Oil Cooler Retrofit w/ installation pics

thealbert · 07-02-2007, 07:25 AM

Although I haven't experienced any overheating issues yet, my car's an earlier production model (10/06 production, non-sport package, manual), so as a precautionary measure, I had the retrofit oil cooler installed. Here are some pictures.

The start. Engine without an oil cooler.

Oil cooler in box.

Out of box. Didn't realize it was this small!

Hoses, clips, clamps and such came separately in another box.

Cooler's supposed to be into this hole under the wheel well.

Oil cooler connects to the engine through here, the oil filter housing. Cars without the oil cooler originally installed will need to replace the oil filter housing to one with an oil cooler hose adapter to allow the oil to flow to and from the engine.

Which looks like this.

Combined with this, the thermostat housing.

And mounted on your car to look like this.

Oil Cooler Mounted in position. Hoses haven't been connected yet.

Still a work in progress. The hoses still need to be connected. They run from the oil filter housing to the engine oil cooler below.

Will post the completed pictures once I get the chance to upload them.

Hope this was helpful!

Ninjaneer · 07-02-2007, 07:56 AM

Thanks for sharing but ummm...

hehe

Ruff Rider · 07-02-2007, 09:10 AM

So that's what it looks like..

It would be nice to actually see it.

I can see.. thanks for the pictures

thealbert · 07-02-2007, 10:01 AM

Sorry about the guys! I had a problem uploading the pics. Should be working now. Can you guys see the pictures?

Blk07335i · 07-02-2007, 10:20 AM

yep...are you doing this yourself? I heard that the car would require a software update. Is this correct or is everything controlled by the thermostat?

Park2670 · 07-02-2007, 10:42 AM

Why does that car have the non sport wheels?

tjtanker · 07-02-2007, 10:53 AM

is the install now complete? do you notice cooling running temps?

Driver72 · 07-02-2007, 11:30 AM

Very nice pics.
Doesn't the oil cooler retro fit also come with the new 340 degree oil temp gauge for the dash too?

KL2DC · 07-02-2007, 11:43 AM

very nice and informational, thanks for sharing...can't wait to see the rest of the pics.

I take this retrofit is out of your own pocket, please share costs and further insights.

RiXst3r · 07-02-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver72

Very nice pics.
Doesn't the oil cooler retro fit also come with the new 340 degree oil temp gauge for the dash too?

no... you dont get a new temp. guage...

daisy16905 · 07-02-2007, 01:40 PM

With non-sport package how much did the upgrade cost you??

j|rz44 · 07-02-2007, 05:55 PM

Where did you get the work done?
you sat there through the whole process...

Nicely posted btw

1clean335i · 07-02-2007, 06:42 PM

Im guessing you are a tech?

zenmaster · 07-02-2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daisy16905

With non-sport package how much did the upgrade cost you??

+1

itsbrokeagain · 07-02-2007, 10:27 PM

shit if I was taking pics of installs and my dealership found out, they would have fired me on the spot. I wasnt allowed to even help out you guys with advice, as per their big man.

thealbert · 07-03-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk07335i

yep...are you doing this yourself? I heard that the car would require a software update. Is this correct or is everything controlled by the thermostat?

If you're asking if BMWNA is involved with this retrofit, then no, I decided to get the oil cooler myself and have it installed on my own. No waivers, no problems, no hassle and I was able to get the retrofit right away.

You do not need any additional software updates or such for the oil cooler to be installed. Its purely mechanical and its like a "plug and play" kind of deal where the thermostat controls the control of oil to and from the engine to the oil cooler.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Park2670

Why does that car have the non sport wheels?

I have a non-sport, therefore I just got the 17in rims.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjtanker

is the install now complete? do you notice cooling running temps?

Yes, the install is complete and I do experience lower running temperatures. Before the install, the gauge used to hold steady at 240 to 260F on a drive to and from my office. Now its probably around 15 to 20 degrees F lower than before and hovers around 220 to 240F. But I haven't had the chance to push the car hard yet so I don't really have an accurate reading on how the oil temperature will be like under hard driving. I'll post my report once I get the chance to do so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Driver72

Very nice pics.
Doesn't the oil cooler retro fit also come with the new 340 degree oil temp gauge for the dash too?

Nope, the retrofit kit didn't come with the new 340 degree oil temp gauge. Or at least I didn't bother to order one. haha I believe if you get the new gauge, you'll need to order a whole new instrument cluster which could cost an arm and a leg! Not worth it in my opinion. The original gauge still works fine anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

Im guessing you are a tech?

