there is no specific 335is bumps stops, they are the same as on every RWD E92 with M-tech suspension. At BMW ETK it says Part# 31336767333 (front) and 3536767335 (rear), should be 80$ in total.

The rear upper shock mount kit D110-0008 is 100$, so you could get those und the bump stops directly from BMW.

As for the koni rear shocks: I believe that only the non-xdrive shocks (D140-0946) are custom made for dinan (valved, external adjustment), but the xdrive rear shocks (D140-0945) seem to be stock koni ones (# 8240-1236Sport)

The question remains, where do those dinan springs (D100‐0497) come from? Also sourced from BMW?

[335xs2dinan]

Originally Posted by BigHoncho

I believe there is no specific 335is bumps stops, they are the same as on every RWD E92 with M-tech suspension. At BMW ETK it says Part# 31336767333 (front) and 3536767335 (rear), should be 80$ in total.

The rear upper shock mount kit D110-0008 is 100$, so you could get those und the bump stops directly from BMW.

As for the koni rear shocks: I believe that only the non-xdrive shocks (D140-0946) are custom made for dinan (valved, external adjustment), but the xdrive rear shocks (D140-0945) seem to be stock koni ones (# 8240-1236Sport)

The question remains, where do those dinan springs (D100‐0497) come from? Also sourced from BMW?

Interesting, I think you are right that D140-0945 must be the same as the stock Koni and need to be removed to adjust, however they should therefore fit both i and xi models. I would also think that the D140-0946 should also fit the the i and xi models with the difference being that these are the ones that are top adjustable from the trunk and require the 12mm strut mounts. D140-0945 are also on sale now (ie they must be the same as the Koni yellow) but D140-0946 is not (could this be a special made shock for Dinan only?). Anyway, from most everything I ve read in this forum it seems that if a rear shock fits an e90/92 i model it should also fit an e90/92 xi model but I could be wrong. Link below to the PDF for install of D140-0946, it lists xi models as compatible...

http://www.dinancars.com/webresource...47b7756587.pdf

[schach23]

Hey Molarz,

Why didn't just get 4 new koni yellows? My local Bimmer/Dinan shop only recommended the Dinan springs and 4 koni yellows?

Is it the pic or is there quite a difference in the drop from front to back? I know our xdrive is prone to reverse rakes especially in the e92 vs e90 but didn't think it was that dramatic. Can't believe it's the springs that are doing that.

I to only want a mild drop but am worried with the Dinan springs there won't be much drop at all.

Scott

[Molarz]

Bighoncho is correct with respect to the part number for the Xdrive models... they seem to be the stock Koni strut with that part number he listed above. It seems to be externally adjustable from the inside of the trunk since I have the Dinan instructions and knobs that allow external adjustments.

I cant comment on the i model konis but who knows what they do... I just wanted to buy what Dinan recommended regardless whether the front Konis were ready at the time for our Xi cars.

Needless to say you could probably buy the four koni struts individually and get the dinan springs with it but you probably will still have the negative rake they talk about. In reality I dont really notice the negative rake as much as everyone is talking about... granted I am not sure whether my front settled more but then again, my rears would have settled within the same time maintaining that neg rake appearance. Honestly, its a good drop (pretty much as stockish to a ZSP or 335is stance. I like it cause I dont have to creep around bumps and worry about bottoming out.

Youll see the car has a more aggressive stance but still maintain real world driveability.

Otherwise, if you guys need to achieve your perfect drop you may need to mix and match springs like aj salida had mentioned in another post although Id prefer to buy a set of matching springs made for the car?

Ajsalida could probably comment on this subject more or you could message him.... he knows alot

Originally Posted by schach23

Hey Molarz,

Why didn't just get 4 new koni yellows? My local Bimmer/Dinan shop only recommended the Dinan springs and 4 koni yellows?

Is it the pic or is there quite a difference in the drop from front to back? I know our xdrive is prone to reverse rakes especially in the e92 vs e90 but didn't think it was that dramatic. Can't believe it's the springs that are doing that.

I to only want a mild drop but am worried with the Dinan springs there won't be much drop at all.

Scott

[thegrinchboy]

Some thoughts/observations based on my current setup for 2011 E90 335xi: About 25K miles total on Dinan springs, Koni Yellows F/R, UUC sways F/R, E36 M3 front and E85 Z4 rear bumpstops. (I have not gotten around to installing the Dinan rear shock mount, which is sitting in my basement...)

Appearance:
* Nice drop, not too aggressive, but rear still can still look tucked in.
* Spacers look great in front/rear, but will rub depending weight/load in car.

Ride/Handling:
* Setting: Koni at 1/2 of full adjustment (F), and 1/3 of full adjustment from soft (R). NOTE: Not 1/2 turn or 1/3 turn, but full range of adjustment.
* UUC F/R sway bar at sport.
* Ride is firm and buttoned down. Great for cornering. Minimal body, bounce, or give. May be too buttoned down. See below.

General:
* IMO, although my suspension is dialed towards stiff (trackable?), it is still compliant as a DD. HOWEVER, it is not the best configuration due to this (crazy, or most any) winter in the Boston area. A few pothole explosions here and there (my fault, I didn't react fast enough) which is still better than stock suspension, but overall not enough "give" for all the frost heaves, expanded road joints/cracks, and potholes. Almost like a roller coaster ride. However, having said that, it is pretty sweet for summer and nicer road conditions.
* Wheels - Both winter (again, bad winter in Boston) and summer wheels (Skinny OEM size tires - 225/40/18 & 255/35/18) have suffered as a result of the harsher setup.
* Alignment - As with all lowered cars, the stock alignment will chew up your tires. Keep an eye on this. 2 sets of tires (summer and winter) both inside edge trashed...
* Koni front struts - Definitely get them, especially since they are on sale. When Dinan did their kit, these were not available.
* UUC F/R Sways - Night and day difference. However, may be too much for a DD due to reduced give/play to help absorb the pitch/yaw of the road changes.

