NEW CSF BMW E36 Euro-Spec Engine Oil Cooler
The E36 was the least loved of the BMW 3-Series chassis for a long time. Situated between two of the two most beloved 3-series chassis (the E30 and E46), the E36 was largely ignored by collectors and enthusiasts for years. That has changed over the last several years as BMW fans have started restoring and upgrading these 90’s classics. As they’ve grown in popularity, demand for E36 parts has grown as well. CSF teamed up with BimmerWorld to bring you the new Euro Spec Oil Cooler.
Design & Engineering
The E36 Euro Spec Oil Cooler is exactly what it sounds like. E36 M3s in Europe came equipped with an oil cooler that mounted under the radiator and was a popular upgrade for E36 owners in the US. Unfortunately, BMW discontinued the oil cooler, and they have become harder and harder to find. BimmerWorld reached out to CSF to design a replacement unit that would fit exactly like the factory unit but perform even better.
CSF vs OEM
- CSF #8301
- BMW #17212244084
The original oil cooler used Tube and Fin construction. While this is acceptable for cooling performance, it is not a very robust design. CSF chose to go with a Bar and Plate construction to improve durability. While there is plenty of ground clearance, the cooler is low enough to see some potential abuse on the track. CSF wanted to offer that extra durability of a Bar and Plate cooler for track enthusiasts and those running their car on the lower side.
CSF Bar & Plate Core
OEM Tube and Fin Core
The CSF Oil Cooler was designed to be a 1-to-1 replacement for the OEM unit in terms of fitment. This means it uses the same OE mounting points, hardware, and lines. For a EU E36 M3 or USMD Z3M, the oil cooler will be a drop-in fit installation. E36 models that were not equipped with the oil cooler from the factory can use the BimmerWorld Euro Oil Cooler Bracket Kit, which can attach to an OEM spec radiator or the CSF #3054.
