[mblaucoupe135]

I'm driving home from a hiking trail today and I got a low pressure oil light and the car told me to stop driving right away. So I pull off into a parking lot and look under the car and it appears there is a hole in the oil cooler and the oil is leaking out. I didn't hit anything so I think a rock must have kicked up and damaged it. I was concerned something like this might happen given the fact the oil cooler is completely exposed on the bottom of the car with no cover or anything to protect it. Has anyone else had their oil cooler damaged by road debris? The car is over at the dealership now so I'll be interested to see if they cover it under warranty or not.

[TJZ67201]

Just curious, do you have the ZTK package with extra oil coolers?

This is the exact reason I didn’t option this package, the coolers are way too exposed Sorry to hear boss

[MPR]

A skid plate to give it some protection is available through Turner motorsports, which I am now going to prioritize.

The brakes and wheels make ZTK worth it, IMO.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...0i-skid-plate/

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by TJZ67201

Just curious, do you have the ZTK package with extra oil coolers?

This is the exact reason I didn’t option this package, the coolers are way too exposed Sorry to hear boss

Thanks man. Yes, I have the ZTK package.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by MPR

A skid plate to give it some protection is available through Turner motorsports, which I am now going to prioritize.

The brakes and wheels make ZTK worth it, IMO.

That's good to know. After this incident, I'm going to prioritize getting a skid plate too.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

That's good to know. After this incident, I'm going to prioritize getting a skid plate too.

I added a link above. It still appears that it will be exposed a bit from rocks, but should help a bit for larger things.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by MPR

I added a link above. It still appears that it will be exposed a bit from rocks, but should help a bit for larger things.

Thanks I appreciate. I just hope bmw covers this under warranty and doesn't try to blame me for their poor design.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

Thanks I appreciate. I just hope bmw covers this under warranty and doesn't try to blame me for their poor design.

Yeah, they really didn't take rocks and random road debris into consideration for something as serious as the oiling system. Hopefully they own up and cover it. Let us know how you make out.

[MPR]

I'm thinking some steel mesh secured over the openings on the skid plate will be a good idea. I'd rather sacrifice cooling a bit for more protection. My car sees no track time so I should be fine

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by MPR

Yeah, they really didn't take rocks and random road debris into consideration for something as serious as the oiling system. Hopefully they own up and cover it. Let us know how you make out.

I agree. I'll keep you all posted.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by MPR

I'm thinking some steel mesh secured over the openings on the skid plate will be a good idea. I'd rather sacrifice cooling a bit for more protection. My car sees no track time so I should be fine

That sounds like a good plan. I do plan to track mine here in a few weeks actually so I'm hoping this is all sorted out by then.

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by MPR

A skid plate to give it some protection is available through Turner motorsports, which I am now going to prioritize.

The brakes and wheels make ZTK worth it, IMO.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-1...0i-skid-plate/

I have this skid plate, just an installation tip, add a couple of washers to the back bracket to give the plate more room. My skid plate was rubbing and vibrating on the oil cooler w/o the washers. Easy install.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by oldbmwtech

I have this skid plate, just an installation tip, add a couple of washers to the back bracket to give the plate more room. My skid plate was rubbing and vibrating on the oil cooler w/o the washers. Easy install.

Is there any room where the openings are inbetween the cooler and skid plate to put in some steel mesh ? Just a cm or 2

Even with that plate you run the risk of a rock putting a hole in the oil cooler. Was hoping to put in some stainless mesh

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by MPR

Is there any room where the openings are inbetween the cooler and skid plate to put in some steel mesh ? Just a cm or 2

Even with that plate you run the risk of a rock putting a hole in the oil cooler. Was hoping to put in some stainless mesh

I think that there is but there are deflectors to help prevent this. You have me thinking about this. Not a bad idea. The only thing I'm not sure about these is the front mounting is on plastic and a good hit might not save the cooler. The rear mount is solid so that might work.

[G42UPRA]

I'm constantly worried about this. Going to prioritize the skid plate as well and I think it's a great idea to add some wire mesh to cover the openings.

I'm not sure how this design was pushed through. It's so obviously susceptible to damage that can be catastrophic to the engine.

[MPR]

How would a deflector stop a rock from getting kicked up and hitting the fins? Do you know how large the openings are? Any images of the backside?

I ordered 2 of these:
1 PC 11”X14” (28cmX36cm) Wire Mesh 5 Mesh, Sturdy Metal Mesh Sheets for DIY Projects 304 Stainless Steel No Rust Mesh Screen https://a.co/d/di56BLr

[cannockwolf]

these help

[MPR]

Help what?

I just ordered the Turner skid plate and the stainless mesh is on the way, I'll post a DIY thread assuming the idea works.

[MPR]

oldbmwtech did your car come with a plastic splash guard for your oil cooler? Mine is just sitting there commando

Turners skid plate description: "...The Turner skid plate weighs only a bit more than the plastic OE splash guard while providing an exponential amount of increased protection."

Edit: nevermind, mine is like this
https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1926516

[Xspeedracer]

Any aftermarket protection you add is great just make sure it doesn’t have any direct contact with the cooler itself it will wear a hole in it over time if touching

[Invisiblename]

Originally Posted by cannockwolf

these help

[img]https://i.ibb.co/y8YSqpT/IMG-2016.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/rvy3gCs/IMG-2015.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/gdDwW3G/IMG-2014.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i.ibb.co/r59t0yR/IMG-2013.jpg[/img]

Link to where you got them would be useful

[cannockwolf]

Originally Posted by Invisiblename

Link to where you got them would be useful

np

https://www.zunsport.com/en/bmw-gril...ter-grille-set