F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Suspension | Chassis | Brakes > Dinan Springs.WOW!
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-25-2014, 02:42 PM   #1
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Dinan Springs.WOW!

Hi All,

I just had my Dinan springs installed yesterday and I am stoked. I cannot believe how my car handles now. It is just perfect! It is lowered just right and it just feels awesome. I came from an '03 E39 M5 with BC racing coilovers 8k/6k spring rate and it felt pretty firm and can feel like a skate board if you want it to with the 30 way adjustable dampers. You really do sacrifice comfort with coilovers, don't let anyone tell you different. I swore to never go back to coilovers, but I needed something for the f30 sport suspension. It was just too soft for me. Dinan truly means 'performance without sacrifice' because that is what the springs offer. If you are on the fence about Dinan springs for the f30 sport suspension, take the plunge. It is well worth it!

Now I have my eyes on a set of wheels but I was wondering if anyone knows the best offset with a 19/8.5 and 19/9.5 setup with a flush look and no rubbing on the f30 sport suspension. Please chime in if you are running Dinan or HR or whatever spring set. I just want an idea. Pics would be awesome as well. I have no plans on running 20s and I am contemplating 245/40/19 front and 275/35/19 rear for tires. Some folks recommend 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear but I am fearful of ride comfort and road bumps with such low profiles. What are your thoughts? Thanks all.

Vic
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 03:18 PM   #2
vip
Major
vip's Avatar
United_States
158
Rep
1,136
Posts

Drives: 2001 Alpine White M5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fremont, CA

iTrader: (1)

You must be running a DHP equipped car right?
__________________
sent from bimmerpost Android app
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 03:30 PM   #3
PabloK
Lieutenant Colonel
PabloK's Avatar
United_States
595
Rep
1,805
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Orono

iTrader: (1)

Pics!
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 03:55 PM   #4
R12ax7
Major
R12ax7's Avatar
119
Rep
1,052
Posts

Drives: 2021 340xi
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Philly

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2011 328i  [0.00]
subscribed! Mind letting us know what the install cost? I was hoping to do the install myself (with the help of someone with a lot more experienced than myself, but still with only floor jacks and no lift), considering how much I have seen some labor quotes.
__________________
Current: 2021 340xi

Retired:
2018 330xi | 2016 340i 6MT | 2013 335i 6MT |
2011 328i 6MT (N52) | 2008 335xi (N54)
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 04:29 PM   #5
DVC
Diligentia Vis Celeritas
DVC's Avatar
United_States
558
Rep
1,477
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerFan View Post
I just had my Dinan springs installed yesterday and I am stoked. I cannot believe how my car handles now. It is just perfect! It is lowered just right and it just feels awesome.
Glad to hear it - can you share your thoughts on what aspects of the handling are improved?
__________________
Ahead of the curve for specF30
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 04:50 PM   #6
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vip View Post
You must be running a DHP equipped car right?
Nah I don't have DHP
I will post before and after pics soon. It cost me $450 out the door with alignment.
I am not new to sharp handling characteristics. My e39 m5 had coilovers, and Dinan rear sway bar. Damn that car cornered like it was on rails. When I first test drove the f30 msport, I was like crap, this car feels too cushy and floaty. I guess cause my perception of feel was jaded coming from my former car. One thing was for certain, after driving my M5 for 45k miles on that setup, I was tired of it. In fact it was one of the reasons I sold the car which is ironic. I guess I am getting old. With the Dinan springs, the floaty feeling and cushiness was completely gone, but the car felt very comfortably still and more sure footed. Just sublime. Steering response and feel greatly improved. It is just a more refined ride than my M5 after switching to coil overs. I could gladly drive my f30 to work everyday. Not so much with my M5. it was perhaps a good weekend and perhaps track car, but not daily driving on bad roads and bumper-bumper traffic(I don't envy you guys with 6MTs). It was too raw and after a while, I could not find a good balanced setting with the 30 way adjustable dampers. It was either too firm or way too much jounce and low speed damping felt like my driver seat had vibrators installed underneath.

Last edited by BimmerFan; 02-25-2014 at 05:10 PM..
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2014, 05:02 PM   #7
Dippydo
Lieutenant Colonel
230
Rep
1,555
Posts

Drives: 2023 M8 Comp
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Katy, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW  [1.00]
The BC racing coil overs are a linear spring design which are more track minded than everyday driver so they will be much rougher than a coil over with a progressive spring rate like KW or H&R. Just saying.

