Oiling System

The No-Compromise Oil Pan for Your 24V E30 Build

Every E30 swap story starts the same way: you want the reliability and power of a modern BMW 24V engine - M50, M52, S50, or S52 - but without heavy modifications or a list of oil pan parts that are no longer available(NLA). You’ve read the forums, seen the DIYs, and done the math. And you’re still faced with the same question: how am I going to find all of these parts and make them work?

That’s exactly the problem we set out to solve.

At Turner Motorsport, we’ve been building BMWs for decades. We've performed the swaps, turned the wrenches, and taken the laps. The Turner Fabricated Oil Pan was born out of that experience, an enthusiast-engineered solution that eliminates the guesswork and lets you focus on what really matters: driving.

We designed this oil pan from the ground up to support 24V engine swaps into the E30 chassis, with zero permanent modifications.

Crafted from TIG-welded 5052 aluminum, this pan is as durable as it is lightweight. The brushed anodized finish adds a subtle shine under the hood and guards against corrosion for long-term reliability. Inside, we’ve integrated full-length oil control baffles with trap doors, ensuring your oil stays where it needs to be, even under the most aggressive acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The low-profile design is perfect for lowered cars, and the 8 mm-thick flange ensures a proper seal with the factory gasket. We didn’t stop there, every pan includes a billet aluminum oil pickup with an integrated stainless mesh screen that’s fully serviceable, a 304 stainless steel dipstick tube, and a billet rear transmission plate that allows you to utilize the lower mounting holes, unlike the stock E34 pan.

Whether you're building a high-performance street car, a dedicated track weapon, or a clean restomod, this oil pan offers OEM-level integration with aftermarket performance. It’s the cleanest, easiest, and most effective way to run a 24V engine in your E30 — built by BMW lovers, for BMW lovers.

Design:

Fully TIG-welded 5052 aluminum construction
Brushed anodized finish for a clean look and corrosion resistance
Engineered specifically for M5X/S5X engines in the BMW E30 chassis
Front-sump design clears the factory E30 subframe, no cutting or modification required
Designed and tested in-house by BMW enthusiasts
Features:

Built-in oil control baffles with trap doors to prevent starvation under cornering
Low-profile design for maximum ground clearance - perfect for lowered cars
Billet aluminum oil pickup with integrated stainless mesh screen - fully serviceable
8mm thick flange ensures a reliable seal with OEM gasket
Works with all standard 24V swap motor mounts
3/8" NPT port for turbo oil drain and 1/4" NPT for OBD2 CCV drain
Compatible with G260 and ZF transmissions
Stainless steel dipstick tube (304) included for strength and appearance
Utilizes E36 Dipstick (P# - 11431427993)
Kit Contents:

Turner Fabricated Oil Pan
Billet Rear Mounting Plate
304SS Dipstick Tube with Mounting Hardware
Billet Aluminum Oil Pickup
Optional: Oil Pan Gasket, Oil Filter, and Motor Oil
Optional: Complete Install Hardware Kit
Why It Works:

Direct fitment for M5X/S5X into E30, no cutting or fabrication required
Maximum clearance for front subframe, steering rack, and lowered suspension setups
Track-proven baffling to prevent oil starvation under load
Transmission compatibility with Getrag and ZF gearboxes
Built by enthusiasts, designed and tested in-house on real cars
Please note this will require an oil pump from M50/M52/S50/S52, M52TU, M54, and S54 oil pumps will need to be replaced with a single vanos oil pump.

Product development:

Our swap pan components are designed, engineered, tested, and quality inspected by our Research and Development team at Turner. Nothing but the highest level of precision and quality through leading-edge product development technology, including FARO laser scanning for reverse engineering and quality inspection, SolidWorks 3D CAD modeling, rapid prototyping utilizing our in-house 3D printer, and rigorous long-term product testing.

When we designed this catch we wanted to have the most function options available, the best separation method, and the easiest to service. The Turner engineered catch cans offer a pre-setup design based ion desired flow direction, however this does not limit you to this flow. The inner baffle orientation can be easily adjusted to flow in both directions in case you decide to move this catch can to a different vehicle. A 4 chamber system  baffle system inside the catch can was engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can. Having a closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation.

