So my dinan sport tuner just came yesterday for my 2016 Cooper S. Hooked it up and I have to say that I'm not sure I can tell a difference. I set it to race for the first run and I thought maybe it was more responsive, but then I set it to Valet mode and didn't notice anything different. I shut the car off when I switched settings and the app does say connected. When you select the different modes, my phone shakes but the mode doesn't light up (the directions say some phones will do that). Also the boost gauge looks better on the directions than the actual one on the Iphone app. It's so small I can't read it while driving - plus the phone locks up after a while.

Trying to decide if I keep it, or send it back

Tony

 

I know I can definitely tell the difference with my Dinan Sport on my 2018 F56S. I run mine on Sport+ setting because crap Cali 91 octane. My ScanGaugeII definitely shown more HP as well. I know, probably not an accurate number, but stock I was seeing 222-226HP pretty regularly, and with the Dinan Sport, I have seen 236-240. Also, the traction control is more active on hard launches, and even 1-2 shifts with my auto. Give it a day or two of driving. Maybe some adaptation is needed by the DME?

 

If the tuner is working properly it will add 3psi of boost in Sport+ and it will be noticeable, in my experience. I ran it for 3 years in my 2017 Clubman S All4 and have been running the same unit for two years in my 2020. I gave up on the app -- after messing about a bit, I finally just set the thing to Sport+ and have been motoring happily ever since.

It is VERY important to install the unit properly. The car needs to be fully asleep with the key fobs FAR AWAY so there's no chance the engine management computer is on. The car needs to be unlocked and the bonnet open prior to putting the car to sleep. And all connections need to be sound with wires secured and the unit not near heat sources. And, of course, you need to tear the skin on at least one hand to the point where blood is drawn, because it is the blood sacrifice that makes the thing work.

 

Ok so I think the car definitely pulls stronger low end - say between 2k to 4K. After that don’t notice a difference

I think the problem is you need have the car wake from sleep mode to change. Sometime the mode selection doesn’t light up - only feel the phone shake. I did that once and then noticed next time it was still on valet

what have you been getting for boost on the app? Is that thing a joke or is it accurate. I haven’t gotten over 7 psi. And I reset it every time before starting car

 

Whats stock boost level? Sorry im new to Mini.
You can go open road and do 3rd gear WOT. If you are still seeing 7 psi, then you can try boost leak test.

 

Well I figured I'd close this up. I spoke to Dinan tech and they said the gauge on the app is measuring added boost. Since I consistently get 4 psi with sport mode. That may be right. I did change to valet and didn't get any values above 0.0 and the car did seem slower

I think the probably is with the app. I can only change the mode after the car goes to a deep sleep. I couple of times I 've shut the car off, changed the setting -and while I get the "haptic", the mode doesn't light up (I even get the race mode "warning"). I've found the next day, when I load the app, the made has not changed.

The best way to use Dinan sport seems to be just back a mode you want to use and stick with it. I'm going to keep mine at "sport +" and leave it at that.

One other comment regarding the "race" mode. The boost is inconsistant. Sometimes it goes like a bat out of hell if you hit it just right (with added torque steer too), other times not so much.

 

Does Dinan do anything for the rev hang? Still looking for any tuner that addresses this in the Mini...

 

It takes a few days for your ECU to adjust. You’ll notice a difference, trust me!

 

I got the Dinan Elite for my F56 JCW and had it installed by a Dinan shop and I felt no difference. At first I thought it was my problem so I drove around with it for a couple weeks. It bothered me enough to bring my mini back to the shop to have the installer test drive it. He determined that the module was not working and dealt with Dinan directly for the replacement. After the new module was installed, I can actually feel the difference but was still disappointed. I ended up getting a custom tune and sold the Elite for a couple hundred bucks.