proud new 330 owner - south bay

[Romulan]

Hi everyone,

My name is Tim and live in San Jose. I recently moved back up from San Diego, where I went to school at. My dream growing up one day was to own an M3. This weekend I found something even better (imo), a 2006 330Ci 6MT ZHP/Dinan S package with 43k miles :D. It is a significant upgrade from my 06 VW rabbit! I am a first time BMW owner and still can't get over how neat this car is. I'm a horrible photographer but here are some pics of it from my phone













I already put 200 miles on it (!) over the weekend, testing its handling along the mountain routes. RWD is a blast to say the least.

I understand some people have some spite towards Dinan? Why is this? I know they are overpriced, is that the only reason? If it was up to me I would have kept the 330Ci badge. The exhaust does sound really good. Sorry for my ignorance

[BavarianZHP]

Oh my. Oh my... That is complete WIN.

Congrats on the car and welcome to the forum!!!!

[johnrando]

Welcome Norcal, from a SoCal. Great looking car. I'm not an expert, but from what I've heard, Dinan kind of was "the only game in town", but since, many quality competitors have sprung up with better pricing. It's now somewhat perceived that Dinan has rested on their laurels, that they are somewhat arrogant, and are still too pricey (hence the arrogance... high prices, same stuff). So, I don't know that it's a quality thing. I would also guess that because they are somewhat "old school" vs. newer tuners, it's easier to bag on them. Take none of this to the bank, it's only what I hear second hand. I still think their products are fine.

[Hermes]

Welcome, beautiful car!

[JupiterBMW]

From someone that is desiring to build a Dinan ZHP, I love their products. Honestly, you can get much better bang for your buck with other manufacturers. But, Dinan products are phenomenal quality and I've been super impressed with the intake and exhaust (the ones I've put on my car). Dinan is perhaps considered more 'old school' but their mods are very understated and classy I think. If you like the mods, awesome, keep them and enjoy them.

Speaking of, do you know exactly what mods you have? I see intake, exhaust, and strut bar. What others??

[Avetiso]

WOOT more NorCal! I'm in Sacramento. Beautiful car, but I'd get rid of the DINAN badge. It looks crooked, but either way, smooth looks better! Welcome!

EDIT: Funny thing, my previous car was a 2008 Jetta 2.5l 5speed, so we have similar backgrounds, lol.

[Romulan]

From someone that is desiring to build a Dinan ZHP, I love their products. Honestly, you can get much better bang for your buck with other manufacturers. But, Dinan products are phenomenal quality and I've been super impressed with the intake and exhaust (the ones I've put on my car). Dinan is perhaps considered more 'old school' but their mods are very understated and classy I think. If you like the mods, awesome, keep them and enjoy them.

Speaking of, do you know exactly what mods you have? I see intake, exhaust, and strut bar. What others??

In addition to those, Dinan stage II software (supposedly) and floormats. I need to take the car to a local Dinan this week to make sure that the software is still installed and that it didn't get reflashed by a BMW dealership lately.

WOOT more NorCal! I'm in Sacramento. Beautiful car, but I'd get rid of the DINAN badge. It looks crooked, but either way, smooth looks better! Welcome!

EDIT: Funny thing, my previous car was a 2008 Jetta 2.5l 5speed, so we have similar backgrounds, lol.

I thought the same thing. It is slanted a little downwards. I'm going to find someone with a heat gun and just go badgeless. That's about the only visual mod I plan on doing.

[johnrando]

You probably don't need a heat gun. Should just be able to peel, then use gum-off type product to remove the leftover glue. Something like a credit card edge or a "markless" pry tool (plastic screwdriver).

[Avetiso]

Pip told me he "sawed" through the glue with floss.

[johnrando]

I've definitely hear that works.