Glad you like them. Maybe Pablo will give me a ride in his when he gets them on..hint..hint..
Appreciate 1
      02-25-2014, 11:47 PM   #8
FotiosF90M5
///M Specialist South Shore BMW
FotiosF90M5's Avatar
United_States
767
Rep
7,108
Posts

Drives: 2021 M5 Comp BHG/Silverstone
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: South Shore, MA

iTrader: (62)

I agree the springs are seriously impressive. No compromise just great handling and comfort. I just got the dinan exhaust installed and it's even more impressive to me. Simply amazing amazing sound but zero drone. Even at 1300 rpm in 8th gear, floor it and no drone. With my mperformance exhaust I never used 8th gear and rarely 7th due to drone vibration (only use manual mode) Now I always use those gears and get much better mpg's. "performance without sacrifice". Absolutely. Noticeable power increase to boot. Enjoy your newly sharper car.
__________________
2021 M5 COMPETITION LCI Brands Hatch Gray on SIlverstone, carbon roof, comp wheels, Mperf splitter, carbon pro spoiler, carbon diffuser , carbon paddles, executive pkg. Dinan HAS, RaceChip, dinan spacers, FC stud kit, etc
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 12:59 AM   #9
Marckymarc305
Second Lieutenant
Marckymarc305's Avatar
80
Rep
253
Posts

Drives: BMW M4
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Miami

iTrader: (0)

Is dinan spring covered under BMW warranty?
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 07:48 AM   #10
Orion4
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
472
Rep
1,560
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Melbourne, FL

iTrader: (0)

No. It is covered under Dinans parallel warranty for the same balance of time/mileage left on your BMW original warranty. If you are already out of the original BMW warranty, the Dinan warranty is essentially 2 yrs. See: http://dinancars.com/warranty/ for details.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 08:52 AM   #11
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Does anyone have the Dinan alignment spec sheet handy? I am at the shop again and the tech is having slight difficulty with preventing my car from coasting to the right when driving straight. He does not have the 2014 spec in his Hunter. I should have made an extra copy.

Vic
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 10:27 AM   #12
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

As promised. I have attached one before pic and the rest are after pics. For those of you that did lowering spring kits, could you please post your alignments specs? I still think mine is not quite on the money yet. I still feel the car slightly coasts to the right. I have attached my alignment specs from the shop this morning. Thanks. Just noticed the caster setting is unclear. before = 6.8(left); 6.4(right). After = 6.6(left); 6.4(right)

Vic

Name:  photo.JPG
Views: 8047
Size:  332.0 KB

Name:  photo 1 (3).JPG
Views: 5033
Size:  120.6 KB

Name:  photo 2 (3).JPG
Views: 4981
Size:  111.1 KB

Name:  photo 3 (3).JPG
Views: 5058
Size:  133.5 KB

Name:  photo 4 (3).JPG
Views: 5038
Size:  110.4 KB

Name:  photo 5 (3).JPG
Views: 4968
Size:  123.1 KB

Alignment.pdf

Last edited by BimmerFan; 02-26-2014 at 10:35 AM..
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 11:09 AM   #13
PabloK
Lieutenant Colonel
PabloK's Avatar
United_States
595
Rep
1,805
Posts

Drives: F30
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Orono

iTrader: (1)

Looks good!!
__________________
2014 F30 335i / 2014 F31 328d / 2014 F22 m235i
2019 G05 5.0 / 2012 E70 X5 50i / 2007 X5 3.0is
2011 e93 M3 / 2009 E60 M5 / 2004 E46 M3
2017 Alpina B6
22 Ram Trx / 22 M5 CS
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 01:02 PM   #14
ƒ°
ƒ°'s Avatar
101
Rep
1,237
Posts

Drives: ✚
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: ✚ ✚

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerFan View Post
Hi All,

I just had my Dinan springs installed yesterday and I am stoked. I cannot believe how my car handles now. It is just perfect! It is lowered just right and it just feels awesome. I came from an '03 E39 M5 with BC racing coilovers 8k/6k spring rate and it felt pretty firm and can feel like a skate board if you want it to with the 30 way adjustable dampers. You really do sacrifice comfort with coilovers, don't let anyone tell you different. I swore to never go back to coilovers, but I needed something for the f30 sport suspension. It was just too soft for me. Dinan truly means 'performance without sacrifice' because that is what the springs offer. If you are on the fence about Dinan springs for the f30 sport suspension, take the plunge. It is well worth it!