Our catch can was also designed with the idea that the cans fill level can easily be checked with a top mounted dipstick and an optional use bottom drain hole. The drain hole can be used with a valve and hose to be mounted at a lower area of the vehicle so when you're doing an oil change you can drain the catch can.

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton O-Ring
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation
• Optional use drain hole (valve and hose sold separately, watch for our model specific drain kits!)

When we designed this catch we wanted to have the most function options available, the best separation method, and the easiest to service. The Turner engineered catch cans offer a pre-setup design based ion desired flow direction, however this does not limit you to this flow. The inner baffle orientation can be easily adjusted to flow in both directions in case you decide to move this catch can to a different vehicle. A 4 chamber system  baffle system inside the catch can was engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can. Having a closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation.

Our catch can was also designed with the idea that the cans fill level can easily be checked with a top mounted dipstick and an optional use bottom drain hole. The drain system comes complete with a valve and hose to be mounted at a lower area of the vehicle so when you're doing an oil change you can drain the catch can.

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton O-Ring
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation
• Optional use drain hole - drain kit included!
• Universal mounting kit

Through experimentation and data acquired from our E36 World Challenge Touring Cars, it was discovered that in long corners and under heavy braking that there was an oil starvation problem in the M50 and M52 engines. This system was developed to keep oil in the sump and eliminate the starvation problem. After several iterations, further testing and data acquisition in the Touring Cars showed that this system eliminates the problem of oil starvation. This is a less expensive alternative to replacing the stock oil pan with the factory BMW M3 Lightweight oil pan, while still achieving the similar results.

*Requires Professional Welding

Installation instructions (E36/Z3 Oil Pan Baffle for M50, M52, S50, S52 engines)

This item fits the following BMWs:
1992-1999 E36 BMW 323is 323ic 325i 325is 325ic 328i 328is 328ic M3
1992-1995 E34 BMW 525i
1997-1998 E39 BMW 528i
1997-1998 Z3 BMW Z3 2.8
1998-2000 Z3 BMW Z3 M Coupe M Roadster S52

There are a few reason having a catch can is an upgrade for a vehicle, from a separator system that no longer works to one that was never there. Modern day emissions regulations require the use of a closed crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to recirculate combustion blow-by gases from the crankcase back in to the intake to be burned.  Unfortunately, these blow by gases contain water vapor (which is a byproduct of combustion) and pick up oil mist from and the windage cloud and cam lubrication system as they travel through the crank case.  Due to less than 100% effective air/oil separation in the stock PCV system, some oil mist and water vapor gets carried back to the intake tract and over time cause oil deposits and carbon buildup in the intake manifold, intake ports, and on the back of intake valves.  All will eventually lead to poor performance and reduced fuel economy, and the presence oil mist can in the intake charge even increase the risk of engine damaging detonation. 

With direct injected engines this problem becomes more prevalent, and the N54 in your 135i or 335i is no exception.  We're seeing a lot of N54 powered cars with drivability and performance issues due to significant carbon buildup in the intake ports and backs of intake valves.  The “factory fix” is a walnut blasting service that commonly needs performed every 30,000 to 70,000 miles.  Don't be part of this statistic!  Our shop recommends an oil catch can be installed in-line in the PCV system to help reduce the build-up of performance robbing deposits and greatly reduce the need for costly walnut blasting service and related repairs in the future.

​ The catch can utilizes a strategically designed 4 chamber baffle plate system engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension, maximizing the efficiency of the PCV air/oil separation.  A dipstick is integrated into the cap so you can monitor the oil level, and the can is easily serviced.  At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil.  The Turner Motorsport Oil Catch Can is CNC machined from billet 6061-T6 aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish for lasting durability and appearance, and includes everything needed for an OEM-like fully reversible installation. Another feature the Turner catch can has is the ability to add on a drain kit so you no longer have to fumble around getting the fill can out of a tight space. The drain can be run down to the belly pan of your car so draining can be done at the same time you change your oil or anytime in between.