Nope, I'm not a tech. Just a guy who really loves his car.

j|rz44 · 07-03-2007, 04:56 AM

Nice...
i have an early production 335.
and would consider this upgrade...
you mind telling what this upgrade is worth?

Thx

thealbert · 07-03-2007, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmramos44

Nice...
i have an early production 335.
and would consider this upgrade...
you mind telling what this upgrade is worth?

Thx

Sent you a PM. Check your inbox. Thanks!

thealbert · 07-03-2007, 06:06 AM

As promised, here some completed pictures of the oil cooler install.

New oil filter with the thermostat housing and hoses attached.

Hose connected to oil cooler below hidden away from view.

Hoses attached to the oil cooler down below. Two hoses, one for the flow-in and one for the flow-out of oil.

This might be a better shot. Its very tight down there!

Oil cooler in position under the wheel well.

All done. (Sorry the picture is a little fuzzy. I'll try and get a sharper picture later).

The install was fairly straight forward. It was just a matter of mounting the oil cooler properly as well as positioning the hoses and clipping it at the right places to ensure nothing is obstructing them.

Also about 1 quart worth of extra oil was needed to fill up the lost oil from the original oil filter as well as to fill the new oil filter, thermostat housing, hoses and the new oil cooler with oil.

The end!

Blk07335i · 07-03-2007, 07:29 AM

Would the new oil cooler make changing the oil yourself any harder? I wonder how much oil would be sitting in the cooler when you went to change the oil. I don't imagine that the oil in the cooler would drain out.

thealbert · 07-03-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blk07335i

Would the new oil cooler make changing the oil yourself any harder? I wonder how much oil would be sitting in the cooler when you went to change the oil. I don't imagine that the oil in the cooler would drain out.

Ummm.. good question! I honestly don't know.

I guess I'll find out the next time I change oil! hahaha

Park2670 · 07-03-2007, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsbrokeagain

shit if I was taking pics of installs and my dealership found out, they would have fired me on the spot. I wasnt allowed to even help out you guys with advice, as per their big man.

Same thing for me. I have to watch what I say, my foreman is watching me on here. But I dont mind.

