OK. My M3 is zippy. Very zippy, but more is better, right? Anyone here have any experience with either of the stage improvements that Dinan offers for the M3? Mine is a 2004 with 19" run flats, and it rides pretty hard right now. SMGII on it, too. I'd like to go with this: http://dinancars.com/SeriesPrint.asp?prod=131 or this http://dinancars.com/SeriesPrint.asp?prod=130 but worry about the already harsh ride getting even rougher. My kidneys can only take so much. Remember, this is my daily driver. Any input is welcome. I like the Dinan option because it doesn't void my warranty, and I can get it done at my local dealer. DM
Dave, aside from the negatives of doing this to a daily driver, why not just take the money you can spend-which will add up, once you do engine, suspension, exhaust, etc- and plop it down on another car to get off on? Say, an early 911 turbo? Which you can then modify up the wazoo, if that's your inclination... (Remember, i've got a 2004 M3 Cabrio SMG and while it may lack a little bit in the performance department, i'm not sure making into a fire-breather is worthwhile, 'cause i use it as a semi-daily and summer evening to the restaurant cruiser). My .02 anyway...
Yeah, that is part of my concern, too. My problem at this point is I have a gagillion cars, and really don't have a place to put another one. I have two stored off premise, one in the street, one in the driveway, two filling the garage and one at the Ferrari Dealer for the winter. Along with a Porsche 356 super 90 that I'm considering turning into a vintage racer, so... I'm a little tight for space. But I think you're right, leave the M3 alone, tweak something else makes a lot of sense. DM
Buy yourself a garage building offsite. I've been eyeing one in an adjacent town. It's beautiful, turn of the century, probably was a small manufacturing facility before it became a commercial garage, and now, it's underutilized. (Other than toxic waste issues from prior uses, it can't be a terrible investment as a piece of real estate, either) Then, you can expand to your heart's content, rotate active cars at whim, and spend alot of time hangin' out there. I have a 4 car garage at my house which i've been improving bit, by bit, and love it.
Such a small power increase on such a heavy car is not even going to be noticeable, other than on a dyno. As to suspension, can't agree more, the std setup with the Conti runflats sucks. My wife hated her new M3 looking like a 4wd so requested that I lower it for he. Changed to a set of H&R sport springs and the car has been transformed. The ride isn't as choppy, less body roll and better resistance to bumps mid turn.
You can give one to me. I think winter blues are getting to you, just wait a little longer until you can unwind completly with the Dino. Someone else said that the Dinan would be silly b/c its such a small power increase for the heavy car. I agree, the M3 is a great car and is my favorite Non-Ferrari, is got great power and handles pretty good. My input: Just wait till Spring when we can run through the roads of Chester County, that will cure your horsepower needs. O yea i just remebered the Radnor Hunt Marque is Ferrari, try to get your car in there.
