Been thinking about an intake and down to 2 choices JCW or Dinan. Both products are very similar as they only replace the top of the stock airbox with a very OEM looking piece. Each incorporates both a cold air intake from the back of the airbox and a big filter. The reason I selected these units are:
1) Better protection from water than open cone filter
2) quieter than open cone filter
3) molded plastic airbox keeps out the underhood heat.

Just looked at Dinan's website and they have everything but brake kits on sale for 20% until 3-31-2006. (Dinan is a BMW - hence Mini - partner and per their website their performance parts are sold through 120 or so new car dealerships. They are known as a premium product at a premium price.) See here:
http://www.dinanbmw.com/

Their intake goes from $250 to $200 making it a rather attractive buy for a premium brand product, photo and info here:
http://dinancars.com/Mini.asp?Series...is=40&Model=91

Anydody out there use this intake and care to comment before I pull the trigger?

Looking on their website I found a BMW dealer near my home that caries their line.Hmmm their 19mm swaybar also looks tempting at $249!
Only 600 miles on my car and in the immortal words of Norman Bates "It's starting again."
Norman - psycho6.jpg

 

It's not even a full replacement? Bummer.

 

This is a rebate, and not really a sale. I know, it's basically the same, but still different. Also, the rebate form says that the rebate is for the filter AND the software upgrade. Sounds like you can't just buy the filter.

I'd just go to Helix and get the JCW for $250.

 

Keep in mind that both of these use a filter that cannot be cleaned and must be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles for about $90. I had the Dinan and sold it to buy an Alta, which I got rid of. I am back to stock but have a brand new JCW still sitting in a box. I loved the Dinan and am still debating whether or not I should order another or install the JCW.

 

Rick Anderson - Thanks for your input!
1) You said you loved your Dinan intake - why?
2) Why did you switch to the Alta ?
3) Why did you then remove the Alta?
Sorry for asking so many questions but I'm interested in a moderate audio enhancement and want to avoid the mistake of getting an intake that is too loud!

 

I have the Dinan intake and love it. Wish i waited for this rebate thing though.

 

The JCW intake replaces the bottom of the airbox too.

Also, have a look at this thread, re. using a reusable K&N filter in the JCW: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=62783

 

Although I know Dinan products are generally of good quality and tested well, in this case I agree with the above about going for the JCW if just due to the 4500rpm flap opening thing. I don't think the Dinan has that and it is something I happen to like about the JCW - no typical intake whooshing @ low throttle but full on whine when you get on it

 

Thanks for the input everybody.

Bottom line seems to me to be:

Both the Dinan and JCW are an improvement over stock especially at higher rpms.
Both units are louder than stock but quieter than full open type like Alta.
The Dinan and the JCW intakes appear to be very much the same except that JCW has a door that opens over a certain rpm to let more air in while the Dinan has almost the same exact extra intake opening minus the door - it's always open.

1) at high rpm the airflow from both Dinan and JCW are the same
2) JCW may be slightly quieter at lower rpms
3) Dinan, not having remote control door, has one less thing to break

I ordered the Dinan intake today.

 

Are you happy with your decision? I'm also leaning toward the Dinan over the JCW, so, persuade me.

 

Has had Dinan for 20,000 miles so far, almost a year.
Have friends with JCW. I've gone Dinan all the way. Only thing left is springs and breaks. Breaks come after the Dragon. Springs after warrenty runs out then go with H-Sport.

 

I installed the Dinan CAI today and am very pleased ! I initially wanted to get the JCW because of the perported quieter sound at low rpm. It was a tough choice but economics drew me to the Dinan as I thought that for $100 savings, perhaps I can live with the louder sound (of course add to that the replacement filters of JCW and savings will be a lot more). Surprisingly, I could not tell the difference between the Dinan intake and stock at low rpm . At higher rpm, I could hear the supercharger whine quite a bit more but not at all intrusive. Installation was quite easy...1hr 15mins. for a very meticulously done job (some people think I'm too ****). Follow the instructions and it should be fine. Performance wise, here is how I could best describe what it's like: imagine driving around with 2 or 3 passengers in the car...then, imagine how much lighter it feels when these passengers get off of it ...this is exactly how it feels! Consider though that the filter I removed was the one I had since the car was new and it has 6000 miles on it...not dirty but I'm sure it made some difference. Ordering was through Pete at MyMini and it was a pleasure to deal with him. Ordered it on Monday, got it on Wednesday; plus he sent me a freebee for my birthday. Thanks Pete!!! Hope this helps some people decide.

 

FYI, the JCW airbox does include the bottom piece. However, aside from a blocking plug installed in the lower, through-to-the-cowl 'intake' bellows that all MCS stock filters have, the included lower piece is identical to what is already in the car. If it were not for the replacement cowl partition needing the lower intake box removed in order to install it, it would simply be a matter of plopping the JCW upper onto the existing lower. Problem is, there'd be no opening into the cowl, which is the whole basis for the upgrade.

