Smythe

Early non-sport 335's did not have an oil cooler, and there are reports of several overheating problems with those cars (when ran hard). :thumbsdown: At some point, BMW decided to put oil coolers on all 335's, which I think was a good plan. I don't know if the non-sport 535's have an oil cooler or not, but based on the 335 experiences, I'd be surprised if it didn't.

Also there are some incorrect and correct statements in this thread about oil coolers associated with this motor. The correct statements are:

1. The turbo housings are water cooled (including after you shut off your engine, if temps are high enough!).
2. The turbo bearings on the N54 motor are oil cooled and lubricated.
3. Due to the extra heat load on the oil system from the turbos, extra oil cooling/capacity is required to keep engine oil at normal temps as compared to a normally aspirated engine.
4. The additional thick, silver-colored radiator-like object you see in front of the lower part of the radiator is the intercooler. I don't know where the oil cooler is located on the 535, but on the 335 it is located just in front of the passenger side front wheel well.

Now, if I can just convince my wife to let me upgrade the 335 to the 535...

pennetta

The oil cooler is located above the intercooler on the 535.

Smythe

Ok, thanks!

mfizzie

Hey guys, thanks for all the input. I called BMWNA and they said that the NON-SPORT 535i will NOT have the oil cooler. Now I have to call my dealer and request another order. I feel a litle bad thought because my original order had HUD and it seems that no one here in San Deigo likes that option. Oh well...

pennetta

Why are you obsessing with the oil cooler? You didn't order the Sports Package, Sports Auto or Active Steering; are you expecting to be driving the car unusually fast for a non-sport car?

BruceOmega

I have a 535Xi with the sport package. On that car, the SP does not change the suspension or wheels and tires, and I did not order the optional 18" wheels and tires.

There was a pictorial guide on another forum showing the 535 series with and without an oil cooler. Acoording to that, my car does have an oil cooler.

There is a light colored metal housing at the top front of the engine (oil filter housing?), and it has two hoses attached to either side of it running to connections at the top of the radiator asssembly.

Thanks
Bruce

mfizzie

The reason I am "obsessing" with the oil cooler is that I tend to drive my car harder than the average joe. I sold my E39 M5 to buy the 535i and would like the option to drive hard, maybe track the car without having to worry about overheating issues. I wasn't really interested in the sports package because I am planning on changing Rims and Lowering the car by changing both the shocks and springs. The only thing I previously believed I'd gain from the sports package is Anti-roll stabilization and sport auto. It wasn't worth another $3500 to me. Now if I wasn't going to modify at all, I would defiantely have opted for the sports package. I hope this gives you a little insight to my way of thinking.

I wasn't interested in active steering after hearing about the problems that other forum members have reported.

pennetta

I would think that it could be added to your car. Maybe someone here knows whats needed, Anyone?