[AustinJerry]

I had the Dinan Software Boost Upgrade installed on my 335i coupe yesterday. Following the upgrade, I had an interesting conversation with Dinan which I wanted to share with everyone. I apologize if this has already been discussed.

My first impression of the engine’s performance was that the throttle response was obviously different from before the upgrade, nowhere near as aggressive in the 1500-3000 RPM range. It felt like torque was lower, which would be a contradiction of the reported Dinan statistics. For those of you who are familiar with the Sport button on the E46 M3, the upgraded 335i performed as if someone had turned off the Sport button.

I called Dinan to see if something might have gone wrong with the upgrade. The helpful tech support rep explained it as follows: BMW programmed the 335i’s drive-by-wire throttle response to have a 10-15% boost at low RPM’s (much like what the Sport button does for the M3). When Dinan designed the response for the 335i, they were concerned that if they left the boost, the increased horsepower might result in some dangerous control issues. So, they programmed a linear throttle response which seems kind of dead when compared with the original BMW configuration. This is not to say that the Dinan enhancement doesn’t deliver the horsepower and torque increases as advertised—it just takes a more aggressive pedal-to-the-floor effort to elicit some jaw-dropping acceleration!

The Dinan rep said that they have been overwhelmed with calls regarding this issue, especially from automatic transmission owners (I have a 6-speed manual). As a result, Dinan has reconsidered their approach, and we should expect a software upgrade sometime in May that re-introduces the throttle response boost. The new software will be made available to BMW dealerships, and will be a no-cost upgrade, and a welcome one!

[JacobT]

Hi , I'm in Austin too. How much did they charge you for Dinan reflash at BoA?

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by AustinJerry

I had the Dinan Software Boost Upgrade installed on my 335i coupe yesterday. Following the upgrade, I had an interesting conversation with Dinan which I wanted to share with everyone. I apologize if this has already been discussed.

My first impression of the engine’s performance was that the throttle response was obviously different from before the upgrade, nowhere near as aggressive in the 1500-3000 RPM range. It felt like torque was lower, which would be a contradiction of the reported Dinan statistics. For those of you who are familiar with the Sport button on the E46 M3, the upgraded 335i performed as if someone had turned off the Sport button.

I called Dinan to see if something might have gone wrong with the upgrade. The helpful tech support rep explained it as follows: BMW programmed the 335i’s drive-by-wire throttle response to have a 10-15% boost at low RPM’s (much like what the Sport button does for the M3). When Dinan designed the response for the 335i, they were concerned that if they left the boost, the increased horsepower might result in some dangerous control issues. So, they programmed a linear throttle response which seems kind of dead when compared with the original BMW configuration. This is not to say that the Dinan enhancement doesn’t deliver the horsepower and torque increases as advertised—it just takes a more aggressive pedal-to-the-floor effort to elicit some jaw-dropping acceleration!

The Dinan rep said that they have been overwhelmed with calls regarding this issue, especially from automatic transmission owners (I have a 6-speed manual). As a result, Dinan has reconsidered their approach, and we should expect a software upgrade sometime in May that re-introduces the throttle response boost. The new software will be made available to BMW dealerships, and will be a no-cost upgrade, and a welcome one!

Interesting info

[AustinJerry]

The cost was $2K plus ~$100 labor + tax.

[kptaylor]

What? An update just after they released it and another planned one soon? How can they call themselves credible tuners if they're really just having customers beta test their tunes instead of getting it right the first time???




Just kidding since this is the mentality towards Vishnu, BMS, AA, Helix, etc. It's nice to see an established tuner still has to learn the car and make tweaks to their tune.

[sparkyg]

+1 thx for the info. I suspect this may be a bigger issue with the 6AT than 6MT.

Good to see though that they listen to customers and offer solutions.

[ybbiz34]

Awesome news. Thank you. That is a damn good first post.

[BMW///Motorsport]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Awesome news. Thank you. That is a damn good first post.

+1

[2008_Dinan335i]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Awesome news. Thank you. That is a damn good first post.

haha +2

[Kelvin1000]

Call me crazy but one of the things I like the best about the Dinan flash is that the car feels less Jerky (especially in first gear low speed accelaration).

I believe that the increased travel on the pedal makes is more controllable and maybe easier to launch properly (both during normal and quick takeoffs).

