Oil Cooler Necessary

Haha, I feel like this post has gone full circle from where it was 2-years ago. I think what I've just realized (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that there is now a bracket that solves my big problem from 2-years ago of mounting the power steering pump to the S54 oil filter housing: http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...ing-p2654.aspx

Does that VAC part actually make it now so you can do this whole thing bolt-on?

I'll call them on Tuesday to verify, but is that what everyone else understands too?

Here's an email I just sent off to VAC... (feel free to jump in if you have any answers to my questions)

VAC Motorsports:

I contacted you guys a couple years ago about fitting an oil cooler on my E46 330Ci and at the time it didn't seem like there was an "easily achievable setup" for a street/track E46 non-M. I remember running into the following problems:
1) The VAC billet oil filter housing seemed a little too race oriented for a street set up because of the way it moved away from using a stock oil filter.
2) The Motorsport M54B30 oil filter housing didn't have a built-in thermostat even when matched with your oil coolers.
3) The S50 Euro oil filter housing could've worked, but you would've also had to buy the E36 power steering pump and jump through a bunch of hoops… but with enough money this could have been a working OEM-like solution.
4) The S54 oil filter housing had no way at the time of working without a custom bracket for being able to mount a power steering pump back on.

After reviewing things though, it seems like there has been a bit of change in the last couple years? Yes? No? It seems like now you have a very affordable bracket that allows for using an S54 oil filter housing with the OEM E46 power steering pump. Is this correct?

So if I'm to understand correctly, can I now just purchase the bracket and your S54 oil filter kit and "bolt it all on"? Is anything else needed?

Thank you,
Aaron

Originally Posted by SpeedDemon

Haha, I feel like this post has gone full circle from where it was 2-years ago. I think what I've just realized (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that there is now a bracket that solves my big problem from 2-years ago of mounting the power steering pump to the S54 oil filter housing: http://store.vacmotorsports.com/vac-...ing-p2654.aspx

Does that VAC part actually make it now so you can do this whole thing bolt-on?

I'll call them on Tuesday to verify, but is that what everyone else understands too?

I think the bracket was the last issue. The bad part with the S54 OFH is now you have to go with the more expensive S54 oil filter...minor issue though.

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I think the bracket was the last issue. The bad part with the S54 OFH is now you have to go with the more expensive S54 oil filter...minor issue though.

Perfect, I just ran out of M54 filters last change.

Sounds like something I could get into as well!

Bottom line? This is a massive PIA any way you look at it.

Even with the vac billet housing, I had to have a banjo bolt tapped for the anal probe looking sensor. So now my oil temp gauge i hooked up...track weekend coming up. Hopefully I get my software issues fixed before then. Otherwise, I can keep everyone in suspense for awhile longer.

Finally got my temp gauge installed. I was running around 175 degrees at cruising for oil temps. Is that OK or is that too low?

About 100 degrees on a pretty fast track. 255 degrees was the highest I saw.

Originally Posted by mrshelley

Here's what I do. I use that machined port for the oil pressure sensor (I use a different oil pressure sensor because I run an AIM dash) but the oil temp sensor needs to be relocated in the bottom of the pan using Turners adapter that replaces the oil level sensor. You'll need to extend the wires to that sensor. I just live with the oil level light going off every time the car is started. Also, to make that housing fit, you need to buy some M6X1.0 threaded rod from McMaster Carr and a M6X1.0 Jet nut from a place like Pegasus.

You have to remember, parts like these are motorsport parts and not some bolt on unit designed for the general consumer. As long as you take a bit of responsibility on your own, they will work.

What is a jet nut? And what length of threaded rod do I need?

Thanks.

Sent from my PC36100 using Bimmer App

For an oil cooler, the VAC is the easiest way to go if you also plan to add sensors. Plus, the inline filter seems to do a fine job of filtering the oil and the element is reusable. Its also easy to check to see what you're filtering out.

I already bought a M54 motorsports housing since I want to keep the PS reservoir in the same location and I need one of the mounting lugs for a bracket associated with the ESS TS2 install. I had been looking at the VAC billet block but ended up deciding against it.

Thanks,

has anyone looked at using a water to oil cooler?

Originally Posted by johntrhodes81

I already bought a M54 motorsports housing since I want to keep the PS reservoir in the same location and I need one of the mounting lugs for a bracket associated with the ESS TS2 install. I had been looking at the VAC billet block but ended up deciding against it.

Thanks,

The problem you may run into is clearance for the lines. -10AN lines are pretty big. You could try using the metal OEM lines or even try to bend the lines yourself.

The TS snout is right in the way where we were going to tap the OEM M54 OFH for the lines. In my case, a right angle AN fitting wasn't an option either.

The motorsport m54 housing has the fittings on the side where the sensors usually are so I hope I am ok. Thanks for the heads up.

This is how the cooler in mounted...right in front of the condensor.



I was sitting in the drive thru at Chick Fil A and they were taking forever as usual. Then my A/C start blowing warm. As soon as I started driving again, it got cold. The system was recharged a month ago. Can the oil cooler in the location it is mounted cause the A/C to run hot temporarily?

Earlier in this thread it says you need M6x1.0 threaded rod and a jet nut. Have mine apart now. It is M8x1.25 had to reorder rush. To install the motorsport M54 OFH.

John

Sent from my PC36100 using Bimmer App

Apparently the answer to my question is...yes.

So if I'm not mistaken the options for Non-Ms include :

- VDP oil cap (available through Teknik back in the day) plus an aftermarket cooler setup
- S54 oil filter housing with washer and adapter run to aftermarket cooler setup.

and 2 more:
M54 Motorsport OFH from Turner or BMW parts.
VAC billet distribution block.

Originally Posted by johntrhodes81

and 2 more:
M54 Motorsport OFH from Turner or BMW parts.
VAC billet distribution block.

And, looking at the options :

- VDP oil cap + aftermarket setup : effective but, if I'm not mistaken, has problems with unfiltered oil?
- S54 housing = requires adjusting p/s bracket.. so a little customization but probably the best overall solution
- M54 motorsports housing- not really a good street setup
VAC billet distribution block - unproven? Seems like nobody really went far with this option

I'm trying to figure out which I'd prefer to go with. I have a friend who may sell me his VDP + setrab unit for half the cost of doing the S54 setup (though I think the S54 option is the "nicest" if done right)

Can someone confirm this?