Now I have my eyes on a set of wheels but I was wondering if anyone knows the best offset with a 19/8.5 and 19/9.5 setup with a flush look and no rubbing on the f30 sport suspension. Please chime in if you are running Dinan or HR or whatever spring set. I just want an idea. Pics would be awesome as well. I have no plans on running 20s and I am contemplating 245/40/19 front and 275/35/19 rear for tires. Some folks recommend 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear but I am fearful of ride comfort and road bumps with such low profiles. What are your thoughts? Thanks all.

Vic
No offense to you, but this seems more like a honeymoon review to me. I know everyone's tolerance for what is an acceptable ride quality is different. But in my experience, just replacing springs on a non DHP equipped F30, will not bring out a "WOW" in me; in my opinion, I think the ride quality just sucks. But in your defense, coming from a coilover set that had 8k/6k spring rates, anything will feel way better. Seriously, that is a truly terrible spring rate combo; you must've been bouncing all over the place while crashing over the smallest of cracks on the road.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 01:12 PM   #15
richb811
richb811's Avatar
450
Rep
4,592
Posts

Drives: 2020 G20 330i M Sport
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (21)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerFan View Post
Hi All,

I just had my Dinan springs installed yesterday and I am stoked. I cannot believe how my car handles now. It is just perfect! It is lowered just right and it just feels awesome. I came from an '03 E39 M5 with BC racing coilovers 8k/6k spring rate and it felt pretty firm and can feel like a skate board if you want it to with the 30 way adjustable dampers. You really do sacrifice comfort with coilovers, don't let anyone tell you different. I swore to never go back to coilovers, but I needed something for the f30 sport suspension. It was just too soft for me. Dinan truly means 'performance without sacrifice' because that is what the springs offer. If you are on the fence about Dinan springs for the f30 sport suspension, take the plunge. It is well worth it!

Now I have my eyes on a set of wheels but I was wondering if anyone knows the best offset with a 19/8.5 and 19/9.5 setup with a flush look and no rubbing on the f30 sport suspension. Please chime in if you are running Dinan or HR or whatever spring set. I just want an idea. Pics would be awesome as well. I have no plans on running 20s and I am contemplating 245/40/19 front and 275/35/19 rear for tires. Some folks recommend 245/35/19 front and 275/30/19 rear but I am fearful of ride comfort and road bumps with such low profiles. What are your thoughts? Thanks all.

Vic
Vic

Glad you like the springs, however I must disagree with you that comfortable ride quality can't be had with coilovers versus a spring and shock combination.

There are solid options out there in adjustable coilovers that allow for rides that are even softer than stock while still offering a drop. Most coilovers do require tinkering with to get the right setup and if you have it configured incorrectly it could lead to poor ride comfort.

Also, I don't think comparing an E39 M5 with Race spring rates on BC's setup is a fair comparison to an F30 with Dinan Springs. Apples to oranges my friend. And I'd wager that you did sacrifice some performance with those springs. My money would be on the M5 around the track any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 01:48 PM   #16
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Number View Post
No offense to you, but this seems more like a honeymoon review to me. I know everyone's tolerance for what is an acceptable ride quality is different. But in my experience, just replacing springs on a non DHP equipped F30, will not bring out a "WOW" in me; in my opinion, I think the ride quality just sucks. But in your defense, coming from a coilover set that had 8k/6k spring rates, anything will feel way better. Seriously, that is a truly terrible spring rate combo; you must've been bouncing all over the place while crashing over the smallest of cracks on the road.
No offence taking. What is a 'honeymoon review?' Please pardon my ignorance. I guess my experience is on the far end of both spectrums. I am sure better and more comfortable configured coilovers are out there, but I am sure as heck not going looking. Perhaps the spring rate on the M5 was a bit much for a car I drove daily, but the e39 is a heavy mofo and one would have to be aggressive in spring rate selection for a more neutral ride in that car IMHO. What I meant by 'WOW' was the fact that with just a spring kit, you can acquire that level of performance without sacrificing comfort. That's it. I am not saying that I am going to win races on that spring kit. I only have one car and I drive it everyday. This may not be the case for everyone. When I first got the coilovers for my M5, I was speechless and then added the Dinan rear sway..OMG! That car was simply un-believable in turns especially for a car that heavy and large. I had a friend who had 275s tires on all for corners with the same suspension and the freaking thing was simply scary in turns at high speed because there was ZERO under-steer. No matter how you slice and dice it, a coilover setup is a different animal to a spring/shock setup. Even if you get a coilover setup that has adjustments softer than stock, the shock travel is totally different to that of a spring setup.