I think this is how the throttle should be. I guess people like having their next snap back at the slightest touch of the pedal.

To each his own.

[jtmccabe]

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Call me crazy but one of the things I like the best about the Dinan flash is that the car feels less Jerky (especially in first gear low speed accelaration).

I believe that the increased travel on the pedal makes is more controllable and maybe easier to launch properly (both during normal and quick takeoffs).

I think this is how the throttle should be. I guess people like having their next snap back at the slightest touch of the pedal.

To each his own.

+1. What if we like it the way it is and have to get reflashed somewhere down the road?

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

Call me crazy but one of the things I like the best about the Dinan flash is that the car feels less Jerky (especially in first gear low speed accelaration).

I believe that the increased travel on the pedal makes is more controllable and maybe easier to launch properly (both during normal and quick takeoffs).

I think this is how the throttle should be. I guess people like having their next snap back at the slightest touch of the pedal.

To each his own.

I agree with you, but we have 6MTs. Those with ATs may prefer this.

[Bubbles]

Originally Posted by jtmccabe

+1. What if we like it the way it is and have to get reflashed somewhere down the road?

I guess we will find out. Surely, Dinan will offer options.

[jchristena]

Originally Posted by JacobT

Hi , I'm in Austin too. How much did they charge you for Dinan reflash at BoA?

I'm in Austin as well and have the flash. I got it when it first came out back in December. It was about $2250 out the door.

John

[BzzzBom]

The SSTT got it right the first time.

[Orb]

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

The SSTT got it right the first time.

You mean BMW got it right as the SSTT is a hack and does not controls one single thing. It is resistor box with passive features that do shit and this is not even debatable…it is common knowledge. To me, you’re just foolish enough to buy into this product that ultimately does damage your engine. It is reactive system how would it not.

One thing for sure is you got it wrong.

Orb

[vase330]

I have to say, I like the no jerking and no crazy wild power spurts every time I sneeze, but if I already getting on the throttle, I want it faster without waiting for ever for it to wake up, so adding some from around 1500 would be really nice. Someone want to arrange a poll if that helps? I think we'd all mostly want it, as long as its a gradual linear addition and not a light switch, and please don't mess with the below 1500 range, I don't want to ram into my garage wall by accident.

[e90AW335i]

Originally Posted by Bubbles

I agree with you, but we have 6MTs. Those with ATs may prefer this.

1st gear is jerky because it is designed to get you going as quick as possible. This is another reason why I use manual mode and start in 2nd gear. 1st gear is for racing....

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by vase330

I have to say, I like the no jerking and no crazy wild power spurts every time I sneeze, but if I already getting on the throttle, I want it faster without waiting for ever for it to wake up, so adding some from around 1500 would be really nice. Someone want to arrange a poll if that helps? I think we'd all mostly want it, as long as its a gradual linear addition and not a light switch, and please don't mess with the below 1500 range, I don't want to ram into my garage wall by accident.

Yeah, I am not sure if I want that "snap" response back down low either. But it is hard to turn down anything labeled a "free" uprgrade...

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by BzzzBom

The SSTT got it right the first time.

[Steve335i]

Originally Posted by Orb

To me, you’re just foolish enough to buy into this product that ultimately does damage your engine. It is reactive system how would it not.

Orb

Most of the time your posts are keepers but this is one of the stupidest things I've seen you write. There is no data to support this premise. Is Steve Dinan's nutsack interfering with your reasoning?

[Orb]

Originally Posted by Steve335i

Most of the time your posts are keepers but this is one of the stupidest things I've seen you write. There is no data to support this premise. Is Steve Dinan's nutsack interfering with your reasoning?

For god sake it is a resistor box and there is a lot of data to support this. Honestly, it is not complex intelligent device and it doesn’t get any simpler than this or are you suggesting that is something else? It is fairly discouraging when Shiv and others keep addressing this issues which are presented well but dismissed or forgotten. Shiv really did tear this part but I guess no one is listening. If anyone thinking it more than this they are in denial or that just don’t want to hear the truth.

I suggest the argument be taken the other way. I think SSTT and other needs to prove what it is. The funny thing is they provide zero technical information even though there really is not much to state or make arguments about. What do we need to decide? It is a reactive system or do need go to next step.

Orb