Photo: eBaymotorsblog.com
If there's anyone in America that knows anything about tuning performance cars, it's Dinan. They won so many titles it would take absolutely too long to list here and he don't want to bore you with that. Derek Mau from eBay Motors Blog took a Dinan Signature Series S3 BMW 550i for a test run to see wether it's worth to invest in a conversion from the American tuner.
In the stock version, the 550i has a N63 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine with 400 HP and 450 lb-ft (610 Nm) of torque that's available from 1750 RPM. However, Dinan will take it up to 542 HP and 587 lb-ft (796 Nm) of torque. That's just 18 HP shy of the M5 and 86 lb-ft (116 Nm) more torquey. With the new numbers the S3 550i will claim a top speed of 208 mph (333 km/h).(
Of course, in order to achieve such impressing numbers, a lot of changes had to be done. The turbochargers wet replaced with bigger units, a carbon fibre air intake was fitted and some mean-looking ducts (that also serve as strut tower braces) were installed in the engine bay.
To keep up with the increased power and its adjacent exhaust residue, the exhaust system had to be upgraded also. The new system reduces the back end pressure and improves the overall flow.
Writing down all the upgrades the guys did to the car would be pointless, as the list will seem to be never-ending. What we're interested in is how it feels.
Driving the Dinan S3 550i will cost you a lot of money in tires as they will be smoking in first, second and third gear, at least, especially when you push it from a stand still. Reaching cruising speed will show a completely different, more civilized character and you'll still be able to use the car as a proper sports saloon.
Going into corners at high speeds will keep you safe and in control, due to Dinan's custom suspension and, in case of an emergency, the Brembo brakes will show you what stopping power really means.
Overall, the S3 Dinan setup for the 550i is quite a jewel. You don't have to make any compromises and Steve Dinan and his team managed to preserve the distinctive character a BMW should have while also giving it a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
Via: eBaymotorsblog.com
Of course, in order to achieve such impressing numbers, a lot of changes had to be done. The turbochargers wet replaced with bigger units, a carbon fibre air intake was fitted and some mean-looking ducts (that also serve as strut tower braces) were installed in the engine bay.
To keep up with the increased power and its adjacent exhaust residue, the exhaust system had to be upgraded also. The new system reduces the back end pressure and improves the overall flow.
Writing down all the upgrades the guys did to the car would be pointless, as the list will seem to be never-ending. What we're interested in is how it feels.
Driving the Dinan S3 550i will cost you a lot of money in tires as they will be smoking in first, second and third gear, at least, especially when you push it from a stand still. Reaching cruising speed will show a completely different, more civilized character and you'll still be able to use the car as a proper sports saloon.
Going into corners at high speeds will keep you safe and in control, due to Dinan's custom suspension and, in case of an emergency, the Brembo brakes will show you what stopping power really means.
Overall, the S3 Dinan setup for the 550i is quite a jewel. You don't have to make any compromises and Steve Dinan and his team managed to preserve the distinctive character a BMW should have while also giving it a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality.
Via: eBaymotorsblog.com
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