This 1998 BMW M Roadster is Dinan serial number 001 and served as an S2 development prototype with the full S2 Performance Package installed by Dinan Engineering in Mountain View, California. This was the subject car in an October 2000 Road & Track feature comparison article with Steve Dinan’s personal S3-tuned M Roadster. Mechanically sorted with good cosmetics, the car comes with a clean Carfax and is described as very fast with sharp handling and strong brakes, and following a recent service and full fluid change is ready to drive. It comes with its factory hardtop and new Robbins soft top.
Dinan’s S2 package consisted of a tuned 270 HP engine (30 over stock), lightened clutch assembly, upgraded suspension and more detailed further below. The car was upgraded to S2 spec when new in 1998/1999 and further tuned for the magazine test in 2000. It actually tested quicker than Dinan’s personal, supercharged S3 in many of the R&T tests, finding traction where that car struggled to put down the power. The magazine also found this car to be sharper handling, and generally a more pleasant driving, well-rounded package. One excerpt reads: “The silver S2 is the sharper responding of the two – with a little less rear tire, it rotates more easily, which may also explain its excellent 0.97g skidpad rating…”
Silver paint looks very clean and is largely original—the first owner scraped the passenger door, and due to difficulty in matching silver metallic paint a fairly large blend area was used. Paint match is very accurate and the seller says it’s only detectable with a paint meter. A clean Carfax shows that it’s never been in an accident and close-up shots of minor paint imperfections are detailed in the gallery. Michelin Pilot Sport tires have good tread but are several years old and probably best suited for dry weather. Wheels have been reverted to stock 5-spokes instead of the Dinan alloys.
The cabin remains largely stock in appearance, though the aftermarket Alpine head unit controls a very high-end McIntosh sound system with power amplifier mounted in the trunk. Speakers have been upgraded as well. The 36,940 miles shown on the digital odometer are correct, and overall wear is in line with what you’d expect to find on a well-cared for and low-mileage car. Dinan-branded aluminum pedal covers are nice upgrades, and all gauges, lights, switchgear and other accessories are functional including A/C.
Dinan horsepower modifications include Stage 4 performance engine software, a high-flow carbon fiber cold air intake, larger throttle body and a full exhaust system. A Stage 2 lightweight clutch assembly and optional 3.38 geared limited slip differential helps the acceleration and quicker throttle response. This combo helps propel the car to documented 0-60 times of under five seconds. Skidpad numbers were measured at just under 1G, allowed by a tuned suspension and re-valved Konis at the rear for more neutral handling and improved grip.
The car is further distinguished underhood by carbon fiber cam cover trim, a stout strut bar and Dinan serial badge 001 shown above. Sale includes all factory books, tools, a stack of maintenance history, and the license plate it wore in magazine feature photography.