Oil Cooler worthwhile?

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 06:38 AM

I managed to grab a free stock oil cooler set up complete with all brackets from a 335 so there wouldn’t be any expense really, just time to install. I haven’t had any cooling issues so far either.

Would there be a real benefit to our cars from an Oil Cooler? Or could it be a detriment?

TomD335xicoupe · 06-05-2018, 06:46 AM

Never hurts to upgrade. I have the 335 I do not have an oil cooler. When I bought the car (used) I bought all the parts when I was contemplating tracking the car but sold them as my car never needed it for street use. 4 years and 45,000 miles later never had a issue.

Eagle1oh7 · 06-05-2018, 08:51 AM

Is it an OE? I did the upgrade myself, doesn't hurt!

Noir · 06-05-2018, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biginboca

I managed to grab a free stock oil cooler set up complete with all brackets from a 335 so there wouldn’t be any expense really, just time to install. I haven’t had any cooling issues so far either.

Would there be a real benefit to our cars from an Oil Cooler? Or could it be a detriment?

I dont think you'll run that hot, ever...
HOWEVER, given the nature of your setup, I can see it being useful!
If it was me, and my car was a clone of yours, I'd be all up in the top end enjoying what I got! So that may be something to help...
I know with me, if I am consistently dogging on the car, I will burn some oil.
Albeit, by the time my oil change comes around is when the car actually needs a little top off. So there is that!
I can only imagine how beneficial it would be on the track where I would be getting on the car for a lengthy period VS. my occasional redline down the road.

10/10 I would give it a shot!
If it were me (and I know you got the piece for free 99, so this is kinda on the other side of the spectrum) I'd probably get one of those side mounted oil coolers that sit behind a grill just because it sounds easier.

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 10:03 AM

Yes it’s an OE cooler. The only parts I would need I can see would be the cooler duct that runs from the bumper to channel air to the cooler. The cooler itself mounts in front of the passenger tire inside the fender liner, air flows through the factory duct in the bumper (part I need) and exhausts into the wheel well. There’s a 335 fender liner that has a cutout for the cooler exhaust but I figure I can just trim my original liner.

Seems like an easy install, just connect 2 ports on the oil filter housing to the cooler lines. And mount everything associated with the cooler of course.

Noir · 06-05-2018, 10:14 AM

Oh! It is one of those lol... power of reading... yeah man! doit!

Eagle1oh7 · 06-05-2018, 11:24 AM

The hose costs around $50 at the stealership. The hardest part was disconnecting it from the hose from the bottom half of the engine and then getting it back on there and getting it nice and snug to ensure it doesn't back out. I tied the hose with some gift wrapping rope and fished it up. Luckily our cars come with the dual hose bracket so it's fully plug and play.

Edit: This was my first DIY upgrade and it took me a long time because it was my first DIY and I was careful not to mess anything up lol

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

The hose costs around $50 at the stealership. The hardest part was disconnecting it from the hose from the bottom half of the engine and then getting it back on there and getting it nice and snug to ensure it doesn't back out. I tied the hose with some gift wrapping rope and fished it up. Luckily our cars come with the dual hose bracket so it's fully plug and play.

Edit: This was my first DIY upgrade and it took me a long time because it was my first DIY and I was careful not to mess anything up lol

I’m not sure I have to deal with the hose you are talking about? This is my current OF housing:

Can’t I just swap to this housing below and use the N54 cooler connection part shown in the pic below that attaches to the front of the oil filter housing?

I was also gifted a simple ported plate that can mount to the N54 housing. Looks it might be even easier but then I would not be able to use the factory lines and fittings I was gifted with my cooler assembly:

Any thoughts on the best way to go about this? Are there any issues just swapping to the n54 oil filter housing and just hooking 2 lines to the cooler? Seems like my install would be simpler than yours?

Thanks for any insights...

Eagle1oh7 · 06-05-2018, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biginboca

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1oh7

The hose costs around $50 at the stealership. The hardest part was disconnecting it from the hose from the bottom half of the engine and then getting it back on there and getting it nice and snug to ensure it doesn't back out. I tied the hose with some gift wrapping rope and fished it up. Luckily our cars come with the dual hose bracket so it's fully plug and play.

Edit: This was my first DIY upgrade and it took me a long time because it was my first DIY and I was careful not to mess anything up lol

I'm not sure I have to deal with the hose you are talking about? This is my current OF housing:

[img]https://s22.postimg.cc/mrks7h48h/48_...6282_C8_E0.jpg[/img]

Can't I just swap to this housing below and use the N54 cooler connection part shown in the pic below that attaches to the front of the oil filter housing?

