[M4TW]

Another option is finally available for the xi, although it uses the stock front struts.

Stage 1 Suspension System - 335xi
The Stage 1 Suspension System for the 335xi consists of Dinan Performance Springs, Koni rear shocks and matching bumpstops. The system has been designed to work with the original front struts. Provides superior handling through increased grip and reduction of body roll, while maintaining a nicely dampened ride. The modestly lower ride height (1/2'' in front and rear) gives the car a tasteful performance look as well while maintaining adequate suspension travel for civilized ride quality and superior cornering capabilities.


Part # D190-9041K

Labor Hours 8.9

Price $1088.24

Point Value 5

Special Notes System retains stock front stuts.

Included Items Performance Spring Set; Koni Adjustable Shocks; Matching Bump Stops

[Nikolas]

8.9 hours? The last set of coilovers I had installed cost $200. That equates to at least $900 labor + the parts?

[M4TW]

Yes, and the Stage 1 suspension for the 335i that is more expensive, and comes with the front struts, only takes 8.8 hrs to install. I wonder what the extra 6 minutes is for?

[Nikolas]

I am assuming they are including an alignment. Coilovers are a 2-1/2 install job. Shocks and springs are about the same and they are leaving the front in place so it should be less.

[just4kickz]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

I am assuming they are including an alignment. Coilovers are a 2-1/2 install job. Shocks and springs are about the same and they are leaving the front in place so it should be less.

doesnt alignment only take like 30 minutes

[sparkyg]

Better than nothing my xi friends.

This has been a long time coming, good for all the xi'ers

Too bad I have an M3 now

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by sparkyg

Better than nothing my xi friends.

This has been a long time coming, good for all the xi'ers

Too bad I have an M3 now

My point is I would rather get KW3's. It would cost close to the same and be much better than changing only the front springs and the rear shocks and springs. Getting the H&R coilovers would be much cheaper than this option.

[Kev]

Originally Posted by Nikolas

I am assuming they are including an alignment. Coilovers are a 2-1/2 install job. Shocks and springs are about the same and they are leaving the front in place so it should be less.

the front suspension is weakest link on the XI. Dinan is doing the owners a disservice by coming up with a kit that only beefs up the rear end.

[PKumarM3]

id rather give my money to craig@supreme and kw3

[M4TW]

Hey it's still nice to have another option especially if you don't want to go as 'radical' as coilovers. Regarding recommended install labor, nothing stops you (as far as I can see) from buying them from Dinan and then taking them to get installed somewhere else. A faster shop might be able to shave a few tenths off the install time. I think you get 15% off now too, so the part costs are closer to $850. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy with my KW3's but, like I said, options are nice. With this set-up you get ride height equal to the 335i and suspension better (I would expect) than the 335i sport. This is how they look installed with their mucho dinaro 19" rims (now also available for the xi):

[scooby9]

This is great news for xi peeps. I hope they continue with stage 2 and up for xi suspension bits.

[sparkyg]

Agree a stg 2 Dinan kit would be the way to go. Hopefully would address all aspects of the suspension.

Still kinda of a shame it takes this to get it right

[Septro]

Unless the Stage2 performs markedly better than KW3's, I think for the price point of $1400 bucks + install, I'd rather stick with the KW3 route, unless of course Dinan is adding warranty cover for the suspension as well thus the rationale for higher pricing.

[pdjafari]

installing springs is ALOT easier than installing coilovers, not sure where some of you guys get the idea that it takes the same amount of time. To install rear coilovers you need to basically gut the trunk....not to mention the time it takes to set/calibrate all your settings...

[Hampi]

Performance of a KW3 is probably unbeatable, but ride quality is suffering a lot . Having gone through different settings, I am still not happy at all with my KW3`s; riding quality is too harsh.

The Dinan might just be the right choice for people (like me) not looking for the ultimate in handling, yet looking for improved handling quality and looks with acceptable comfort !

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by pdjafari

installing springs is ALOT easier than installing coilovers, not sure where some of you guys get the idea that it takes the same amount of time. To install rear coilovers you need to basically gut the trunk....not to mention the time it takes to set/calibrate all your settings...

This was exactly my point. The last set of coilovers that I had installed on a car took 2 hours!

[pdjafari]

Originally Posted by Hampi

Performance of a KW3 is probably unbeatable, but ride quality is suffering a lot . Having gone through different settings, I am still not happy at all with my KW3`s; riding quality is too harsh.

The Dinan might just be the right choice for people (like me) not looking for the ultimate in handling, yet looking for improved handling quality and looks with acceptable comfort !

if you decide to sell your V3s let me know

[scooby9]

That's a dilemma that concerns me too. I'd still like some reasonable comfort for city driving but track performance on weekends. Such a tough balance to achieve!

Originally Posted by Hampi

Performance of a KW3 is probably unbeatable, but ride quality is suffering a lot . Having gone through different settings, I am still not happy at all with my KW3`s; riding quality is too harsh.

The Dinan might just be the right choice for people (like me) not looking for the ultimate in handling, yet looking for improved handling quality and looks with acceptable comfort !

[equ]

Originally Posted by Kev

the front suspension is weakest link on the XI. Dinan is doing the owners a disservice by coming up with a kit that only beefs up the rear end.

+1. The front is really weak and this makes me think this kit is bs.

[danniexi]

Without the front struts, I'd say that the KWV3 or H&R coilovers are the better option.

[M4TW]

Here is a pretty good review of the Dinan Stage 1 for the 335i

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199700

Even without the struts I still think you'll end up with a car that's as low as the 335i and handles better than the ZSP. That's a pretty good option for those wanting to upgrade their xi suspension.

It would be nice if someone could test-drive it and post a review. Anyone with an xi near Dinan's HQ?

[jgalaxy]

It's good to see some options slowly coming out. KWs were a huge improvement for daily driving. Still not the right option for the track for those looking for the ultimate rush. It's a pity that the 335XI can't enjoy the full suspension option mods available from the E92 M3. Will we ever find suspension nirvanna.