E90Company created the thread
N54 AT: Looking for Cooling Upgrades.
" Hey all,
As of right now I am looking at upgrading the cooling systems of my car, a FBO 335i AT 2008. I need a little help/advice on doing so, however.
First off, let me start by saying that I have the stock oil cooler from the factory with the stock thermostat, as well as the Helix FMIC to control IAT's. I also have the aFe sealed intake box. I live in South Florida, where I see 240-250 oil temps all the time, and this is higher than I would like to be operating at. Ideally, I would like to be around 210-220 on the street, and during a track session, no higher than 250. This brings me to my options I have researched thus far with a budget of around 1,000 dollars or less:
AR Design Oil cooler-- I like how it retains the stock oil cooler, and I can use BMS's thermostat delete with this. Problem with this option is I was reading Alpina B3 Lux's review on this product, and apparently the core blocks about half of the stock intake snorkel, which is the primary area I get my air from. Also, being an AT, I need to keep as much rad surface area as possible to avoid higher coolant temps than I would like. I know airflow can pass through AR's core and into the rad, but it seems like that may be less than ideal? SO far, this seems to be the best option, as I have also considered doing the PPK rad retrofit (more on that later)
STETT Stage 2-- Looks as if it replaces the stock core. I don't know if I want to go this route if it costs more than AR's kit, and essentially has less overall surface area than the stock+AR combo. I like the fact that it uses a 180F thermostat, as it will allow for proper oil warm up procedure. I also like how it dousn't interfere with the radiator at all. I know some users have experienced line leakage problems, but it seems as if aftermarket steel lines solve the problem (I don't think this should be required from a kit the price STETT charges) "
05-15-2013, 12:48 PM
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Originally Posted by Ak335i