*Click here for catch can instructions*

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton O-Ring
• 8oz reservoir
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation
• Optional use drain hole - drain kit included!
• Passenger side mounting kit - Designed specifically for your N54!

Modern day emissions regulations require the use of a closed crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to recirculate combustion blow-by gases from the crankcase back in to the intake to be burned.  Unfortunately, these blow by gases contain water vapor (which is a byproduct of combustion) and pick up oil mist from and the windage cloud and cam lubrication system as they travel through the crank case.  Due to less than 100% effective air/oil separation in the stock PCV system, some oil mist and water vapor gets carried back to the intake tract and over time cause oil deposits in the intake manifold, intake ports, and on the back of intake valves.  All will eventually lead to poor performance and reduced fuel economy, and the presence of this oil mist in the intake charge may even increase the risk of engine-damaging detonation. 

With forced induction, track use, and/or extended high RPM usage, these symptoms increase as the factory PCV system is overwhelmed, and a catch can becomes a must for your E46 M3. This kit is a direct fit making this an easy reversal if desired as well as maintaining a clean appearance by utilizing the open "smuggler's compartment" on the passenger side of the engine bay.

*Click here for catch can instructions*

Features:

• 6061-T6 billet machined body, anodized black for lasting protection and appearance
• Strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system maximizes oil / air separation 
• Knurled and black anodized oil dipstick makes inspecting oil volume of reservoir clean and simple
• Sealed with a pre-installed viton o-Ring
• Includes 2.5mm allen key to remove baffle plates for cleaning
• Engineered to create multiple changes in the direction of airflow within the separator to cause oil droplets to fall out of suspension before exiting the catch can
• Closed / recirculated design reduces oil ingestion and promotes cleaner emissions and odor-less operation
• Valved drainage system - no removal of can necessary to empty

VTT is happy to introduce the first and only available plug and play crankcase breather kits for ALL BMW applications that use the two-prong oil tab style oil fill caps. With this breather simply remove your oil cap, install the breather, and instantly free up horsepower, improve turbo draining, remove crankcase pressure, all while adding a cool look to your engine bay.

Can be used by itself with the stock PCV system to eliminate crankcase pressure, or with any number of PCV setups for the ultimate in crankcase pressure relieve 

Made from 6061-T6 Aircraft aluminum anodized black for a long-lasting finish, 4 stainless steel baffles for complete oil control, a PTFE one way check ball, a high-quality filter, and clamp all work together to keep crankcase pressure where it belongs, out of your crankcase.

This breather will fit:
 ALL BMW's with the two-prong style oil fill cap including but not limited to N54, N55, S55, S54

NOTE: NOT ALL THE MODELS LISTED HAVE THE SAME HOOD CLEARANCE, WE CANNOT SAY WHICH MODELS WILL HAVE CLEARANCE ISSUES, AND WHICH WILL NOT AS WE HAVE NOT TEST IT ON ALL MODELS. IF YOU ARE ORDERING THE BREATHER FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN AN N54 TEST CLOSE YOUR HOOD CAREFULLY TO ENSURE CLEARANCE IF IT DOES NOT FIT LET US KNOW, AND WE WILL GET YOU A REFUND ONCE THE BREATHER IS RETURNED.

MODEL LIST OF REPORTED CLEARANCE ISSUES: N55 E/F 3 SERIES

Ensure optimal performance for your BMW with the Turner Motorsport Full Housing Unit, designed for the replacement of units experiencing leaks, cracks, or internal damage. Mounted on the side of the engine, this upgraded full housing unit in metal provides enhanced durability compared to plastic alternatives. The package includes essential components such as the oil filter cover/lid, oil filter lid O-ring, main gasket to the back of the engine, and a heat exchanger. Turner Motorsport recommends using your preferred filter brand with this unit, offering flexibility for personalized maintenance.

• Replacement for units with leaks, cracks, or internal damage
• Upgraded full housing in durable metal (Metal vs. Plastic)
• Mounts conveniently on the side of the engine
• Includes essential components for a complete replacement
• Compatibility with preferred filter brands for personalized maintenance
• OES supplier for quality assurance