Found out yesterday (from BMW) that the car has dealer installed DINAN software and DINAN cat-back exhaust, in addition to the F/R DINAN tie bars I already spotted from the pics. Also has an adjustable rear sway bar - mfg unknown, blue color - DINAN???

What are the real world performance gains from the software and exhaust? Was there that much left in the M5 to gain from these type of mods?

And on the adjustable rear sway bar, is this a common mod to do without doing the front one? The front is stock.

OK. I went on the DINAN site and the answer is 'no' on the software as far as additional performance goes. It was actually written somewhat humorously, something like "for the first time in 20 years, we can't get anything more out of an engine just from improved software"

The (not very useable) upside is that the chip does remove the speed limiter so if I'm ever driving at Talladega I can see how fast it really goes. Also, they say that it raises the redline. Now THAT is something, because the redline is already 7000 rpm, which is high for a 5 liter motor (unless its the new V10.)

The exhaust is good for 6 hp and I think 8 ft-lbs, but only with stage II software and intake mods. Who knows what it is with stage I software and stock intake - 4 hp? There is a 20lb weight reduction, so I guess that helps a bit too.

I can't argue with the sound though. Not TOO obnoxious at light throttle and low rpm, but wail on it and HELLO!!! This thing sounds like a pissed-off demon with a bad attitude. :evil2 I just have to readjust my auditory shift point that is still set to my old 540 with its sub-6K rpm red line!!

Yeah chip and exhaust won't gain you much. The Dinan (or similar) air intake with the temp sensor relocate is your best bet for more power at a somewhat reasonable price. The stock setup is restrictive for the inlets to the air boxes and you'll suffer from heat soak (specially in the summer) of the Inlet Air Temp Sensor (IATS) so those mods will help you breathe better and not lose power when it starts getting warm out ;)

Congrats on the new purchase :)

Rear sway bar only is a common mod, you have to drop the front subframe or something crazy to swap out the front one so most people don't bother, since the rear one is more important.

Also has an adjustable rear sway bar - mfg unknown, blue color - DINAN???


Blue = Dinan
though I don't know enough about modding E39 M5's the Dinan way to know why they wouldn't do the front bar too.