[midlifecrisis]

I just drove home from Prestige BMW, where my E90 has been for the past two days having a Dinan Stage 3 suspension installed. I'm very impressed so far.

With 55,000 miles on it, my '08 EDC was starting to feel a little harsh. In addition, I always thought my '00 E46 handled better with its UUC suspension.

I first met Steve Dinan a few years ago at the Rolex 24, and over dinner he explained that although he was best known for his engine work, he was particularly proud of his suspension systems. The E9X system was fairly new at the time, and I remember him telling me how they were able to maintain compliance yet firm it up under cornering loads.

I couldn't really test it out fully in this evening's damp rush hour conditions, but it sure seems to take a better set on highway ramps. What I know for sure is that all of the harshness is gone, even though I kept the original EDC dampers. The springs and bushings must have really degraded. Finally - the modestly lower stance of the car is a bonus, too. I'll update as I test it out, but so far I'm very happy I bought the Dinan Stage 3.

Kudos to Andrew, Max, and the gang at Prestige for the professional job - and thumbs up to Dinan for engineering a very nice suspension.