 

EH0013: nice pictures and a perfect looking install. I ordered my Dinan intake at the local dealer in March and it's still on backorder. Apparently the sale was a big hit. Your writeup has spurred me to call Dinan tomorrow to see what's up.

 

Thanks. I think you will be very pleased with the product.Unfortunately, unlike you, I cannot avail of the rebate because MyMini is not an "authorized" dealer. The customer service and the quick shipping was worth it though. Ordered Monday pm, shipped Monday everning, arrived Wednesday am. It might be worth calling Pete (at MyMini) if the dealer still does not have it. I'm sure he still has it in stock. If warranty is what your aiming for, I think it only applies if it is installed by the Dinan dealer. Also, I found out from Pete that ITG will be making a washable filter for the Dinan. The OEM one is rated for 30,000 miles (by Dinan) which means that it is washable for as many as 2 times before it is deemed unusable. I intend to go with ITG (which also makes the washable version for the JCW intake) after that.

During installation, just take your time...don't force things because things will fit well. One of the forums talked about twisting the filter a bit so it will fit...I disagree. The filter has lots of room even if it is aligned staight. Let me know if you have other questions. Good luck .

 

My Dinan intake kit arrived today. Hopefully I'll find time this weekend to install (between spectating at major events at Lime Rock Race Track)!

For reference to those who have not seen it:

1) The kit utilizes the existing airbox bottom half and includes a new top half only, which is designed with a opening at the back as an additional source of cool air. The new top half is OEM quality molded plastic which acts as a heat shield.

2) The filter is a cone type which attaches to the upper half of the airbox. The filter looks to be made of a blue fabric sandwiched between black steel mesh which is deeply pleated. The Dinan name is prominently molded on the closed end of the filter. Part #: D401-0460. According to my instructions the filer is to be replaced every 30,000 without any mention of maintenance.

Everything about the kit is very high quality. Even the instructions are comprehensive and clear.

 

Installed the Dinan intake yesterday! This is my second mod as last week Eric at Helix put a 15% pulley on my car.

Relatively straightforward install and, I'm pleased to report, it looks just like the inspiring photos in the previous post by -eh0013- above. As the Dinan instructions suggested I used -Wiss- type aviation shears to trim the plastic barrier to the cool air at the base of the windshield. Initially I cut less than needed and then carefully trimmed back bit by bit until the rubber gasket supplied with the kit fit perfectly. For me this was a fun leisure project so I read the instructions several times first then took my time doing the job as I wanted that OEM look that -eh0013- achieved. Total time once I knew what to do and tools assembled = 2 hours. This is max time it should take.

I've driven with it for about 40 miles of mixed highway and in town. Under hard acceleration the supercharger whine is noticeably louder but not offensive. It sounds sporty and just right. At steady speeds (such as highway cruise in 6th gear) and under light acceleration I don't hear any significant increase in sound volume. I appreciate this as I do a lot of highway driving. This confirms my feeling that the door that opens and closes on the very similar JCW unit is perhaps not really necessary and adds another gizmo.

Why I like it summary:
- OEM quality look, fit, and finish
- straightforward install
- helps engine breath more freely
- draws cool outside air from the vent at the base of the windshield
- effectively excludes engine bay heat
- balanced sound which is modulated by right foot
- no highway drone
- large, long life (30,000 mile) no maintenance cone filter
- no moving parts - no gizmo
- satisfaction of doing it myself

I'm very pleased with this product.

 

Congratulations RedShift . Nice post too...I agree with everything you said. I honestly can't tell the difference between stock and Dinan at low rpm so I also can't see how the openning mechanism of the JCW intake would be necessary. As one poster stated somewhere...just more things to break .

 

I also have the Dinan intake on my O5MCS. Looks great, works great, no complaints.
----------------------
rc

 

Thinking about this as the next mod for my 2006 automatic Cooper S.

Since it just replaces the top of the airbox, seems as though it should fit, but figured I'd ask.

Thanks,
Don

 

I didn't get instuctions with my used Dinan intake, so I'm hoping that you guys could help me out here. Does it come with a replacement rear cowl partition (mine doesn't)? I suspect that it does not, and so I should reuse the stock cowl partition, and cut out a rectangular opening at the top of it? How big of an opening do I cut? Is there supposed to be a rubber gasket for this opening? Thanks for any help.

Matt

PS - Anyone know of a K&N part number for a replacement air filter?

 

In your opinion, during cold temps, is there a loud air sucking noise when first starting the enigne. A friend of mine had a cold air intake in a different car, and went he started his motor, there was a very obnoxish noise from the engine area. This is only think that is holding me back from buying this unit. Please help

 

The intake does not come with a replacement cowl partition. It does come with a template to use to cut your partition. The intake also comes with a specific rubber gasket for that opening you made.

I know the one you bought didn't have the gasket and that was the only reason I didn't buy it. You could probably get away with some sort of foam cut to fit, but it probably won't seal as well as the rubber gasket. Try real hard to get the correct gasket from Dinan.

 

PM sent!

 

Did any of you also use the Dinan software they sell to optimize this item?