[BMWrush17]

After a trip to NJ this weekend, with both traffic and spirited moments, my car went into limp mode twice. The conditions were around 75 degrees and my AC was on low. My car has the BMW PPK Stage 1.

After getting the car safely home, we got it up on some ramps and looked around. Turns out my car does not have the AUX oil cooler (a requirement for Stage 1) since it came with the 17 inch wheels on the m sport vs. 18 inch wheels (seems ridiculous to me). Coolant has been topped off and no leaks found. Going to bring it into BMW to see why they agreed to install the PPK without the AUX oil cooler and see if I can workout some deal with parts/labor (they obviously had no idea).

That being said, I am looking to buy the ER Sport Oil cooler, do the IS fog light delete and strengthen the fan. Has anyone had experience installing an oil cooler without the factory unit? I have had trouble finding the Oil adaptor housing. Has anyone been able to part out the stage 2 cooling hardware from the PPK (aux water cooler & stronger fan)? Thanks in advance for your help. Steve

[turbo_chris]

Installing a oil cooler should be pretty simple. You will need a new oil filter housing with the oil cooler t-stat, oil lines, and the radiator with mounting brackets.

Look up some retrofits on N54's. It should be nearly identical as both motors are very similar.

[Unklejoe]

Just out of curiosity, how high were your oil temps getting?

[BMWrush17]

Surprisingly the oil temp was about average around 250 maybe hit 255 at one point. What was happening was the engine coolant was too hot and being released through the engine coolant "blow off" valve. the cap has a pressure trigger with 140 rating on it (not sure what unit that is in). When I opened my hood coolant was around the cap and engine bay.

After getting home and checking the coolant levels I lost about 1/3rd. After letting the car cool and refilling there have been no leaks. The car currently heats up to proper temps, radiator fan goes on and coolant levels are stable.

[BMWrush17]

Also the dealership installed PPK Stage 1 without me having the oil cooler. Has anyone had this experience?

[Unklejoe]

Weird.

I have the factory oil cooler and my oil temps never go above 250 so it looks like we are pretty similar there. Doesn't look like the oil cooler would have helped you.

But as far as engine coolant, we have the same setup and I've never had any problems. I am running a protuned Cobb with a FMIC.

I'm wondering if there is an issue with your water pump/thermostat.

I do think the PE comes with an auxiliary engine coolant radiator, but there are many members here making more power than us and never had any issues.

Maybe on a circuit track or something, idk

[CantCatchMe]

The ER runs $1,600-1,700 with the retrofit I believe. I plan to get it at some point. My car runs a little too warm at some points. Let us know what the dealer says when you take it in.

[BMWrush17]

As I am waiting for a tow all I can think about is causing a scene at my dealership. On a side note there are no tow trucks allowed on the garden state.

On ER website with black anodized, retrofit and shroud its $1,400. How many hours does the install typically take?

[CrustyNoodle]

Sounds to me like your coolant thermostat is stuck closed. I'd check that out before installing auxiliary coolers.

[bfritzsch]

Originally Posted by BMWrush17

As I am waiting for a tow all I can think about is causing a scene at my dealership. On a side note there are no tow trucks allowed on the garden state.

On ER website with black anodized, retrofit and shroud its $1,400. How many hours does the install typically take?

I have a 2011 335 that came with the OEM oil cooler and just did this install this weekend. Now I did the black anodized oil cooler and FMIC install at the same time as they are both in the same place.

All together took about a full day for 2 non-mechanics but decent backyard mechanics. I dont use my car everyday so I was more worried about getting things right the first time then being able to drive it again the same day. So for that reason we took our time.

In terms of the retro fit kit I am not sure how long that will take but from my experience the install times that they list on the ER install guides are for trained mechanics. They said the oil cooler and FMIC would be 1-2 hours each and it took us a little more than double that for each.

[BMWrush17]

Are the ER install guides on their website? I checked under Support and did not see any oil cooler installation guides.

CrustyNoodle That is a good point and I am starting to think it is not related to the oil cooler (even tho it is a prerequisite to Stage 1). The car is at the dealership now. Will let everyone know what they find out.

[piker28]

Originally Posted by BMWrush17

As I am waiting for a tow all I can think about is causing a scene at my dealership. On a side note there are no tow trucks allowed on the garden state.

On ER website with black anodized, retrofit and shroud its $1,400. How many hours does the install typically take?

Coming from a guy that worked at a dealer, you will have a better outcome with a nice attitude then with a mean one.

Also as said above, the oil cooler would not help your coolant.

[JBird..]

This is exactly what happened to me when my water pump started to go out. What is the mileage on your car it could very well be the water pump failing.

[BMWrush17]

piker28 Completely agree piker. I have kept my attitude calm, just feeling the frustration. Between the hole in the bumper which they caused and I found on my own and the crooked installation of my PE I feel this third error is pushing me to break through the calmness.

If it is the water pump, I expect this to keep happening if the PPK is putting stress on the entire system. It has 41k miles.

Has anyone parted out just stage 2 parts?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

One option would be to buy the Mishimoto 335i radiator. You can get it here for $556.68 w/ coupon code 10MOTO. Plus, free shipping!

http://www.autohance.com/mishimoto-m...FYI8aQodhZAA_A

Cooling capacity is increased by 35%, fits in the stock location, and costs about the same (or less) than the auxiliary radiator kit. All in all, it seems like a good deal.

http://www.mishimoto.com/bmw-335i-13...tor-06-13.html

[BMWrush17]

Just received this gem back from the dealership:

"Once the technician diagnoses your vehicle, I will let you know what is going on.
Your car does not require an auxiliary oil cooler for the performance exhaust upgrade, but it would be necessary if you were to install the power kit."

If I WERE to install the power kit? Hmm I guess I blacked out when I purchased the power kit from the dealership.

[BMWrush17]

Welcome to NBA Jam Would this improved radiator keep my tranny coolant temps in check?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by BMWrush17

Welcome to NBA Jam Would this improved radiator keep my tranny coolant temps in check?

That'll be accomplished by a higher capacity transmission cooler, but it'll at least keep your coolant temperatures in check. I haven't seen any sort of transmission cooler upgrades though. You can check out this idea, though. It's basically replacing the whole transmission cooler with a large oil cooler. I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Also, I just realized the Mishimoto is for manauls only, so your only option is another aftermarket radiator or the BMW one.

[BMWrush17]

I came across this radiator through another trend and user:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...imoto+radiator

http://csfrace.com/product/bmw-racing-radiators/

[bfritzsch]

Originally Posted by BMWrush17

Are the ER install guides on their website? I checked under Support and did not see any oil cooler installation guides.

The guides aren't on their site you have to email them. Or you get a physical copy when you buy the components.

[piker28]

I believe when the PPK is installed they put some label in the engine bay. Do you have anything like that?

Might be time to find a new dealer to get service at.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by BMWrush17

Are the ER install guides on their website? I checked under Support and did not see any oil cooler installation guides.

CrustyNoodle That is a good point and I am starting to think it is not related to the oil cooler (even tho it is a prerequisite to Stage 1). The car is at the dealership now. Will let everyone know what they find out.

We send out installation guides with all the ER products. They are very easy step by step instructions with pictures. If you are still having problems, you are more than welcome to give us or Evolution Racewerks a call.