Winter Upgrades to my Z4.

Armando1969

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Dec 10, 2020
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Want do some upgrades to my Z4 this winter, let's see if I can get the handling close to a E90 M3.

1 Brake cooling ducts.
2 Mosselman OIL THERMOSTAT, to keep the oil temp down a bit.
3 M3 control arms.
4 polyurethane bushings for the rear.
5 aluminium upgrade control arm for the rear.
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pbondar

Sergeant
May 30, 2020
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Want do some upgrades to my Z4 this winter, let's see if I can get the handling close to a E90 M3.

1 Brake cooling ducts.
2 Mosselman OIL THERMOSTAT, to keep the oil temp down a bit.
3 M3 control arms.
4 polyurethane bushings for the rear.
5 aluminium upgrade control arm for the rear.
View attachment 62540View attachment 62541View attachment 62542View attachment 62543View attachment 62544
Nice project…any anecdotal evidence on the oil thermostat to suggest it’s effectiveness?

What benefit do the new rear trailing arms confer?
 
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Armando1969

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Dec 10, 2020
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Nice project…any anecdotal evidence on the oil thermostat to suggest it’s effectiveness?

What benefit do the new rear trailing arms confer?
Hey,

There are mixed reports about the Thermostat, some speak highly about it others trash it. But because this is my daily ride and I live in the Netherlands we're it's cold some time of the year, I want to keep the Thermostat function but lower the oil temp just a bit. 120 degrees C for just normal highway cruising I find a bit high. Mosselman is the only one I know who offers real Thermostat function but with a lower opening temp.
Plus it looks good.😜

About the rear trailing arm, it's lighter plus makes adjustment to the alignment much easier. Also you can put in more camber than stock.
 

pbondar

Sergeant
May 30, 2020
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Hey,

There are mixed reports about the Thermostat, some speak highly about it others trash it. But because this is my daily ride and I live in the Netherlands we're it's cold some time of the year, I want to keep the Thermostat function but lower the oil temp just a bit. 120 degrees C for just normal highway cruising I find a bit high. Mosselman is the only one I know who offers real Thermostat function but with a lower opening temp.
Plus it looks good.😜

About the rear trailing arm, it's lighter plus makes adjustment to the alignment much easier. Also you can put in more camber than stock.
All noted thnx…compared to my N20 E89 the oil does run hot..so think I will add it to my goody list 👍

I’m keeping the geometry stock so I’ll pass on the trailing arms as I’ve just rebushed them with M spec bushes//
 
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Armando1969

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Dec 10, 2020
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All noted thnx…compared to my N20 E89 the oil does run hot..so think I will add it to my goody list 👍

I’m keeping the geometry stock so I’ll pass on the trailing arms as I’ve just rebushed them with M spec bushes//
If you are interested, I have one Thermostat extra, new in the box incl the seals that are needed..
 

fmorelli

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Aug 11, 2017
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E89 Z4 35i, F10 535d
Given the DME controls the thermostat, electric cooling pump, and even cooling fan using PWM and temperature targets generally for emissions optimization, I've never understood quite how you'd accomplish the above? If you add cooling or remove it, the DME should alter the thermostat opening, cooling pump, and fan speed to hit its targets.

Given the oil cooler "thermostat" is the only mechanical control in the system, I'd love to understand how it is going to overcome the factory programming. Anyone know?
 

pbondar

Sergeant
May 30, 2020
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Given the DME controls the thermostat, electric cooling pump, and even cooling fan using PWM and temperature targets generally for emissions optimization, I've never understood quite how you'd accomplish the above? If you add cooling or remove it, the DME should alter the thermostat opening, cooling pump, and fan speed to hit its targets.

Given the oil cooler "thermostat" is the only mechanical control in the system, I'd love to understand how it is going to overcome the factory programming. Anyone know?
As Meat Loaf once said " you just took the words out of my mouth"!
 

