The official 335i oil cooler thread

Thanks for the insights. The car I'm looking at is an 07 Sedan with the Sport Package. I asked the Dealer specifically about whether it had the oil cooler, he was very accomodating and looked into it and said it did. I'm going to send a picture from this thread and just ask for a visual confirmation to be sure.

I drove a 335 during the summer on a test drive and fell in love with the car pretty immediately, but then later read about some of the issues including the oil cooler and fuel pump and became a bit nervous about committing to the purchase. But that steering and chasis is in a class of its own and I think I'm getting pretty close to committing. Just want to be sure I have all the appropriate considerations and insights.

The fuel pump seems to be a USA problem, presumably related to the higher ethanol content in the gasoline. It's not a widespread problem here in Canada, but we aren't at the same level of farmer lobby for corn gas as you are, so the additive mix seems closer to europe than for you guys. I used to use 94 octane here, but went back to 91 when I found out that the 94 (PetroCan) had more ethanol. I'm over 10k now, nary a stutter. Interestingly enuf, I get better gas mileage on the 91, which appears correct, as the energy content is higher than 94 because of the alcohol (lower BTU/gal than gas).

I've had the car for over a year, and I still love to drive it as much as I did on delivery. I dislike the NA marketing side of BMW for jacking the customers around on this issue (as alluded to by Emission above) to try and make an extra buck, but the engineering on the car is excellent...

Go for it.. life is really short for these kinds of pleasures .. In 5 years we could all be driving electrics..

Thanks again for the insights. You know its interesting your comment on the better mileage with the lower octane. This summer when I was first looking at the BMW, I did a road trip throughout the middle section of NC to drive 4 different BMWs. I met the coolest people on that day. One had a BMW 330i, it was grey with essentially all the options. He made the same observation on the mileage, it was better for him using the lower octane. He showed me his notebook where he tracked it all very methodically.

Mysteries will never cease.

Originally Posted by simplycurious

I think I'm getting pretty close to committing. Just want to be sure I have all the appropriate considerations and insights.

Bottom Line on the Oil Cooler Issue: Get the Sport Package you get the Oil Cooler. Non Issue. (Mine was retro fitted by the way).

Bottom Line on the Fuel Pump: It's been fixed - don't sweat it. (I'm on my third pump, by the way - the first two were original, the current one is the redesigned pump).

Bottom Line on the Car: Don't even think twice about whether you should buy this car. I've got 35K miles on mine - it's a great value for the money and exhilarating to drive. If I had to put up with going through three fuel pumps in six months plus a retro oil cooler and losing use of the car for about 3 weeks total in that time......I would do it all over again, no hesitation what so ever. It is my opinion that this Pump and Cooler issue has been blown way out of proportion relative to the sum of all the parts that make up this car.

Originally Posted by WalterMiddy

Bottom Line on the Oil Cooler Issue: Get the Sport Package you get the Oil Cooler. Non Issue. (Mine was retro fitted by the way).

Bottom Line on the Fuel Pump: It's been fixed - don't sweat it. (I'm on my third pump, by the way - the first two were original, the current one is the redesigned pump).

Bottom Line on the Car: Don't even think twice about whether you should buy this car. I've got 35K miles on mine - it's a great value for the money and exhilarating to drive. If I had to put up with going through three fuel pumps in six months plus a retro oil cooler and losing use of the car for about 3 weeks total in that time......I would do it all over again, no hesitation what so ever. It is my opinion that this Pump and Cooler issue has been blown way out of proportion relative to the sum of all the parts that make up this car.

35,000 miles! Wow! I have <9,000 on mine since delivery last Feb...

I bought my 2007 BMW 335i sedan in May of 2007 with only 7 miles on it. It has sport package and the oil temp stays well under 250^F. But I'm not sure if I have an oil cooler or not... Can someone post a picture of what the engine block area would look like with an oil cooler? Or tell me what to look for without using technical words. I would like to see if I have one or not.

