VF-Engineering has finished preliminary testing of
a high performance E46 M3 oil cooler and the results look good.
With almost twice the surface area (1.3m vs. 2.4m)
of the factory oil cooler, by
default the radiator increases
the M3’s oil cooling capability.
Typically, E46 M3 oil temps remain within factory limits, even during moderately aggressive driving where the factory oil cooler does
a decent job.
Under sustained load however,
the factory cooler can become overwhelmed (talk to anyone who tracks their E46 M3).
Temps rocket and oil starts to break down, which is a bad thing.
Some drivers have used the filter
assembly from the Euro-spec M3
with some success. And while
it does slightly increase thermal
scrub capacity, it’s expensive
with modest results.
Designed just down the road from VFE,
this CSF radiator is a direct bolt-on
replacement for the factory unit with
pre-tapped inlets and mounting tabs.
The cooler features robust,
generously-welded end caps,
smooth internal passages and
a very clean finish. Priced well
below comparable oil coolers, we
decided this oil cooler was worth a
closer look. We like it (and now use it)
because our clients tend to drive their boosted cars harder than most.
And that’s a very good thing.