Armando1969

Specialist
Dec 10, 2020
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Given the DME controls the thermostat, electric cooling pump, and even cooling fan using PWM and temperature targets generally for emissions optimization, I've never understood quite how you'd accomplish the above? If you add cooling or remove it, the DME should alter the thermostat opening, cooling pump, and fan speed to hit its targets.

Given the oil cooler "thermostat" is the only mechanical control in the system, I'd love to understand how it is going to overcome the factory programming. Anyone know?
Hello Filippo,
I don't completely understand your question? The oil thermostat opens earlier then normal and starts cooling the oil earlier to prevent higher temperature, this is completely mechanical, so how wil the DME interfere with this??

I actually think that if you put in a bigger oil-cooler it won't make any difference if you don't change the thermostat. The oil temperature will stay at the programmed thermostat temperature. I am unaware of how the DME can control this, maybe you have some extra knowledge about this that you can share with me?
 
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fmorelli

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Aug 11, 2017
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E89 Z4 35i, F10 535d
Hello Filippo,
I don't completely understand your question? The oil thermostat opens earlier then normal and starts cooling the oil earlier to prevent higher temperature, this is completely mechanical, so how wil the DME interfere with this??

I actually think that if you put in a bigger oil-cooler it won't make any difference if you don't change the thermostat. The oil temperature will stay at the programmed thermostat temperature. I am unaware of how the DME can control this, maybe you have some extra knowledge about this that you can share with me?
Sorry ... going back I realize that I mashed two systems into one line of thinking. Probably one of the dumber things I've done here. I still have brain fog from Covid, though getting better, but clearly not well enough! I've been out of my shop (I work with machine tools and lots of sharp tooling) for about 6 weeks - no place for brain fog.

Carry on! lol
 
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Armando1969

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Dec 10, 2020
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Sorry ... going back I realize that I mashed two systems into one line of thinking. Probably one of the dumber things I've done here. I still have brain fog from Covid, though getting better, but clearly not well enough! I've been out of my shop (I work with machine tools and lots of sharp tooling) for about 6 weeks - no place for brain fog.

Carry on! lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣👍👍👍
 

Asbjorn

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Mar 10, 2018
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European, based in China
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Z4 N54 DCT
I actually think that if you put in a bigger oil-cooler it won't make any difference if you don't change the thermostat. The oil temperature will stay at the programmed thermostat temperature. I am unaware of how the DME can control this, maybe you have some extra knowledge about this that you can share with me?

You are correct. Where an upgraded oil cooler helps is above 120C, which is also where you need it. I bypassed my thermostat for a while, and during the summer I would still see 110-120C oil on the street. Remember oil temp is measured in the oil sump.

During the winter I could not get the oil temp above 100C on the highway, so I put the OEM thermostat back in. Track oil temps where the same with or without the thermostat. Your thermostat sounds like the perfect solution overall.

Had the bumber and FMIC off the other day to find a leak (turned out to be the CSF radiator - went back to stock radiator). Wanted to share the naked picture:

h.jpg


You will love the M3 control arms - perfect balance between low NVH and response. Can recommend rear sub-frame aluminum bushings as well, but dont touch the diff or dct bushings.
 
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pbondar

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May 30, 2020
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Got the oil thermostat..I'll sue you if its crap!-:)
 

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Armando1969

Specialist
Dec 10, 2020
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So 1 1/2 years later I finally got to it, to put in the Mosselman oil thermostat and the aluminum micky mouse flange😔.
Two things:
1.When you do this alway get both gaskets so the one for the thermostat but als the one between the housing and the cylinder head. Both were leaking and brittle.
2. Please to everyone who has the N54 engine, replace the plastic flange with one made from aluminium, we were very careful and it still came apart in our hands. This is a problem waiting to happen and not worthy for BMW as a brand.
I put a picture below of the parts.
The Thermostat lowers the oil temperature by 10 to 15 degrees centigrade, so normal operating temperature is now 100 to 105 degrees.
 

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Armando1969

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Dec 10, 2020
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Here are some more pictures of the different stage of the work and the end product.
 

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