[aerokubectl]

Just curious on your guys' experience with BMW.

Would adding an oil cooler guard void your manufacturer warranty in case anything goes wrong. Could they say that it caused the oil to overheat and the engine wasn't running at expected operating temps?

There's also the fact that you have to cut into the trim a bit to install the guard...but I'm guessing they dont care about that?

Thanks as always

[Thescout13]

If this voids you're warranty, BMW is purposely looking for an excuse to screw you. I cannot see how they would possibly use that as an excuse or if it is even realistic. People modify their front ends with lips and spoilers and diffusers which often times replaces the trim pieces down there and I've never heard anyone getting denied because of that.

[pz619]

Yeah I can't imagine any problems and certainly wouldn't accept any if something came up. The end of the day, it's simply a guard and doesn't effect anything mechanically.

[ContactPatch]

I think it would help the warranty, and save BMW some expensive repairs. BMW should send you a "thank you" and some "cash" for fixing the problem!

[chris719]

The only remotely related thing they could blame it on would be an oil temp issue.

No one will even notice it or bother flagging it. If your oil cooler leaks by itself just take it off before you bring the car in.

[bobby.is.rad]

Are you having issues with oil temps? I thought the cooling system was pretty beefy on this engine.

[1mm2]

Originally Posted by bobby.is.rad

Are you having issues with oil temps? I thought the cooling system was pretty beefy on this engine.

Cooling system is beefy, that's why the cooler is vulnerable, no other place to put it.

Guard supposedly protects from puncturing projectiles but I question efficacy with respect to small stones at speed.

[Saintjah]

I added a steel grate for extra protection and oil temps have not increased.

[aerokubectl]

That looks solid I will likely add a steel grate as well before I install it.

Instructions say 2-3 hours, seems excessive unless I'm missing something?

[Davil]

This looks like wearing metal trousers in case you damage the boys when climbing a fence.
I am not sure how healthy it is. You have to let 'em breathe.

[bobby.is.rad]

Originally Posted by 1mm2

Cooling system is beefy, that's why the cooler is vulnerable, no other place to put it.

Guard supposedly protects from puncturing projectiles but I question efficacy with respect to small stones at speed.

Oh sorry, reading comprehension is important. I completely misread the original post.

Originally Posted by Davil

This looks like wearing metal trousers in case you damage the boys when climbing a fence.
I am not sure how healthy it is. You have to let 'em breathe.

You Aussies certainly have a way with words.

[slider86]

Originally Posted by Saintjah

I added a steel grate for extra protection and oil temps have not increased.

Bringing back an old thread... is there a DIY somewhere for the mesh insert?

[No_curebimmer]

Me too...is there a DYI thread or a vendor that we could purchase the kit?

[GarageMadness]

Here a solution....why not keep eyes on the road for road hazards and road obstructions. Cheapest modification. jk.

I do believe the plastic shroud was an afterthought by BMW. I see lots of discussion on options. Absolutely would fight it if they denied replacement under warranty. In using a mesh guard with either Fallline or a TMS skid plates, I would take temperature readings under different driving conditions to ensure OEM range is maintained. Even a slight increase beyond the range can create cooling inefficiencies which over long term use may lead to issues.

Question to ask is why aftermarket options don't have the mesh shield. Maybe because they tested it in their development or know something we don't. Quite honestly driving over or hitting a small hard object is going to destroy the cooler regardless of what type of mesh Is installed. Having said this, it offers some peace of mind knowing you have stronger material in place to protect the cooler for smaller rocks and road debris.

[Economatic]

Originally Posted by slider86

Bringing back an old thread... is there a DIY somewhere for the mesh insert?

I agree with GarageMadness in that I doubt the mesh is really necessary for the oil cooler. I got the Turner Motorsports oil cooler guard while I was installing mesh for all the radiator openings in the bumper. The radiators took a lot of hits from rocks and bugs but the oil cooler is in perfect shape. But I wouldn't fault anyone for adding extra protection as long as it doesn't affect air flow for cooling...

For a DIY, all you have to do is remove the bumper and you have easy access to the oil cooler guard. After that it is only a few 8mm (?) bolts. There are plenty of videos for removing the bumper.

[ROASTM]

Originally Posted by Economatic

I agree with GarageMadness in that I doubt the mesh is really necessary for the oil cooler. I got the Turner Motorsports oil cooler guard while I was installing mesh for all the radiator openings in the bumper. The radiators took a lot of hits from rocks and bugs but the oil cooler is in perfect shape. But I wouldn't fault anyone for adding extra protection as long as it doesn't affect air flow for cooling...

For a DIY, all you have to do is remove the bumper and you have easy access to the oil cooler guard. After that it is only a few 8mm (?) bolts. There are plenty of videos for removing the bumper.

Is completely removing the front bumper necessary to install one of these aftermarket oil cooler shields? I would've thought you could get away with just unbuttoning a few of the clips on the underside of the bumper?

[Economatic]

Originally Posted by ROASTM

Is completely removing the front bumper necessary to install one of these aftermarket oil cooler shields? I would've thought you could get away with just unbuttoning a few of the clips on the underside of the bumper?

I won't say it is 100% necessary but you need to remove all the bolts on the underside of the bumper and I would recommend loosening the 3 bolts per side that attach to the fender so the bumper can move around a bit. And that involves removing the fender liners. At that point there are only 6 (?) bolts on the top and 2 wiring harnesses to unclip and the bumper is ready to remove.

When I installed my oil cooler guard I had the front end of the car on jack stands and the bumper half installed. I did a test fitment of the guard with the bumper in place and it would have been difficult. You're replacing an odd shaped piece of flimsy plastic with rigid aluminum.

Part of the problem I had was that I have a front spoiler and the mounting points on the sides were problematic with the thickness of the aluminum guard. Without that complexity you might have better luck sliding the guard in place while you have someone pull out and up on the bumper.

Either way it's an easy-ish install. Feel free to send me a DM if you have any specific questions