[img]https://s22.postimg.cc/nv4wj99e9/A1_..._CCC896743.jpg[/img]

I was also gifted a simple ported plate that can mount to the N54 housing. Looks it might be even easier but then I would not be able to use the factory lines and fittings I was gifted with my cooler assembly:

[img]https://s22.postimg.cc/dl2hk6jkh/183...D5_FDDA661.jpg[/img]

Any thoughts on the best way to go about this? Are there any issues just swapping to the n54 oil filter housing and just hooking 2 lines to the cooler? Seems like my install would be simpler than yours?

Thanks for any insights...

I have the oil cooler found on the N55 and certain N52 equipped models. I think the N54 cooler requires you to mod your wheel well liner to install it.

The OFH is the same between the N54 and N55, the actual heat exchanger element is what's different.

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 12:29 PM

After doing some more reading it looks like this piece is actually a thermostat housing.

This pic shows the 2 ports on the under side that my 335i oem take off oil cooler lines plug right into:

So if I used that instead of the simple ported plate there would be a thermostat controlling oil flow to the cooler. Is that good or bad? Seems like it might be good?

Noir · 06-05-2018, 01:08 PM

All these parts you are posting, 10/10 were what I was looking to do with my application!
I think I shared a thread in my SC thread in regards to that specific retrofit.
Will return!

Edit: Post 21!
Pics weren't loading entirely on the thread in question..

Phyrexia · 06-05-2018, 06:08 PM

I've planned to install the N52 oil/coolant heat exchanger, but not the external oil cooler. I might autocross this car eventually but I don't think it'll ever see a full-on track day. In hot climates either solution should be helpful though.

See http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3753

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 06:23 PM

So why would the turbo cars use a separate cooler (radiator) for the oil and the N52 cars use a heat exchanger which uses engine coolant to cool the oil?

I’m guessing the separate cooler is more effective because turbo cars oil sees more heat?

But if you already have a cooler (radiator) that fits and all the associated parts being made for use on the turbo cars why would BMW design (and use) a coolant based heat exchanger on the N/A applications?

Phyrexia · 06-05-2018, 06:40 PM

I imagine it's because the heat exchanger is enough for even the most powerful N52 applications (the big sedans and the X5 I guess?). From what little I know about the N54 it's pretty overengineered in some respects.

Not all 335s came with the oil cooler if I recall correctly. I think hot-climate cars got the coolers and cold-climate cars did not. There was a recent thread in maybe the General or the N54 section about them?

Phyrexia · 06-05-2018, 06:41 PM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1483444

Eagle1oh7 · 06-05-2018, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phyrexia

I imagine it's because the heat exchanger is enough for even the most powerful N52 applications (the big sedans and the X5 I guess?). From what little I know about the N54 it's pretty overengineered in some respects.

Not all 335s came with the oil cooler if I recall correctly. I think hot-climate cars got the coolers and cold-climate cars did not. There was a recent thread in maybe the General or the N54 section about them?

The Z4 comes with one from the factory, at least the CPO one I saw at the dealership last year.

Biginboca · 06-05-2018, 08:37 PM

I decided to go with the full N54 set up, so will use the thermostat housing and air cooler I was gifted.

One last question I’m contemplating is which oil thermostat to use? The factory one for the N54 is 240 degrees and there’s an aftermarket low temp available that triggers at 200-210 degrees.

I’m thinking stick with the 240 but not sure. Seems like these engines like to run hot, and that also would allow the ecu to still run all its 4 coolant/water pump profiles without the oil cooler affecting them. Maybe this is flawed logic?

Torgus · 06-06-2018, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biginboca

I decided to go with the full N54 set up, so will use the thermostat housing and air cooler I was gifted.

One last question I’m contemplating is which oil thermostat to use? The factory one for the N54 is 240 degrees and there’s an aftermarket low temp available that triggers at 200-210 degrees.

I’m thinking stick with the 240 but not sure. Seems like these engines like to run hot, and that also would allow the ecu to still run all its 4 coolant/water pump profiles without the oil cooler affecting them. Maybe this is flawed logic?

I would keep it stock. Oil likes to be warm and there is no problem. The extra cooling capacity will make sure it does not get higher than it should.

You could always get the bms sport oil cooler valve I guess.

atmosphericM · 06-12-2018, 12:05 PM

Big, just a heads up (in case you haven't read yet).. your fender liner is the correct one, however you can buy a vented grille (OEM) that you 'install' on your OE fender liner. The outline is already there to cut, and the vent 'bolts' on to it.

