Dinan Chip

[FiveCarsRule]

I am considering buying a Dinan engine chip for my 1990 535i. My question is, do I need to buy the transmission chip as well since my car is an automatic. There is a 40 hp gain with the chip so I am assuming that it will be hard on the transmission. The dinan site doesn't say if its neccesary, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[jeffreyb4me]

I'd recommend it as the chips compliment each other. The 40 HP gain though................?

[csieminski]

Fill me in what you find out. I have the same car as you (1990 535i automatic, 144,000 miles) and have thought casually about getting a chip to improve the already-fine performance. Bavarian Autosport Chip raises hp from 208 to 227, torque from 225 to 242 lb-ft.

A 40-hp gain would be fantastic (wow, more hp than an E36 M3!) and I know Dinan's reputation. How much? And I'm concerned about stress on the transmission, too.

[DinanM3_S2]

I'd recommend getting both as well. They really are designed to work with each other. Not sure if its necessary though. I'd call your local BMW dealer's mechanics, in my experience they know these things very well, or atleast have a manual on hand that knows. 40 hp sounds a little steep from just a chip, but then again, i know much more about the E36 and E46 then the E34, so I could be wrong.

[FiveCarsRule]

Thanks for your input guys. According to Dinan's website the chip does give 40hp (Does seem a little excessive doesn't it). Direct from Dinan the engine chip is 250 and the transmission chip is 300. Not bad for a 20% gain in horse and faster shifting. I have actually seen the engine chip for cheaper from my local garage (220 installed) and I've seen it as low as $75 on E-bay.