Originally Posted by JohnMW

I bought my 2007 BMW 335i sedan in May of 2007 with only 7 miles on it. It has sport package and the oil temp stays well under 250^F. But I'm not sure if I have an oil cooler or not... Can someone post a picture of what the engine block area would look like with an oil cooler? Or tell me what to look for without using technical words. I would like to see if I have one or not.

Just look at your passenger side front wheel well...you should see an air screen there.

Originally Posted by JohnMW

I bought my 2007 BMW 335i sedan in May of 2007 with only 7 miles on it. It has sport package and the oil temp stays well under 250^F. But I'm not sure if I have an oil cooler or not... Can someone post a picture of what the engine block area would look like with an oil cooler? Or tell me what to look for without using technical words. I would like to see if I have one or not.

John,

May I suggest you use the search function and a little effort. What you are looking for can be easily found.

Enjoy your car.

Just found this thread via a Google search... Thought I'd add another data point for y'all.

I just bought a pre-owned 2007 335i coupe today. It's a 03/07 build (don't know what exact week or day) and it's got the sport package and steptronic and it does have the oil cooler.

It's Montego Blue over Cream Beige Dakota leather with light poplar wood and has Premium, Sport, Cold Weather, and Comfort Access Packages along with Steptronic, PDC, Active Cruise, and Sirius. It's also CPO'd and only has 7508 miles.

I have a 335i with manual transmission and sport package, if I step on it for 1/2 hour or si (particularly in the summer) the oil temp goes quite high, 280 or so.

I understand that with manual transmission you don't need an oil cooler and I can't see one behind the passenger front wheel. Fact or Fiction?

(sorry if this has already been asked, I appreciate you pointing me to that post)
thanks for you time

Just a note: I purchased a 07 335i last year. I had heard of the oil cooler issue so I asked the sales rep if the car had one. He went to the service department and they said yes. So a couple of months go by and the car is running hot (over 260 degrees) so I check the threads and see how to tell if the oil cooler is actually there. To my surprise it is not. I call the sales rep and he tells me to bring it in. After 2 weeks and a couple of other calls (had to explain that I autocross the car), they retrofit one on the car for me. They ended up having to pay for half of it themselves (BMW would not pick up the whole tab).

Originally Posted by alink

I have a 335i with manual transmission and sport package, if I step on it for 1/2 hour or si (particularly in the summer) the oil temp goes quite high, 280 or so.

I understand that with manual transmission you don't need an oil cooler and I can't see one behind the passenger front wheel. Fact or Fiction?

(sorry if this has already been asked, I appreciate you pointing me to that post)
thanks for you time

Auto versus manual makes no difference on whether or not you need an oil cooler...IMO, this car needs the cooler. If you bought the car in the U.S. with the sport package, you should have one (some '07's) didn't though.

I'd try to get the cooler retrofitted. If you want to modify the engine with Dinan or something, get their cooler which seems better anyway.

Originally Posted by SonomaDriver

Auto versus manual makes no difference on whether or not you need an oil cooler...IMO, this car needs the cooler. If you bought the car in the U.S. with the sport package, you should have one (some '07's) didn't though.

I'd try to get the cooler retrofitted. If you want to modify the engine with Dinan or something, get their cooler which seems better anyway.

Crap! Why did I ask?
Thanks for your reply! I have a Dec 2007 manufacturing date.
Now, does anybody have a good story about how to approach the dealer to get one installed w/o paying from my pocket?

thanks

Originally Posted by alink

Crap! Why did I ask?
Thanks for your reply! I have a Dec 2007 manufacturing date.
Now, does anybody have a good story about how to approach the dealer to get one installed w/o paying from my pocket?

thanks

I have a story.. but it will play out in court.. will keep you posted. Case comes up in August. Everyone else I know has settled and signed a non-disclosure after pushing the bait and switch issue to the wall (ie, ZSP + HSS = $x advertised; add the STEP option and the performance oil cooler disappears, same price tho.. they (quietly) bag the diffference and profile the auto customer only).

