Hi,
I have 2017 S ALL4, and was looking to add a bit of a horsepower to it.
I found tons of different plug-n-play adaptors but was wondering if anyone can help out with some guidance as to which ones actually work?
thank you

 

The two most common are Dinan Sport and NM Power Module. I've read more posts about problems with the Dinan than NM. I have no personal experience with Dinan however. I ran the NM for a couple years without a problem, both with and without the JCW Tune.

 

You also have Burger Motorsports. I used the JB+ on my N18 engine and it worked fine. I've used two different Dinan Modules and both worked great, no issues. However recent issues have cropped up for some people with poor customer service. They are now owned by another tuning company with a large footprint in the industry. Maybe they will get it together on the MINI side. The Dinan Elite provides more than enough power for my needs.

I'd suggest reading the many threads on here talking about all this.

Buy from a company that will take it back if it doesn't work on your car properly.

 

Welcome to NAM.
I've had the Dinan Sport installed in my 2017 S All4 for almost 3 happy years. No issues on Sport+ mode, which is +3psi extra boost. It makes a big positive difference, especially in the lower/mid part of the rpm band. Kicks in early and keeps pulling hard. Bought mine on sale from ECS -- great customer service experience.

Easy-ish to install. Remove the metal intake piece and scrape the backs of your hands until they bleed, lose one or two of the gray clips that attach the plug, run the wires so they don't get near the fan, and you're ready to rip. For less than $300.

ONLY CAVEAT is any drivetrain issues under warranty are at your risk -- some dealers look past plug in boxes, others have been known to try to deny claims because of the box. But the dealer needs to show evidence that the box caused the issue, or they can also fall back on a famous factory bulletin that states none of these add-ons have been approved or certified by BMW/MINI. Pays your $ and takes your chances.

As Moocher says, lots of info in various threads. Like this one, among many: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-power-up.html

 

I have the Dinan Elite on my 2019 with JCW tune. Zero issues, and the power seems crazy in this little car. The power comes on very smooth across all RPMs. It may have been expensive (like $850), but dang does it make this car a blast to drive. It takes about 30 minutes to install, is very simple, and if Mini won’t cover warranty work, Dinan will with the Elite.

 

Just to be clear. If, while still under the MINI original warranty period, a failure occurs and MINI determines it is the fault of the Dinan, then Dinan will review and, if Dinan agrees with MINI that the Dinan Elite caused the issue, then Dinan will work with MINI, and so on.

MINI's official position is that any add-on tuner box is not covered and having one on your car could cause any issues to NOT be covered under warranty. MINI's official position is they don't endorse ANY add on performance devices.

Elite gives you the possibility of getting a problem/failure fixed by Dinan during the original warranty period. That is some comfort. But it remains the case that you plug these boxes -- any of these boxes -- into your car at your own risk.

For me, it's been worth the risk with no issues in three years. But from day one, I have run my Dinan with the assumption that if something went bump, I'd have to fight to get it fixed under warranty. That's why I say, the boxes are a great performance enhancement, but, you pays your money and you takes your chances.

 

I have follows several threads on this forum as well as the JCW forum on the subject of the power modules. But now I have a question...seems that the JB4 and the Dinan elite are similar, as the NM power module and the Dinan sport are similar in what they affect in doing what they do. But I don’t understand why there is such a price differential between the two on the top end of the range. Seems that the JB4 offers more as well as the periodic upgrades on software and firmware...yet about $300 less. Same with the prices between the JB+, Dinan sport, and NM power module (prices between $199 - $340). So if they essentially affect same parameters, and yield similar gains in HP and torque, why the difference? Am I missing something because I haven’t been able to gain any insight.

 

Dinan Elite has the warranty and CARB certs and claims more and smoother gains than the Sport. Mostly you pay for warranty with the Dinan Elite though, if you’ve read all the comments in the various threads, you now understand there has been a range of experiences with the Elite and with dealing with Dinan. NM has robust packaging, a good reputation, and historically has excellent personal customer service. JB is sold with some disclaimers like for track use only. Good customer interface reported with JB. Data loggers like JB in that regard.

The tunes/flashes are a whole world unto themselves. And Racechip is increasing its presence and upgrading their packaging and choices.

Just depends on bells and whistles, amount of extra power, and risk tolerance.

 

Dinan Elite provides a warranty that the others don't. Would be worth it on a new car if something goes wrong that MINI won't pay for and Dinan steps up and covers.

 

Like the OP I have a S as well and have been debating on either the JCW Tuning Kit or the Dinan Elite. The Dinan is much cheaper but doesn't include the Pro exhaust. For those of you that have had each (not at the same time but separately) which has the best gains? And with the pro exhaust how noticeable is the sound inside? I don't want drone on a daily driven work car. AND not trying to hijack the post but I think this is what was originally asked as well. I'm not concerned with the warranty part so much as that has already been discussed. Thanks

 

So I bit the bullet and got the Dinan Elite. My clubman s is fwd. The torque is SSSOOOO much better. To the point that it easily breaks the front tires loose. Not a problem I really had before. It now feels like I wanted all along. And the passing power is great. Just press the gas a lil and it takes off. Gas mileage is taking a hit but its new power so its kinda hard to keep my foot out of it. And tight now Elites are on sale for $700 so to me its worth every penny.

 

Im picking up my All4 S on Tuesday. would the improved power be as evident with AWD?

 

The power boost is evident in the AWD S, but not as profound. Torque steer and front wheel spin are mitigated by the AWD system. But the All4 becomes a much more lively vehicle with the added boost, in my experience. Enjoy your new ride!!

 

Yeah I'm betting it is a little more subdued for all4 but where I'm fwd it def brought out the torque steer that wasn't there before. For you it will be more manageable grunt for sure.

 

You won’t get much in the way of torque steer with the All4, but it will definitely make a difference. If you have a 2017, make sure you are looking at the correct products too. I saw the JB+ mentioned, and it will not work on your engine, you would want the JB4.
or you could say screw it and take the dive into a full ECU remap. For real gains!