Then you could go all out and do the 'sport' fog light delete (found on the 335is E92). Passenger side air goes to oil cooler. Then DIY a tube from the driver's side duct to the air intake box. 8) I'm sure the space is tight there, but I'm honestly very surprised that no one has attempted this yet.

atmosphericM · 06-12-2018, 12:07 PM

I'm sure the reasoning for the turbo cars getting the radiator for oil cooling is because turbos can really heat up some oil (as you figured). However the full-on radiator in the wheel-well option is surely overkill for typical N52 situations. They probably designed the "lesser" cooler for N52 because they needed something simpler and cheaper than the full-on N54 cooling system.

One thought, are the oil pumps the same between the engines? Make sure your oil pressure remains high enough with the oil having to go all that extra distance?

Biginboca · 06-12-2018, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Torgus

I would keep it stock. Oil likes to be warm and there is no problem. The extra cooling capacity will make sure it does not get higher than it should.

You could always get the bms sport oil cooler valve I guess.

Funny enough the OFH/TStat housing I got came with the BMS bypass installed. I definitely don’t want to run that the oil will never get up to temp on my commute it barely gets up to temp now.

I’m thinking stock T Stat is best so I’m going to try and source one of them.

Biginboca · 06-12-2018, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atmosphericM

Big, just a heads up (in case you haven't read yet).. your fender liner is the correct one, however you can buy a vented grille (OEM) that you 'install' on your OE fender liner. The outline is already there to cut, and the vent 'bolts' on to it.

Then you could go all out and do the 'sport' fog light delete (found on the 335is E92). Passenger side air goes to oil cooler. Then DIY a tube from the driver's side duct to the air intake box. 8) I'm sure the space is tight there, but I'm honestly very surprised that no one has attempted this yet.

Great info thanks bro! I almost ordered the fender liner today you just saved me $60 lol

I am going to buy the oem air duct that thing is expensive for what it is like $80 or so for the cooler duct from the bumper. The factory grill/cover that goes on the backside of the cooler inside the fender is only like $25 though.

I tried the ram air set up but the tubing I bought (3”) wouldn’t fit behind my headlight and I abandoned the project. I ordered a AFE Stage 2 sealed airbox instead. The ram has been on my mind again this week though cause like you said I’ll be messing around with the bumper off anyway and I do like symmetry on the car... lol