Test drove the same car for the purchase, same options, but a standard. It had the cooler. Added the STEP to my factory order, and it disappeared somewhere between AG and ca.

We'll see. If I win, they have a problem. If I lose, they still have a problem. Loyal over 15 year customer, many factory ordered BMW's for cash, and it will be known by my effort as the company that screws loyalty.

I contacted BMW NA and explained that I did not have the cooler and wanted it because the car information before I ordered it stated it would have one. The person at NA was very polite and agreed to have it retrofitted. The next day I received a call from the same person at BMW NA and he told me that I would not get the oil cooler because my car did not have a sport package and was a step. I asked what difference that made compared to a manual getting the cooler. His rely was that there was no difference and this was BMWs policy. He also said that he has a 535i that had no cooler and was not happy about that. Of course he has a lease which I mentioned while I own the car so well after he has dumped his car I will still be driving mine.

Moral to the story is that if you have sport you can get the cooler but there is that non disclosure statement that they wish you to sign.

I am not happy at all without the cooler and if I get one I guess I will break the bank and get a larger one from Dinan. I am still hoping that maybe AA comes out with one that sits someplace around their larger intercooler.

I did not have the cooler on a 2/07 build 335 step/sport coupe. Called BMW and got the cooler. Did not have to sign anything. Was not happy with the lower, but still high oil temp and got the Dinan. Now happy. Here is general temps:

Without cooler: 275-285
With BMW cooler: 240-250
With Dinan cooler: 215-225

I own the car and intend to keep it for a long while. Price was high, but much cheaper than roasted out of warranty engine. Love the car with the Dinan software too.

Originally Posted by fun2drive

I contacted BMW NA and explained that I did not have the cooler and wanted it because the car information before I ordered it stated it would have one. The person at NA was very polite and agreed to have it retrofitted. The next day I received a call from the same person at BMW NA and he told me that I would not get the oil cooler because my car did not have a sport package and was a step. I asked what difference that made compared to a manual getting the cooler. His rely was that there was no difference and this was BMWs policy. He also said that he has a 535i that had no cooler and was not happy about that. Of course he has a lease which I mentioned while I own the car so well after he has dumped his car I will still be driving mine.

Moral to the story is that if you have sport you can get the cooler but there is that non disclosure statement that they wish you to sign.

I am not happy at all without the cooler and if I get one I guess I will break the bank and get a larger one from Dinan. I am still hoping that maybe AA comes out with one that sits someplace around their larger intercooler.

Thanks all for your reply!
I have manual with Sport so I guess they will be willing to mount it. I called BMW NA and they said they would get back to me within 48h.
At least I'll get them to do it for free and upgrade to Dinan later for $300 less.

i just wanted to let anybody interested in buying a OEM BMW E90 Oil Cooler know that i have one that i am getting rid of, it only has about 1500 miles on it, it is in excellent condition, works perfect. upgraded to an aftermarket cooler. Im asking 100$ for the cooler, doesnt have the hoses though, its just the oil cooler. it is OEM, i am located in san diego, cali .. anyone interested feel free to email me at ryancasison@yahoo.com , i accept cash or paypal. thanks guys n gals! ...

Hi All,

This is my first letter on this site. I recently purchased a used (17k miles) 07 335 auto, sport, premium without the cooler. I have been taken back by the responses about the lack of an oil cooler and the potential problems that may occur down the road. I have been searching the net to find some info about engine oil temps ,etc, and had finally contacted Amsoil and relayed my concern. This is what they said;

Ideal engine oil temperatures are between 200 and 220 Deg. F. Higher temperatures increase the oxidation rate of petroleum oil, about double for every 20 degree rise, therefore reducing oil life by about 50%. (The problem won't be nearly as bad if AMSOIL is used, but only oil analysis can tell how bad it is.) I'd complain to BMW.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to your question(s). As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.

Wow! I don't know what to think, as I have a lot of confidence in what Amsoil has to say. I wonder if using full synthetic oil at a reduced oil life (because of temps) is OK in my engine, and if so, how often should the oil be changed?