Vic
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 02:03 PM   #17
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rich@GTBPerformance View Post
Vic

Glad you like the springs, however I must disagree with you that comfortable ride quality can't be had with coilovers versus a spring and shock combination.

There are solid options out there in adjustable coilovers that allow for rides that are even softer than stock while still offering a drop. Most coilovers do require tinkering with to get the right setup and if you have it configured incorrectly it could lead to poor ride comfort.

Also, I don't think comparing an E39 M5 with Race spring rates on BC's setup is a fair comparison to an F30 with Dinan Springs. Apples to oranges my friend. And I'd wager that you did sacrifice some performance with those springs. My money would be on the M5 around the track any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
You are right. It is an apples to oranges comparison. I was just sharing my experience and kind off just shedding a bit of light for those considering coilovers over shock/spring setup especially if it's their daily driver and if they've never had a coilover system before. There are also lots of other variables to consider such as, how often do you drive alone? Do you carry a lot of junk in your trunk(no pun intended)? Do you drive on jacked up roads often?..you get where I am going with this..etc
Ofcourse I sacrificed performance going with the Dinan springs. I am all performanced out after driving my M5 for almost 7 years..lol. if roads in my area were like roads at the track, I'd probably still have my M5 today :-).

Vic
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 02:42 PM   #18
vip
Major
vip's Avatar
United_States
158
Rep
1,136
Posts

Drives: 2001 Alpine White M5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fremont, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Number View Post
No offense to you, but this seems more like a honeymoon review to me. I know everyone's tolerance for what is an acceptable ride quality is different. But in my experience, just replacing springs on a non DHP equipped F30, will not bring out a "WOW" in me; in my opinion, I think the ride quality just sucks. But in your defense, coming from a coilover set that had 8k/6k spring rates, anything will feel way better. Seriously, that is a truly terrible spring rate combo; you must've been bouncing all over the place while crashing over the smallest of cracks on the road.
I agree. I currently have the dinan springs on my non dhp equipped 335i and can say that its a decent setup.

Yes the turn is improved, body roll significantly reduced, but on a non dhp it still feels a bit soft. Not sure if its because of the shocks.
__________________
sent from bimmerpost Android app
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 03:05 PM   #19
Revms1
Lieutenant
51
Rep
536
Posts

Drives: 2013 M5
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: New york

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vip View Post
I agree. I currently have the dinan springs on my non dhp equipped 335i and can say that its a decent setup.

Yes the turn is improved, body roll significantly reduced, but on a non dhp it still feels a bit soft. Not sure if its because of the shocks.
Can you elaborate more on how it still feels soft? Is nose dive significantly reduced and can you comment on the body roll from side to side? I'm debating on the KW coilovers versus the Dinan springs
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 03:28 PM   #20
vip
Major
vip's Avatar
United_States
158
Rep
1,136
Posts

Drives: 2001 Alpine White M5
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Fremont, CA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Revms1 View Post
Can you elaborate more on how it still feels soft? Is nose dive significantly reduced and can you comment on the body roll from side to side? I'm debating on the KW coilovers versus the Dinan springs
I don't know man, its tough, but it just doesnt feel stiff for me. I mean sure I feel the road more and the bumps, but I think its that the m sport shocks are what is making me feel the car being soft.

I just picked up the M Performance suspension, so going to be taking the Dinans off. Will be putting them for sale, if anyone is interested.
__________________
sent from bimmerpost Android app
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 03:28 PM   #21
BimmerFan
Second Lieutenant
70
Rep
271
Posts

Drives: 2021 M550i
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

Okay I am a bit confused and I don't have my spec sheet handy, but is the suspension on the M sport package the same as that on the sport line?

Vic
Appreciate 0
      02-26-2014, 03:43 PM   #22
Dippydo
Lieutenant Colonel
230
Rep
1,555
Posts

Drives: 2023 M8 Comp
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Katy, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2012 BMW  [1.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BimmerFan View Post
Okay I am a bit confused and I don't have my spec sheet handy, but is the suspension on the M sport package the same as that on the sport line?

Vic
Yes and no. The 704 suspension is standard on the M sport and an option on the Sport. So it is possible to get the Sport with or without the M Sport 704 Suspension.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:19 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST