Steve Dinan’s generosity is bigger than Mt. Rushmore. When we came up with the idea of pitting the IS-F against an M3, Dinan tried to connect us with BMW’s M brand manager. Due to our very short time frame, we were unable to procure an M3 sedan in time for the test. Instead, Dinan offered one his personal cars for the day so we could run our series of tests. Yowza! “Just bring it back in the same condition” was Steve’s only request. We nearly reached nirvana when we rolled out of the parking lot with two high-performance V-8 demons under our wings. Or was it because we inhaled too much exhaust fumes from these 400 horsepower brutes?
Read our comparison test to see how the sum of the parts improved a very good car into a great car — Face-off: Lexus IS-F versus BMW M3
To be honest, using a Dinan prepped M3 against a Lexus IS-F isn’t a fair fight. But who said we had to fight “fair”? For full disclosure, the following are the Dinan modifications that were installed in Dinan M3 Coupe.
Wheels: Dinan lightweight forged wheelset
- Dinan’s beautiful 19” spread-forged performance wheels are some of the lightest and strongest wheels on the market at a mere 20 pounds each. Every surface of the forged wheel is machined, eliminating unnecessary material.
- Front = 19 x 9.5
- Rear = 19 x 10.5
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport PS2
- The Pilot Sport PS2 is a Max Performance Summer tire member of the Michelin Pilot family of low profile, high-speed tires. Initially developed for Original Equipment (O.E.) on some of the world’s most prestigious sports cars and performance sedans, the Pilot Sport PS2 combines world-class dry road traction, handling and cornering.
- Front = 275/30-19
- Rear = 295/30-19
Brakes: Dinan/Brembo front and rear brakes w/slotted rotors
- The Dinan/Brembo four-wheel brake conversion offers the ultimate in stopping power for the most demanding driving enthusiast. Extensive testing on the street and at the track turned out a custom system that has been tuned for optimum performance while avoiding the foibles of typical “big brake kits”, such as unbalanced proportioning, poor pedal feel and unacceptable noise levels, just to name a few.
Exhaust: Dinan M3 free flow exhaust
- Dinan’s unique muffler design effectively reduces back-pressure for improved flow, resulting in measurable power gains. Manufactured from 304 stainless steel inside and out for superior resistance to corrosion as well as a significant reduction of weight. And from those 3″ inch aggressive looking ceramic-coated tips flows an exhaust note that will be music to the driving enthusiast’s ears. The result is increased power, reduced weight, a look that means business and the throaty exhaust note you’d expect from an M3.
Suspension: Dinan Stage 3 Suspension System
- Dinan Suspension System provides greater control over body roll by virtue of carefully calibrated spring rates designed to work in conjunction with the original-equipment standard or EDC shocks and struts. Dinan lowers the M3 by 1/2″ front and rear for improved suspension geometry and an even more aggressive stance. The higher spring rates, increased suspension travel and improved suspension geometry give the M3 even more grip for faster and more predictable cornering capabilities.
- The Dinan camber plates shift the range of the adjuster by -0.7 degrees, providing for a more aggressive negative camber setting that dramatically improves grip in the turns for reduced understeer and razor sharp turn-in.
Final drive ratio: 4.10 Limited slip differential
- Dinan lowers the stock 3.85 final drive ratio to a 4.10, taking full advantage of torque multiplication for a substantial 6.5% increase in torque delivered to the road.
 Performance without sacrifice – www.dinancars.com |
We have possessed a BMW since my very first 1980 3 series and my latest toy, the E39 M5 is constantly keeping me entertained at the weekends in the local track!