Photography by Jan Morgan
Great Machines: Automobiles: Small Wonderbar
June 1, 2006
We are performance guys, not gadget guys,” says Steve Dinan. One look at his
S3-R M3 ($99,000) makes it clear that a Dinan signature option package is not a
vanity purchase. Body kits, wings, front-end “splitters,” and similar aesthetic
gewgaws are verboten; instead, Dinan simply offers performance—pavement-ripping,
eyeball-flattening, seat belt–straining performance.
“Forced induction
and suspension have always been our main focus,” he says. “From there we
branched out into cold-air intakes, brakes, mufflers, and wheels.”
The
supercharged M3 coupe exemplifies Dinan’s philosophy. I can’t remember the last
time I saw a base M3 with a cloth interior and no sunroof, equipped with the
standard 6-speed transmission and clutch pedal. It is the lightest version of
this great coupe available, without any of the weight-producing sybaritic
options. Comfortable and user-friendly, if a bit short on elbow room, the M3 is
equipped with features that are important to a performance addict looking for
what is possibly the best-handling, most responsive BMW ever.
Under the hood
is Dinan’s S3-R supercharged version of the smooth and flexible M3’s 333 hp, S54
3.2-liter inline 6. Equipped with a Vortech supercharger and after cooler,
its power output has been increased to 462 hp along with extra 66 ft lbs of torque. “The design of the engine dictates the engineering
package. The BMW engine lends itself well to centrifugal supercharging,” Dinan
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Preserving the M3’s original exterior, Dinan’s custom wheels and
exhaust tips provide the only visual cues to the S3-R’s performance
capabilities. (Click image to enlarge)
Dinan did not just add a supercharger to this engine and hope for the
best. He also enlarged the intake manifold and installed increased-flow fuel
injectors. A 35 percent larger radiator keeps the fortified engine cool in the
hottest conditions. The supercharger uses a large after cooler to ensure high
power output without engine-damaging detonation. Even the critical supercharger
drive belt system has an automatic tensioner. Finally, the engine management
system was tuned for that important BMW drivability.
The Dinan S3-R package
is a BMW dealer-installed option. Therefore, if you order this kit on your new
M3, you retain the full BMW factory warranty and free scheduled maintenance
because all of the Dinan components carry an identical warranty to the BMW
components. If a Dinan part causes a BMW part to fail, Dinan covers it as part
of the Dinan warranty.
That Dinan is able to offer his wares through BMW
dealers and carry BMW warranties is an indication of the quality of the parts
and engineering. It is important that the vehicle drives like a BMW, without
compromising daily use. It requires no special instructions or special service,
and handles heavy traffic with ease.
Free from traffic, the engine’s performance is intoxicating. Though the standard M3 engine is flexible, the supercharged version is even more so. It is possible to drive around in third gear and still have adequate acceleration for most situations. The engine pulls smoothly from just under 2,000 rpm in any gear. Part of this flexibility is the 3.91 final drive, which may seem steep until you realize this ratio allows the S3-R a top speed of 191 mph in sixth gear.
This leaves a very short first gear, which is perfect to get the lightweight coupe moving, or to vaporize the rear tires, if that is your pleasure. With the throttle open, the power delivery is hydraulic, accompanied by that excellent BMW soundtrack, courtesy of the Dinan exhaust system. One surprise here is the lack of blower whine. I would prefer a slight aural indication of the supercharger beneath the hood, but quiet is acceptable with this much power. Acceleration is certainly adequate, with 60 mph arriving in 4.2 seconds, in spite of having to shift gears twice, while the standing quarter mile passes by in less than 13 seconds.
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