Remove Engine Cover for Track Use?

E90convert · 05-04-2023, 07:45 AM

Hello! Has anyone noticed or measured engine oil or coolant temperatures with and without the engine cover on the N55? My previous track experience with a tuned N54 car would hit 280F with a Dinan oil cooler and tune when the cover and cowling were on. After removing the cover and cowl, 250-260F. Has anyone done the same with an OG M2? I might try it this weekend at Mid-Ohio and take some logs to share.

imolam3 · 05-04-2023, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90convert

Hello! Has anyone noticed or measured engine oil or coolant temperatures with and without the engine cover on the N55? My previous track experience with a tuned N54 car would hit 280F with a Dinan oil cooler and tune when the cover and cowling were on. After removing the cover and cowl, 250-260F. Has anyone done the same with an OG M2? I might try it this weekend at Mid-Ohio and take some logs to share.

Interesting point. Let us know what you find out. What I am curious about is there any harm in removing engine cover, ie. dust, craps getting into that area?

E90convert · 05-04-2023, 08:56 AM

https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1111864

It looks like the M235iR has an engine cover on, but the cowling is removed. Wonder if removing the cowling is helping the hot engine air escape and flow over the windshield.

M2guru · 05-05-2023, 05:54 PM

I have had my engine cover off my mostly-track '18 M2 for years. The primary reason is to be able to see what's going on (if anything) with the engine. No noticeable difference in temps.

E90convert · 05-07-2023, 06:40 PM

I ended up keeping the cowling and engine cover on for both days. I logged temperatures each session and was impressed with how cool the engine oil (230F), coolant (205F) and DCT (205F) oil stayed when hammering on it. I did not feel a need to remove the engine cover. As another point of reference, several other M2s and a M235iR was there, all with engine covers intact! Ambient temp was mid 70s

I’ll be doing some track days throughout the summer, maybe an event where the ambient air temp is in the 90s I’ll see if it’s neccesary.

Noel911 · 05-08-2023, 11:33 AM

Appreciate you sharing this data. I too am surprised how cool the temps are. This will change my habit of idling the car for 10 min with the hood open after each session.

What are you using to log these temps?

Nice meeting you BTW.

Cheers.

05-04-2023, 07:45 AM	#1
E90convert Lieutenant 162 Rep 422 Posts Drives: F87 M2 DCT, F15 X5 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area iTrader: (0)	Remove Engine Cover for Track Use? Hello! Has anyone noticed or measured engine oil or coolant temperatures with and without the engine cover on the N55? My previous track experience with a tuned N54 car would hit 280F with a Dinan oil cooler and tune when the cover and cowling were on. After removing the cover and cowl, 250-260F. Has anyone done the same with an OG M2? I might try it this weekend at Mid-Ohio and take some logs to share. __________________ ‘18 F87 M2 DCT '17 F15 X5 xDrive35i M-Sport Sold in 2023 '12 F30 335i 8AT Sport Line Sold in 2020 '08 E92 335xi 6MT Sold in 2016 '08 E90 335i 6MT - FBO Last edited by E90convert; 05-04-2023 at 07:50 AM..
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05-04-2023, 08:56 AM	#3
E90convert Lieutenant 162 Rep 422 Posts Drives: F87 M2 DCT, F15 X5 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area iTrader: (0)	https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1111864 It looks like the M235iR has an engine cover on, but the cowling is removed. Wonder if removing the cowling is helping the hot engine air escape and flow over the windshield. __________________ ‘18 F87 M2 DCT '17 F15 X5 xDrive35i M-Sport Sold in 2023 '12 F30 335i 8AT Sport Line Sold in 2020 '08 E92 335xi 6MT Sold in 2016 '08 E90 335i 6MT - FBO
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05-05-2023, 05:54 PM	#4
M2guru Lieutenant 384 Rep 573 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Join Date: May 2017 Location: St. Paul MN iTrader: (2) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [10.00]	I have had my engine cover off my mostly-track '18 M2 for years. The primary reason is to be able to see what's going on (if anything) with the engine. No noticeable difference in temps.
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05-07-2023, 06:40 PM	#5
E90convert Lieutenant 162 Rep 422 Posts Drives: F87 M2 DCT, F15 X5 Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Columbus, Ohio Metropolitan Area iTrader: (0)	I ended up keeping the cowling and engine cover on for both days. I logged temperatures each session and was impressed with how cool the engine oil (230F), coolant (205F) and DCT (205F) oil stayed when hammering on it. I did not feel a need to remove the engine cover. As another point of reference, several other M2s and a M235iR was there, all with engine covers intact! Ambient temp was mid 70s I’ll be doing some track days throughout the summer, maybe an event where the ambient air temp is in the 90s I’ll see if it’s neccesary.
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05-08-2023, 11:33 AM	#6
Noel911 Private First Class 90 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2017 M2 & 2019 Golf R (Daily) Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Appreciate you sharing this data. I too am surprised how cool the temps are. This will change my habit of idling the car for 10 min with the hood open after each session. What are you using to log these temps? Nice meeting you BTW. Cheers. __________________ ---2017 White M2 - Zero Option- 6-Speed Manual--- Last edited by Noel911; 05-08-2023 at 11:35 AM.. Reason: Add forgotten info
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