Cal Club Autocross Forums

There is no mention in the rules on oil cooler upgrade (or the addition of an oil cooler) under Stock rules. I understand that there is a basic rule that "if it doesn't say you can, you can't". However, I don't think an oil cooler upgrade will offer much of a performance advantage in autox. Afterall, our runs are usually about 60 seconds.

On the track, it's a different story. As some of you who know me, I do both track and autox. I felt that I'm not having as much fun with my E92 335i on track because the oil temp creeps up very rapidly. Last weekend at SOW, ambient temp wasn't that hot (maybe around high 80s to low 90s), and with the lap times I was doing, I should be able to get at least 12 laps in a 20-minute session but the most I managed to do was 5 laps. Then the oil temp would peak over 300°F, and power was reduced. I'm considering to upgrade or add a secondary oil cooler to help in this regard, but I'm not sure if it's legal in Stock class. So do you think this mod is ok regionally in Stock class, particularly SK1?

Vincent Wong wrote:There is no mention in the rules on oil cooler upgrade (or the addition of an oil cooler) under Stock rules. I understand that there is a basic rule that "if it doesn't say you can, you can't". However, I don't think an oil cooler upgrade will offer much of a performance advantage in autox. Afterall, our runs are usually about 60 seconds.

On the track, it's a different story. As some of you who know me, I do both track and autox. I felt that I'm not having as much fun with my E92 335i on track because the oil temp creeps up very rapidly. Last weekend at SOW, ambient temp wasn't that hot (maybe around high 80s to low 90s), and with the lap times I was doing, I should be able to get at least 12 laps in a 20-minute session but the most I managed to do was 5 laps. Then the oil temp would peak over 300°F, and power was reduced. I'm considering to upgrade or add a secondary oil cooler to help in this regard, but I'm not sure if it's legal in Stock class. So do you think this mod is ok regionally in Stock class, particularly SK1?

You know the answer, Vincent. }:)

Did BMW have a repair or TSB on the oil temp issue?

Bill Schenker wrote:You know the answer, Vincent. }:)

I thought so.

Just do it and don't tell anyone. Its not like your going to nationals.... }:)

KJ Christopher wrote:Did BMW have a repair or TSB on the oil temp issue?

Well, it's really not an issue for daily driving. The oil temp is normally at about 240°F. On a hot summer day, it sometimes goes up to 250°F. Even at autox, after one run, the highest I've seen was 260°F. The oil temp issue is pretty much related to pushing the car hard as in on the track. Many E90/E92 owners who track their cars recommend the upgraded oil cooler as one of the first mods. Maybe I'll just skip all the summer track days.

Thomas Smith wrote:Just do it and don't tell anyone. Its not like your going to nationals.... }:)

Yeah, what's the point of going to Nationals with the BMW anyways. FS is a spec Mustang class.

I'd just disconnect the gauge.

Maybe you can look into a premium brand of automobile... }:)

I believe there might be a BMW TSB on the oil cooler for the twin turbo E92's. You must use the BMW factory cooler, not the an aftermarket one. I don't have the TSB number, but it should be searchable. If not I might be able to help. Its designated for desert markets, so Arizona dealers will know all about it.

Vincent Wong wrote:

Thomas Smith wrote:Just do it and don't tell anyone. Its not like your going to nationals.... }:)

Yeah, what's the point of going to Nationals with the BMW anyways. FS is a spec Mustang class.

I was thinking more along the lines of.....

Twin babies at home = no nationals for Vincent....

Vincent Wong wrote:

KJ Christopher wrote:Did BMW have a repair or TSB on the oil temp issue?

Well, it's really not an issue for daily driving. The oil temp is normally at about 240°F. On a hot summer day, it sometimes goes up to 250°F. Even at autox, after one run, the highest I've seen was 260°F. The oil temp issue is pretty much related to pushing the car hard as in on the track. Many E90/E92 owners who track their cars recommend the upgraded oil cooler as one of the first mods. Maybe I'll just skip all the summer track days.

The point is there may be a factory authorized repair that would be okay in stock. You'll need to see what is out there and then determine if it fits in the rules as allowable.

The TSB for 2007 model year and 2008-2010 non-sports.
A 2008-2010 Sport (ZSP) model should HAVE the oil cooler stock. Look in front of the passenger side front wheel well.

Sounds like he already has it and wants to get a better one or add another.

Here's a very expensive example: :unimpressed:
http://www.dinancars.com/store/product. ... 413&page=1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Yes, the factory oil cooler came with my car, but that's not enough for track conditions. Therefore, I'm considering upgrading it or adding a secondary oil cooler.

This is a better alternative than the Dinan one.
http://www.ardesign.info/catalog/ardesi ... p-191.html

Can't help you with that one!

In October's Fastrack:

NOT RECOMMENDED
- Oil cooler allowances in Stock (ref. #1996) Per the SAC, this is seen as affecting performance, and is not consistent with
Stock category philosophy.

Jeff Stuart wrote:In October's Fastrack:

NOT RECOMMENDED
- Oil cooler allowances in Stock (ref. #1996) Per the SAC, this is seen as affecting performance, and is not consistent with
Stock category philosophy.

Vincent: Doh!

Interesting....I guess someone else is also considering the oil cooler. I should've waited another day so I didn't have to ask this question. Doh!!!

Jeff Stuart wrote:In October's Fastrack:

NOT RECOMMENDED
- Oil cooler allowances in Stock (ref. #1996) Per the SAC, this is seen as affecting performance, and is not consistent with
Stock category philosophy.

I've noticed that engines blowing up have negative effect on performance so I can see why preventing that would be against the Stock rules.

Bob Beamesderfer wrote:

Jeff Stuart wrote:In October's Fastrack:

NOT RECOMMENDED
- Oil cooler allowances in Stock (ref. #1996) Per the SAC, this is seen as affecting performance, and is not consistent with
Stock category philosophy.

I've noticed that engines blowing up have negative effect on performance so I can see why preventing that would be against the Stock rules.

Easy common bolt-on upgrade of an oil cooler... Illegal
Obscure, harder oil pan baffling... Legal
Both have the performance benefit of trying to keep your engine alive.

I don't know what your options look like, but maybe that's an answer. A secondary one that's not that hard to remove/install, and swap it off for national events if/when you do them.

Jay W

Vincent Wong wrote:... Therefore, I'm considering ...adding a secondary oil cooler.

Jayson Woodruff wrote:I don't know what your options look like, but maybe that's an answer. A secondary one that's not that hard to remove/install, and swap it off for national events if/when you do them.

Jay W

Vincent Wong wrote:... Therefore, I'm considering ...adding a secondary oil cooler.

Jiffy-Tite makes affordable, near-dry break, fittings...

http://www.jiffy-tite.com/motorsports.cfm?subpage=397

Steve Ekstrand wrote:Easy common bolt-on upgrade of an oil cooler... Illegal
Obscure, harder oil pan baffling... Legal
Both have the performance benefit of trying to keep your engine alive.

Modification of the baffles is not allowed in Stock.

Vince pointed out an additional performance benefit: on his car the computer reduces power when the oil temperature is high. If an oil cooler only helped improve reliability for track use and had no benefit for autocross, it might be allowed.