07-02-2007, 07:25 AM	#1
thealbert Lieutenant 32 Rep 420 Posts Drives: G20 M340i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Home Sweet Home iTrader: (0)	Oil Cooler Retrofit w/ installation pics Although I haven't experienced any overheating issues yet, my car's an earlier production model (10/06 production, non-sport package, manual), so as a precautionary measure, I had the retrofit oil cooler installed. Here are some pictures. The start. Engine without an oil cooler. Oil cooler in box. Out of box. Didn't realize it was this small! Hoses, clips, clamps and such came separately in another box. Cooler's supposed to be into this hole under the wheel well. Oil cooler connects to the engine through here, the oil filter housing. Cars without the oil cooler originally installed will need to replace the oil filter housing to one with an oil cooler hose adapter to allow the oil to flow to and from the engine. Which looks like this. Combined with this, the thermostat housing. And mounted on your car to look like this. Oil Cooler Mounted in position. Hoses haven't been connected yet. Still a work in progress. The hoses still need to be connected. They run from the oil filter housing to the engine oil cooler below. Will post the completed pictures once I get the chance to upload them. Hope this was helpful! Last edited by thealbert; 07-02-2007 at 10:03 AM..
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07-02-2007, 07:56 AM	#2
Ninjaneer Shadow Warrior 139 Rep 2,095 Posts Drives: '07 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Thanks for sharing but ummm... hehe __________________ 335i E90 / Arctic / Gray / Burl Walnut / Steptronic / ZPP / ZSP / Paddles / CA / Nav / PDC / OEM Spoiler Mods: PIAA Angel Eyes, Rear Fog Switch, Escort X50 Blue hardwire, 30% Charcoal Llumar Installing soon: Rear Power Outlets (Happy Robot mod!)
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07-02-2007, 09:10 AM	#3
Ruff Rider "posting from my recliner" 102 Rep 7,241 Posts Drives: twin turbo Prius Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Where the air is thin iTrader: (0)	So that's what it looks like.. It would be nice to actually see it. I can see.. thanks for the pictures __________________ Ping Golf Club demo tech Last edited by Ruff Rider; 07-02-2007 at 01:23 PM..
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07-02-2007, 10:01 AM	#4
thealbert Lieutenant 32 Rep 420 Posts Drives: G20 M340i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Home Sweet Home iTrader: (0)	Sorry about the guys! I had a problem uploading the pics. Should be working now. Can you guys see the pictures?
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07-02-2007, 10:20 AM	#5
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 938 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	yep...are you doing this yourself? I heard that the car would require a software update. Is this correct or is everything controlled by the thermostat?
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07-02-2007, 10:42 AM	#6
Park2670 General 355 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	Why does that car have the non sport wheels? __________________
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07-02-2007, 10:53 AM	#7
tjtanker Private First Class 12 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2007 335i e90 ZSP Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Irvine CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	is the install now complete? do you notice cooling running temps? __________________ my other ride is an m1a1
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07-02-2007, 11:30 AM	#8
Driver72 Brigadier General 327 Rep 4,484 Posts Drives: 335i - to new owners now. Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Very nice pics. Doesn't the oil cooler retro fit also come with the new 340 degree oil temp gauge for the dash too?
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07-02-2007, 11:43 AM	#9
KL2DC Moderator 318 Rep 17,767 Posts Drives: F36 428i,E90 328i, E85 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DC Metro iTrader: (23) Garage List 2015 F36 428i [0.00] 2011 E90 328i [0.00] 2006 E85 Z4 3.0i [0.00]	very nice and informational, thanks for sharing...can't wait to see the rest of the pics. I take this retrofit is out of your own pocket, please share costs and further insights. __________________ Official DC Metro Registry - Current, New & Prospective Area Members Roll Call!
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07-02-2007, 01:40 PM	#11
daisy16905 Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 246 Posts Drives: 2014 M235i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Olympia, WA iTrader: (1)	With non-sport package how much did the upgrade cost you?? __________________ M235i (Black) Auto, JB 4 (Stage 2 / Map 7 with EWG & FF wires) ER DP, resonator delete, running E35, BMW Performance LSD, Hankook Ventus R-S3's (255/35/18 & 235/40/18) ATE Super Blue Racing brake fluid, 35% tint, black grills!
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07-02-2007, 05:55 PM	#12
j\|rz44 Lieutenant Colonel 43 Rep 1,683 Posts Drives: 335i\|E92 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lost iTrader: (2) Garage List 07 335i [0.00]	Where did you get the work done? you sat there through the whole process... Nicely posted btw __________________ Life is Good
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07-02-2007, 06:42 PM	#13
1clean335i Perf BMW mag issue 147, 159 414 Rep 6,803 Posts Drives: Project Estoril Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (31) Garage List 2013 335i M-sport [0.00] 2011 X5 xdrive35i M ... [0.00] 2009 335i M-sport [0.00] 07' 335i Sedan [0.00]	Im guessing you are a tech? __________________ '13 Estoril Blue 335i M-sport *Don't PM me!* Message me here- http://www.facebook.com/ProjectEstoril
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07-02-2007, 10:27 PM	#15
itsbrokeagain 310 Rep 15,745 Posts Drives: 1999 528iT, E53 X5, E46 325xi Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Strong Island iTrader: (7)	shit if I was taking pics of installs and my dealership found out, they would have fired me on the spot. I wasnt allowed to even help out you guys with advice, as per their big man.
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07-03-2007, 04:56 AM	#17
j\|rz44 Lieutenant Colonel 43 Rep 1,683 Posts Drives: 335i\|E92 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lost iTrader: (2) Garage List 07 335i [0.00]	Nice... i have an early production 335. and would consider this upgrade... you mind telling what this upgrade is worth? Thx __________________ Life is Good
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07-03-2007, 06:06 AM	#19
thealbert Lieutenant 32 Rep 420 Posts Drives: G20 M340i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Home Sweet Home iTrader: (0)	As promised, here some completed pictures of the oil cooler install. New oil filter with the thermostat housing and hoses attached. Hose connected to oil cooler below hidden away from view. Hoses attached to the oil cooler down below. Two hoses, one for the flow-in and one for the flow-out of oil. This might be a better shot. Its very tight down there! Oil cooler in position under the wheel well. All done. (Sorry the picture is a little fuzzy. I'll try and get a sharper picture later). The install was fairly straight forward. It was just a matter of mounting the oil cooler properly as well as positioning the hoses and clipping it at the right places to ensure nothing is obstructing them. Also about 1 quart worth of extra oil was needed to fill up the lost oil from the original oil filter as well as to fill the new oil filter, thermostat housing, hoses and the new oil cooler with oil. The end! Last edited by thealbert; 07-03-2007 at 07:29 AM..
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07-03-2007, 07:29 AM	#20
Blk07335i Captain 61 Rep 938 Posts Drives: 2024 G87 M2 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston area iTrader: (4)	Would the new oil cooler make changing the oil yourself any harder? I wonder how much oil would be sitting in the cooler when you went to change the oil. I don't imagine that the oil in the cooler would drain out.
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