Thanks for listening.

Originally Posted by Maico490

Hi All,

This is my first letter on this site. I recently purchased a used (17k miles) 07 335 auto, sport, premium without the cooler. I have been taken back by the responses about the lack of an oil cooler and the potential problems that may occur down the road. I have been searching the net to find some info about engine oil temps ,etc, and had finally contacted Amsoil and relayed my concern. This is what they said;

Ideal engine oil temperatures are between 200 and 220 Deg. F. Higher temperatures increase the oxidation rate of petroleum oil, about double for every 20 degree rise, therefore reducing oil life by about 50%. (The problem won't be nearly as bad if AMSOIL is used, but only oil analysis can tell how bad it is.) I'd complain to BMW.
Thank you for this opportunity to respond to your question(s). As always, please feel free to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.

Wow! I don't know what to think, as I have a lot of confidence in what Amsoil has to say. I wonder if using full synthetic oil at a reduced oil life (because of temps) is OK in my engine, and if so, how often should the oil be changed?

Thanks for listening.

I have the same dilemna with my recently purchased 08 e93. All I can say is I plan on selling the car prior to the warranty expiration and I have the oil cooler. The motor runs toooooo hot for my taste. Besides the oil, cant be good for all the engine compartment components such as hoses and belts and electronics. More heat = less reliability. At least you didn't take a huge depreciation hit and can sell later without too much loss. I wish I would have researched a little more on this car before buying. But I do plan on enjoying it to the fullest during the time I have it.

Hey, Thanks for the reply! I am trying to get a cooler from BMW. My service rep is fantastic, and I really think he will do his best to get me one, I'm just a little concerned what the car has been thru the first 17k miles. He wasn't able to tell me the high oil temp the car has seen. Everything seems fine with the engine etc., so far. If I get the cooler, I will keep it for a long time and possibly upgrade to a larger cooler. I really don't push the car to the limits, but hey, someday I may want to. After the newness wares off. ha ha
As far as your car, If I had the cooler from the factory new, I would be totally satified that there wouldn't be any long term problems. Just my opinion though, ultimately that's your decision. Thanks again for the reply.

Take Care

Maico490

I'm stationed in Germany. Bought my 335 here from Military Sales in aug 2006, car was built in Oct 2006 and had it delivered Oct 2006. Had the fuel pump replaced even though I had no problems. I am however running HIGH temps on the Autobahn. Spirited driving you ask??? HELLS F'IN YEAH!!! NO SPEED LIMIT+LEAD FOOT+TURBO ENGINE= Death to car without oil cooler.

I hit 270 F and decided to ask for a cooler from the nice German Dealership. First, I was told that it has one. Then I was told that they all come with one. Then I was told that only the european spec 335's can fit the oil cooler. SO, I called a dealership in the states and they forwarded me to BMWUSA. Jason I think.. or John maybe. He was like NO! Not getting it. It isnt required. So I asked "BMW just started putting them in for the hell of it on all models after spring 2007." He said yes but since my car wasn't malfunctioning Im not getting the cooler. Then he started asking for my window sticker. Wierd. Anyways....

Tonight in 47F my engine hit 285F. Just imagine whats going to happen when I go to arizona next summer in 110F temp..... Bye Bye Engine. Any suggestions on how I can get them to stop being aholes and just do the right thing?

335I Sedan, Sport Package, Step W/paddle shifters BTW.

Denny

Stay tuned....

Hey Slyprep, IF you do have the oil cooler, I wouldn't worry too much about coming to phoenix. I drove my 08 with an oil cooler all summer and didn't go over 250*.

Originally Posted by PiperG

Hey Slyprep, IF you do have the oil cooler, I wouldn't worry too much about coming to phoenix. I drove my 08 with an oil cooler all summer and didn't go over 250*.

No. My car was Built in Oct 2006. No oil cooler installed. It was b4 they figured out that it was NEEDED. So, Without the cooler, I expect my engine to break and then my car will be crap.