However, glad to see others taking the plunge on Dinan. Good luck and enjoy, everyone. Hope this helped.

BTW, props to AJSALIDA. He and I had a long exchange on suspension over a year ago, glad to see him still helping out the community

[335xs2dinan]

Bighoncho is correct with respect to the part number for the Xdrive models... they seem to be the stock Koni strut with that part number he listed above. It seems to be externally adjustable from the inside of the trunk since I have the Dinan instructions and knobs that allow external adjustments.


I dont think the above is correct. D140-0946 is top adjustable from the trunk. Dinan confirmed with me it fits xi models in the rear as listed in the PDF. D140-0946 require different rear upper shock mounts(must be 12mm) - OEM mounts (10mm) will not fit. OEM mounts will fit the D140-0945, as far as I can tell these are the same shock as the Koni yellow (have the same Koni part number on them) will fit i or xi but are not adjustable from the trunk. D140-0945 must be removed from the car to adjust. I would advise checking with Dinan if someone is interested in adjusting from the trunk rather than taking my word for it.

key words from Dinan on the installation notes for D140-0946 :

In order to incorporate the external adjustment feature, the shock shaft is larger in diameter than stock. Some of the BMW upper shock mount components will no longer fit, and must be replaced with corresponding components included with these shocks.

link again

http://www.dinancars.com/webresource...47b7756587.pdf

[carguy138]

Originally Posted by thegrinchboy

Some thoughts/observations based on my current setup for 2011 E90 335xi: About 25K miles total on Dinan springs, Koni Yellows F/R, UUC sways F/R, E36 M3 front and E85 Z4 rear bumpstops. (I have not gotten around to installing the Dinan rear shock mount, which is sitting in my basement...)

Appearance:
* Nice drop, not too aggressive, but rear still can still look tucked in.
* Spacers look great in front/rear, but will rub depending weight/load in car.

Ride/Handling:
* Setting: Koni at 1/2 of full adjustment (F), and 1/3 of full adjustment from soft (R). NOTE: Not 1/2 turn or 1/3 turn, but full range of adjustment.
* UUC F/R sway bar at sport.
* Ride is firm and buttoned down. Great for cornering. Minimal body, bounce, or give. May be too buttoned down. See below.

General:
* IMO, although my suspension is dialed towards stiff (trackable?), it is still compliant as a DD. HOWEVER, it is not the best configuration due to this (crazy, or most any) winter in the Boston area. A few pothole explosions here and there (my fault, I didn't react fast enough) which is still better than stock suspension, but overall not enough "give" for all the frost heaves, expanded road joints/cracks, and potholes. Almost like a roller coaster ride. However, having said that, it is pretty sweet for summer and nicer road conditions.
* Wheels - Both winter (again, bad winter in Boston) and summer wheels (Skinny OEM size tires - 225/40/18 & 255/35/18) have suffered as a result of the harsher setup.
* Alignment - As with all lowered cars, the stock alignment will chew up your tires. Keep an eye on this. 2 sets of tires (summer and winter) both inside edge trashed...
* Koni front struts - Definitely get them, especially since they are on sale. When Dinan did their kit, these were not available.
* UUC F/R Sways - Night and day difference. However, may be too much for a DD due to reduced give/play to help absorb the pitch/yaw of the road changes.

However, glad to see others taking the plunge on Dinan. Good luck and enjoy, everyone. Hope this helped.

BTW, props to AJSALIDA. He and I had a long exchange on suspension over a year ago, glad to see him still helping out the community

Hey any experience with Bilsteins?

I just got the dinan springs and rear shock mount. Need shocks and leaning toward bilstein over koni. Had bilstein b6's on my A4 and really liked them. Never tried koni.

[BigHoncho]

Originally Posted by thegrinchboy

E36 M3 front and E85 Z4 rear bumpstops.

Are those even shorter than the E9x M-Tech bumpstops that Dinan is using? If not, what's the reason for getting them?

[thegrinchboy]

Originally Posted by carguy138

Hey any experience with Bilsteins?

I just got the dinan springs and rear shock mount. Need shocks and leaning toward bilstein over koni. Had bilstein b6's on my A4 and really liked them. Never tried koni.

I had Bilstein HD for my E39 (528i). Like them but went with Koni here for adjustability.

[thegrinchboy]

Originally Posted by BigHoncho

Are those even shorter than the E9x M-Tech bumpstops that Dinan is using? If not, what's the reason for getting them?

Not sure if they are shorter or not as compared to Dinan bumpstops. For my suspension, I actually did not start with Dinan springs as the initial upgrade 2 year ago. I started with Koni Yellow and Eibachs with BMW OEM bumpstops, then swapped out to ZSP (D6/D4), and eventually Dinan springs and UUC sways. When I ordered the springs from Dinan about 1.5 year ago, they didn't publicly (online) offer various pieces, springs, bumpstops, etc. separately, only as a kit. I called their sales line and they told me that you can indeed buy the parts separately, although not advertised.