Oiling System

Whether your S55-equipped BMW serves as a daily driver or track car, keeping temperatures cool is critical. While most enthusiasts focus on upgrading the radiator and water-to-air intercooler systems, the engine oil cooler is an overlooked yet critical component.

New for the F8X-generation M2, M3, and M4 is a low-slung, horizontally mounted oil cooler designed to harness underbody aerodynamics. By placing the cooler in a low-pressure zone, this design enhances airflow efficiency and achieves sustainable oil temperatures for stock and street-driven cars. However, the compact core is quickly overwhelmed on modified or track-driven vehicles. Its exposed mounting position also leaves it highly susceptible to impact damage, so a minor scrape or piece of road debris can mean a costly full replacement. If you’re already replacing your oil cooler, it’s the perfect time to upgrade!

Our engineering team set out to solve the shortcomings of the factory design by developing a larger, higher-capacity core that delivers measurable gains in thermal stability. With a 7% increase in core thickness over OEM, this upgraded unit enhances airflow through the cooler and helps maintain lower, more consistent oil temperatures under sustained load. Thanks to its robust bar-and-plate core, precision-formed sheet metal end tanks, and durable 5052 aluminum construction, it’s built to withstand the harsh realities of real-world performance driving.

Replaces OEM part numbers 17212284540 and 17214802333.

Features:

High-efficiency bar-and-plate core for superior heat dissipation Fully TIG-welded 5052 aluminum end tanks Retains OEM rubber mounting for vibration-isolated, factory-style fitment Black painted finish with laser-etched Turner logo Designed as a direct-fit replacement and upgrade for S55-equipped F8X vehicles Design:

7% thicker core (30mm vs 28mm) for increased thermal capacity 6.5% increase in finned area (104,000 mm² vs 97,650 mm²) for better cooling Compatible with the Turner Motorsport skid plate kit (ES#3448772, ES#3247792) for complete protection Product Development:

Our High Performance Aluminum Heat Exchanger was designed, engineered, tested, and quality inspected by our Research and Development team in our Wadsworth, Ohio, facility. We strive for 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.

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.

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

The Turner N55 oil catch can was designed with a strategically positioned 4 chamber baffle system with an added easy drain feature. The intent behind this design was to offer the most effective oil/air separation while being incredibly easy to maintain. The included drain kit allows you to route the drain hose to a mounted location near the belly pan of the vehicle making it convenient to empty at oil change intervals.

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 F3x N55. 

*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

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!
• Driver side mounting kit - Designed specifically for your N54!

Upgrade your stock oil cooler thermostat for improved performance. Swap your factory 110-degree Celsius thermostat for a new 70-degree Celsius version for faster oil flow and extended temperature control. With oil temperatures reaching 230 degrees Fahrenheit by the time your factory thermostat opens, initiating oil flow at lower temperatures proves more effective than attempting to cool down already elevated temperatures.

Utilizing a factory-style thermostat, this upgrade can be used in all weather conditions and allows your engine to warm up properly, unlike thermostat bypass kits.

Kit contents:​

Lower temperature thermostat - 70c (158F) vs Factory 110c (230F)
Low temp thermostat spring

Upgrade your stock oil cooler thermostat for improved performance. Swap out your existing cover with ease, replacing it with a durable billet cover. Upgrade from your 110-degree Celsius thermostat to a new 70-degree Celsius version for faster oil flow and extended temperature control. With oil temperatures reaching 230 degrees Fahrenheit by the time your factory thermostat opens, initiating oil flow at lower temperatures proves more effective than attempting to cool down already elevated temperatures.

Utilizing a factory-style thermostat, this upgrade can be used in all weather conditions and allows your engine to warm up properly unlike thermostat bypass kits.

Kit contents:

Billet thermostat housing cover
Replacement gasket
Hardware
Lower temperature thermostat - 70c (158F) vs Factory 110c (230F)
Low temp thermostat spring

CSF is one of the premier cooling product specialists available on the market today. One item that is often overlooked is the oil cooler. Luckily CSF has taken up the task of upgrading the oil cooler as well. If the oil runs too hot, it can lead to a reduction in wear protection and damage to the head, block, or the turbo system. This unit has 17 cooling tubes in the front with anther 6 in the rear of the cooler and still fits in the stock location without any issues.

Fits the following BMW:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3

Oil venting and circulation continues to be a problem on BMW engines and now even more so on the turbocharged N54 and N55 engines. The existing stock system does a very poor job of separating fluid and vapor and this leads to an oily film or even small pools of oil throughout the turbos and intake. We're seeing a lot more 135 and 335 cars with drivability and performance issues because oil has sneaked by the ring seals and is coating the intake piping, intercooler, intake valves, and other critical areas. The problem is worsened with higher boost levels. Oil is excellent for lubricating moving parts but terrible when it gets into the combustion chamber, effectively lowering the octane rating and reducing performance. Our own shop has gone the extra step and offers media blasting of the intake valves to strip away the oily buildup we have seen.

Our shop also strongly recommends an oil catch can be installed in the line for the crankcase vent. The oil catch can traps oil as it leaves the valve cover and holds it in a canister. This catch can is located on the cooler side of the engine where the oil will condense easier and stay in the can. Whatever minimal vapors are left over in the oil is then vented back through the canister and into the intake where it is safe to be burned up in the engine or recirculated back through the system again. This is the way the system was designed! At each oil change simply unscrew the canister and empty the trapped oil with your regular used oil. The Burger Tuning oil catch can is the best we have seen so far. Installing one of these will avoid costly repairs in the future and help maintain your boost and performance. It's one of the smartest modifications you can make because it demonstrates a well-thought out tuning strategy and care for the condition of your engine.

The BMS Oil Catch Can is made from aluminum and with a stealthy black anodized finish. It installs on the cooler side of the engine with a dedicated bracket and new oversized vent lines. The location is key as heat will evaporate the oil and send too much vapor back into the engine (where cooler air will turn it back into fluid). The BMS OCC also has a factory-like appearance. Since BMS designed their catch can from scratch they can guarantee it fits and performs correctly for the N54/N55 engine, unlike other catch cans on the market that are poorly retrofitted from other applications and under-sized for the N54 engine.

Note: Since the crankcase vent system is considered part of the overall emissions system, installing this may be a violation of local, state, and federal laws. While exemptions are made for track/race and off-road use, check with your local state inspection facility on using this in street-driven vehicles

BMS Oil Catch Can Features:
+ Increases air intake efficiency
+ Promotes engine longevity
+ Double-baffled design allows excellent air/oil separation
+ Large In/Out ports (no tapered sizes that slow flow)
+ Stealth mounting on cooler side of engine bay (promotes condensation of oil to vapor)
+ Anodized black lightweight aluminum
+ N54 version mounts out of sight under the cowl
+ Made in USA with a lifetime guarantee

CSF is one of the premier cooling product specialists available on the market today. One item that is often overlooked is the oil cooler. Luckily CSF has taken up the task of upgrading the oil cooler as well. If the oil runs too hot, it can lead to a reduction in wear protection and damage to the head, block, or the turbo system. This unit has 8 cooling cores and still fits in the stock location without any issues.

Fits the following BMW:
2008-2013 E9X BMW M3