CSF RACE E36 M3/3-Series Euro Spec Oil Cooler

The E36 Euro Spec Oil Cooler is exactly what it sounds like. E36 M3’s in Europe came equipped with an oil cooler that mounted under the radiator and was a popular upgrade for E36 owners in the US. Unfortunately, BMW discontinued the oil cooler and they have become harder and harder to find. reached out to CSF to design a replacement unit that would fit exactly like the factory unit but perform even better.

The CSF Oil Cooler was designed to be a 1 to 1 replacement for the OEM unit in terms of fitment. This means it uses the same OE mounting points, hardware, and lines. For a EU E36 M3 or USMD Z3M the oil cooler will be a drop-in fit installation. E36 models that were not equipped with the oil cooler from the factory can use the which can attach to an OEM spec Radiator or the .

Product Details

Design & Engineering

When designing this new cooler, CSF wanted to ensure the best possible performance while ensuring the cooler was as durable as possible. As you've seen, oil coolers and other heat exchangers can take quite a beating over time. CSF utilizes an extremely rugged and durable Bar/Plate design which can stand up to far more abuse.

The "Aero-Flow" Bar design reduces weight compared to other Bar/Plate designs while maintaining maximum strength and air-flow. These "Aero-Flow" bars improve heat dissipation with high density turbulated multi-louvered fins. Turbulation increases the turbulent flow through a tube, effectively increasing heat exchange rates and abilities.

CSF vs OEM

CSF #8301

BMW #17212244084

The original oil cooler used Tube and Fin construction. While this is acceptable for cooling performance, it is not a very robust design. CSF chose to go with a Bar and Plate construction to improve durability. While there is plenty of ground clearance, the cooler is low enough to see some potential abuse on the track. CSF wanted to offer that extra durability of a Bar and Plate cooler for track enthusiasts and those running their car on the lower side.

CSF Bar & Plate Core

OEM Tube and Fin Core

The CSF Oil Cooler was designed to be a 1 to 1 replacement for the OEM unit in terms of fitment. This means it uses the same OE mounting points, hardware, and lines. For a EU E36 M3 or USMD Z3M the oil cooler will be a drop-in fit installation. E36 models that were not equipped with the oil cooler from the factory can use the which can attach to an OEM spec Radiator or the .

Installation Options

While the oil cooler is a bolt on upgrade for the Z3M and Euro Spec M3, most owners will need some extra bits to install an oil cooler. There are a few different options when it comes to adding the oil cooler to your E36.

OEM Parts and Kits

BimmerWorld offers a complete bolt on upgrade kit using OE BMW Components: . This kit includes the following:

• 1 x Euro oil filter housing (BMW: )
• 1 x CSF Euro oil cooler ()
• 1 x Genuine BMW rubber inlet/outlet oil cooler lines (BMW: )
• 1 x Euro oil cooler hanger kit ()
• Hardware:
  • 4x Oil Cooler O-Ring – 13.4 x 1.78mm (BMW: )
  • 2x Fillister Head Screw – M8x28 (BMW: 17227833189)
• 1 x E36 6-Cyl Euro Oil Filter Housing Adapter Banjo Bolt ()

You can purchase the complete kit from BimmerWorld or piece it together yourself depending on your needs and what parts you already have.

Aftermarket Parts and Custom Lines

The other method for installing an oil cooler kit on your E36 is by using an Oil Cooler Cap. These caps bolt onto the filter housing with provisions for connecting oil lines similar to a sandwich plate. This allows you to connect standard -10AN lines for your custom setup. One of these Oil Cooler Caps paired with the is the most cost effective way to add the CSF Oil Cooler.

CSF recommends using the BimmerWorld Euro Oil Cooler Bracket Kit to mount the oil cooler when going the custom -10AN line route.

Features

• Unique Top/Bottom Dual-Pass Design for Maximum Surface Area and Flow
• Fully TIG-Welded Extruded End Tank Design for Superior Reliability & Durability
• Turbulated Heavy-Duty Bar/Plate Design for the Most Reliable & Durable Oil Cooler Available
• 6 Rows of Maximum Cooling with a High Density Multi-Louvered Fin Pitch Design
• Designed to Work with OE & CSF All-Aluminum Radiator (CSF #3054)
• OE Style Black Finish
• Accepts Factory Oil-Line Connections
• Mounts using OE Brackets or BimmerWorld Bracket Kit (#TEN3631201)
• Uses OE E36 Euro Spec Oil Cooler Lines (Pipe) - BMW PN: 17212227235