06-05-2018, 06:38 AM	#1
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	Oil Cooler worthwhile? I managed to grab a free stock oil cooler set up complete with all brackets from a 335 so there wouldn’t be any expense really, just time to install. I haven’t had any cooling issues so far either. Would there be a real benefit to our cars from an Oil Cooler? Or could it be a detriment?
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06-05-2018, 06:46 AM	#2
TomD335xicoupe First Lieutenant 319 Rep 378 Posts Drives: 08 335XI me ,19 x3 M40 wife Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (1)	Never hurts to upgrade. I have the 335 I do not have an oil cooler. When I bought the car (used) I bought all the parts when I was contemplating tracking the car but sold them as my car never needed it for street use. 4 years and 45,000 miles later never had a issue. __________________
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06-05-2018, 08:51 AM	#3
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	Is it an OE? I did the upgrade myself, doesn't hurt! __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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06-05-2018, 10:03 AM	#5
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	Yes it’s an OE cooler. The only parts I would need I can see would be the cooler duct that runs from the bumper to channel air to the cooler. The cooler itself mounts in front of the passenger tire inside the fender liner, air flows through the factory duct in the bumper (part I need) and exhausts into the wheel well. There’s a 335 fender liner that has a cutout for the cooler exhaust but I figure I can just trim my original liner. Seems like an easy install, just connect 2 ports on the oil filter housing to the cooler lines. And mount everything associated with the cooler of course.
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06-05-2018, 10:14 AM	#6
Noir Major 883 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (1)	Oh! It is one of those lol... power of reading... yeah man! doit! __________________ See you, space cowboy. *Supercharged*
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06-05-2018, 11:24 AM	#7
Eagle1oh7 Lieutenant Colonel 287 Rep 1,710 Posts Drives: '11 328i Sedan Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Chula Vista CA iTrader: (0)	The hose costs around $50 at the stealership. The hardest part was disconnecting it from the hose from the bottom half of the engine and then getting it back on there and getting it nice and snug to ensure it doesn't back out. I tied the hose with some gift wrapping rope and fished it up. Luckily our cars come with the dual hose bracket so it's fully plug and play. Edit: This was my first DIY upgrade and it took me a long time because it was my first DIY and I was careful not to mess anything up lol __________________ DONE: Seibon CF Hood, M3 Rep, MSport rear w/DD CF Diffuser, M3 Rep Skirts, Seibon CSL trunklid, Forgestar F14 18s w/Michelin PSS, Eisenmann catback, AA Headers, BPC Stage 2, Charcoal Delete+revMotor+AFE Drop In filter FUTURE MODS: LED headlights, CF rooftop, M3 Suspension Conversion, Dinan CAI Mod
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06-05-2018, 12:29 PM	#10
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	After doing some more reading it looks like this piece is actually a thermostat housing. This pic shows the 2 ports on the under side that my 335i oem take off oil cooler lines plug right into: So if I used that instead of the simple ported plate there would be a thermostat controlling oil flow to the cooler. Is that good or bad? Seems like it might be good? Last edited by Biginboca; 06-05-2018 at 01:36 PM..
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06-05-2018, 01:08 PM	#11
Noir Major 883 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 330i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: San Antonio iTrader: (1)	All these parts you are posting, 10/10 were what I was looking to do with my application! I think I shared a thread in my SC thread in regards to that specific retrofit. Will return! Edit: Post 21! Pics weren't loading entirely on the thread in question.. __________________ See you, space cowboy. *Supercharged*
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06-05-2018, 06:08 PM	#12
Phyrexia Resident Pedant 503 Rep 792 Posts Drives: '15 335i 8AT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Limbo iTrader: (1)	I've planned to install the N52 oil/coolant heat exchanger, but not the external oil cooler. I might autocross this car eventually but I don't think it'll ever see a full-on track day. In hot climates either solution should be helpful though. See http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=11_3753 __________________ '15 F30 335i 8AT Estoril II/Black (12.218 @ 114.94mph) MHD Stage 2+ 93 / XHP Stage 3 / M-Goodies / K&N Filter / ER CP / CSF IC / NGK 97506 / ER DP / Michelin A/S 3+
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06-05-2018, 06:23 PM	#13
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	So why would the turbo cars use a separate cooler (radiator) for the oil and the N52 cars use a heat exchanger which uses engine coolant to cool the oil? I’m guessing the separate cooler is more effective because turbo cars oil sees more heat? But if you already have a cooler (radiator) that fits and all the associated parts being made for use on the turbo cars why would BMW design (and use) a coolant based heat exchanger on the N/A applications?
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06-05-2018, 06:40 PM	#14
Phyrexia Resident Pedant 503 Rep 792 Posts Drives: '15 335i 8AT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Limbo iTrader: (1)	I imagine it's because the heat exchanger is enough for even the most powerful N52 applications (the big sedans and the X5 I guess?). From what little I know about the N54 it's pretty overengineered in some respects. Not all 335s came with the oil cooler if I recall correctly. I think hot-climate cars got the coolers and cold-climate cars did not. There was a recent thread in maybe the General or the N54 section about them?
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06-05-2018, 06:41 PM	#15
Phyrexia Resident Pedant 503 Rep 792 Posts Drives: '15 335i 8AT Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Limbo iTrader: (1)	http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1483444
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06-05-2018, 08:37 PM	#17
Biginboca Colonel 3764 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	I decided to go with the full N54 set up, so will use the thermostat housing and air cooler I was gifted. One last question I’m contemplating is which oil thermostat to use? The factory one for the N54 is 240 degrees and there’s an aftermarket low temp available that triggers at 200-210 degrees. I’m thinking stick with the 240 but not sure. Seems like these engines like to run hot, and that also would allow the ecu to still run all its 4 coolant/water pump profiles without the oil cooler affecting them. Maybe this is flawed logic?
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06-12-2018, 12:05 PM	#19
atmosphericM Basic Bimmer 518 Rep 935 Posts Drives: E92 328i 6MT ///M Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: B'ham iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Coupé ... [10.00]	Big, just a heads up (in case you haven't read yet).. your fender liner is the correct one, however you can buy a vented grille (OEM) that you 'install' on your OE fender liner. The outline is already there to cut, and the vent 'bolts' on to it. Then you could go all out and do the 'sport' fog light delete (found on the 335is E92). Passenger side air goes to oil cooler. Then DIY a tube from the driver's side duct to the air intake box. 8) I'm sure the space is tight there, but I'm honestly very surprised that no one has attempted this yet. __________________ Black Sapphire 328i ///M Sport Coupé Save the Manuals!
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06-12-2018, 12:07 PM	#20
atmosphericM Basic Bimmer 518 Rep 935 Posts Drives: E92 328i 6MT ///M Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: B'ham iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Coupé ... [10.00]	I'm sure the reasoning for the turbo cars getting the radiator for oil cooling is because turbos can really heat up some oil (as you figured). However the full-on radiator in the wheel-well option is surely overkill for typical N52 situations. They probably designed the "lesser" cooler for N52 because they needed something simpler and cheaper than the full-on N54 cooling system. One thought, are the oil pumps the same between the engines? Make sure your oil pressure remains high enough with the oil having to go all that extra distance? Last edited by atmosphericM; 06-12-2018 at 12:14 PM..
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