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Dinan Free Flow Exhaust (330Ci)
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Written by:
VinnyMac |
April 1, 2001
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Application: E46 330Ci
Fit & Finish:
The Dinan Free Flow Exhaust has a very solid
stainless steel finish with husky welds and 2.5” polished tips. The tips are branded with the “Dinan” logo.
Installation requires the OEM exhaust cut off behind the 2nd resonator. The fit is very solid
and the tips are offset slightly to compliment the rear valence. The welds look a bit unrefined and lack the smooth finish of competing exhausts. I was expecting a cleaner finish for an $899 exhaust. The
exhaust profile sits rather low and may present problems to owners with really lowered cars but will not be a problem for the majority. The entire exhaust looks “blocky” and almost out of place amongst the
smooth lines of the E46.
Score: (7.5 / 10)
Performance & Tone:
Dinan claims gains of 6HP and 5ft/lbs torque. The exhaust certainly sounds more powerful. At idle there is a deep low growl. The exhaust is moderately loud at wide-open throttle and has a tendency to emit a backflow “gurgle” when you let off the throttle. One thing I do not particularly care for is the droning sound inside the cabin at cruising speeds. Many of
my passengers have complained about the resonance inside the car. The exhaust is certainly louder than stock but probably not a good choice for someone wanting a really loud exhaust tone…BB Triflo might be an alternative. My 330Ci feels peppier but is very likely the combined affects of the Dinan Free Flow exhaust, cold air intake, and software.
Score: (7.75 / 10)
Summary:
The Dinan Free Flow Exhaust is a great product backed by an established company. One major advantage Dinan has over the competition is the supplemental warranty coverage they offer with most of their products. I love the low gear and low to medium RPM tone but the droning at cruising speed is less appealing to some. Would I buy the exhaust again if I could? Yes.
Overall: (8/10)
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