Keeping the 135i oil cool

[scottn2retro]

Hi All -

Now that more and more modifications are available to make the 135i faster, anybody tracking these cars will probably need to keep the oil temp in check.

We'll be trying the Dinan oil cooler kit in our race car along with a good synthetic race oil, the Total Quartz 10W-50 Racing oil

I'll try to get some pics of the install being done by BMS in Santa Ana. Hi-res pics in my gallery:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/sho...er/812/cat/500

[F0Bman]

I am interested in seeing if an externally mounted oil cooler on the bumper helps out with the cooling temperatures? Also are the most of you guys using sandwich plates?

[rcracer_tx]

Can't wait to see the results...Keep us posted

[MastaMind]

Nice, keep us updated. I'm thinking about adding this as well.

[scottn2retro]

Originally Posted by F0Bman

I am interested in seeing if an externally mounted oil cooler on the bumper helps out with the cooling temperatures? Also are the most of you guys using sandwich plates?

The 135i already comes with an OEM oil cooler in right front fender well, but the Dinan unit has twice the capacity. So this kit replaces the OEM unit.

[twinturbo135i]

why not add another cooler to get more oil capacity?

[CoolToolGuy]

Originally Posted by twinturbo135i

why not add another cooler to get more oil capacity?

Much would depend on some unknown factors, but it could be "too much of a good thing is a bad thing."

Adding oil capacity sounds like a great idea, and in this case it would probably not be a bad thing, but if the oil never gets up to the proper temp, it could be as bad or worse than without it. That is not likely for a 135 with hard use (racing, autocross, warm climates), but the more likely issue is that it takes longer to get up to temp. If your average trip to work or wherever is short, all of those short trips with a low oil temperature can actually decrease your engine life. I don't know if the N54 has an oil thermostat for the cooler, but the higher the cooler capacity (and the cooling provided by the "cooler system") the longer it would take to warm up.

I'm due to get the Dinan oil cooler installed next week. I would be interested in finding out what they know about this.

Have Fun,
Rick

[m3gtrdtm]

If the second cooler is operated under a thermostat, it would be like it didn't exist until the oil was at temp; impossible to be detrimental to the engine.

[CoolToolGuy]

Originally Posted by m3gtrdtm

If the second cooler is operated under a thermostat, it would be like it didn't exist until the oil was at temp; impossible to be detrimental to the engine.

That would be the best way to do it, for sure!

Have Fun,
Rick

[scottn2retro]

One thing to consider with multiple oil coolers is the additional drop in pressure.

I think it's usually considered better to go with one large oil cooler than more than 1 smaller coolers. But I can see where there might be reasons where 2 oil coolers is the way you'd have to go.

But we're going to give the Dinan a try - we definitely got into 'dynamic rev limiting' mode at a few tracks last year, so we'll see if we avoid it this year.

[WAY]

Perfect timing. I need to start researching oil coolers too. What is the difference in size between the Dinan one and the VK one? Anyone tried the VK one?

[WAY]

Scott, limp home mode seems to be triggered by the water temp and not the oil temp. Yeah I know they are link but I am going to go for a bigger core radiator before oil cooler. In fact I have ordered one and just waiting to fit. Maybe we can swap intel once we have done that!

[scottn2retro]

Originally Posted by WAY

Scott, limp home mode seems to be triggered by the water temp and not the oil temp. Yeah I know they are link but I am going to go for a bigger core radiator before oil cooler. In fact I have Maybe we can swap intel once we have done that!

The shop I work with here in SoCal, BMS in Santa Ana, uses Ron Davis Racing aluminum radiators that are basically NASCAR radiators. They just fitted one in the M3, so if it comes to that, we may try getting one of those fitted in there.

[m3gtrdtm]

I used a Ron Davis radiator on my Subaru. Absolutely amazing craftsmanship and built totally custom to my specs for relatively cheap. Couldn't recommend a better one.

[rcracer_tx]

Originally Posted by scottn2retro

The shop I work with here in SoCal, BMS in Santa Ana, uses Ron Davis Racing aluminum radiators that are basically NASCAR radiators. They just fitted one in the M3, so if it comes to that, we may try getting one of those fitted in there.

I think the BMW performance kit has improved water cooling as well if you need it... Not sure when it is coming out though

[CoolToolGuy]

Originally Posted by rcracer_tx

I think the BMW performance kit has improved water cooling as well if you need it... Not sure when it is coming out though

My bet is that BMW uses the left front fender for an "add-on" radiator - like the oil cooler on the right. That would probably be less expensive that providing a new, bigger radiator.

But that's just a guess - we'll have to wait and see.

Have Fun,
Rick

[scottn2retro]

Let the games begin. Herm at BMS started work on the project.

As usual, higher res in:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/photos/sho...y.php/cat/3257

Sorry for focus issues on some

First, remove the front bumper and right front fender liner.


Here is what the OEM cooler looks like


Remove the right front brake duct and cut away sections per Dinan instructions


Here it is with the section cut away to allow for the larger cooler to come down into the brake duct


Hang the new Dinan oil cooler in place - it uses the left side OEM hanger. At this point, OEM cooler is still connected to oil lines.


From this view, you can see the difference in height and depth of the Dinan vs. the OEM cooler


You need to cut away a little off the underside of the fender liner and the exit vents to allow for larger oil cooler


You also need to re-locate the RDC receiver to another place on the fender liner


Disconnect the OEM cooler lines at the oil filter housing and pull out through fender. You should be able to pull it out in one long piece


Install the new connector block onto the oil filter housing and hook up the top side of the new oil lines


Hook up the lower end of the oil lines


Back when modifying the right brake duct, they also had you cut a hole and slot to get one of the lower end of an oil line so that it sits in the brake duct when installed. The picture is from the back end of the brake duct.


Oil cooler installed with brake duct

[WAY]

Far out the size difference is massive! Ok how much for the Dinan one and where can I get it?

[CoolToolGuy]

My car goes in Monday for the Dinan cooler and some other goodies - you're getting me stoked!

Have Fun,
Rick

[bluemoon]

That is one impressive oil cooler. Thanks for the post and photos! How high were your oil temps going on race days with the factory oil cooler?

[MastaMind]

Great photos! Any worry about the line getting damaged due to its location beneath the brake duct, or is it protected by the front fascia?

[scottn2retro]

Originally Posted by MastaMind

Great photos! Any worry about the line getting damaged due to its location beneath the brake duct, or is it protected by the front fascia?

When everything is put back together, I'll have to see how much room there is betweend the oil line connectors on the bottom and the bottopm part of the front fender liner that runs foward to meet the front bumper, but definitely not something to go off-roading with. So we'll have to watch out for that with the race car.