Engine Oil Temps

SaMaster14 · 06-27-2015, 03:14 PM

Hey guys, not an issue, but more of a curiosity. What determines optimal engine oil temp as regulated by the car?

For example, I came from a e92 335is -> f80 M3. Both cars have a 3.0L I6TT and they both have normal operating temps at around 220-240F.

On the other hand, I also usually drive an R231 (2013) SL550 when I'm with my parents. That car is a 4.6L V8TT and its normal operating temperature is around 190F.

Does the larger engine require cooler temps? Or is this simply a Mercedes vs BMW thing? Also, since the M3 is putting out more power and more boost, shouldn't it run cooler than the 335is?

Also, warm up times piqued my interest. The Mercedes warms up to operating temp almost instantaneously after starting the vehicle. There is no 'cold start' sound or brake/throttle difference. It drives/sounds the same cold and warm.

My M3, on the other hand, takes about 5 mins or so to pass the 180 mark when starting totally cold and then a couple more minutes to reach normal operating temp. Also, when the car is cold it is noticeable, both by exhaust sound and pedal feel.

(Side note, my 335is when totally cold took even longer than the M3 to warm past 180 and to operating temp. Sometimes maybe 20 minutes to pass the 180 mark)

Just a thread for discussion. I would like to hear how NA engines respond in this as when I had my G37 NA V6 I don't think it had a temp gauge and I didn't pay much attention to it. For example what would be the differences in temp/warm up times between an e9x 335 (TT I6) vs an e9x 328 (NA I6)?

What about supercharged engines?

Any input/discussion is appreciated! Help me learn and expand my car knowledge! Haha

[EDIT] posted in the wrong forum. I think this would be better suited in the general automotive, not general BMW.

SaMaster14 · 06-30-2015, 12:49 AM

Thread is now in the right place! Anyone have any answers/knowledge to bestow upon the community?

Ginger_Extract · 06-30-2015, 01:58 AM

FYI, all (US-spec at least) Mercedes-Benz show COOLANT temp in the gauge cluster, not oil. Water temps come to operating temperature (180-220, depending on car) very quickly in most every car with a healthy thermostat/cooling system. Very few cars show oil temperatures/pressure with factory equipment, usually, you set up an OBD or aftermarket gauge setup to get it.

Oil is much thicker than coolant, and takes much longer to get to the correct operating temperature. For most vehicles, this usually requires about 15-20 minutes of mixed/average driving off a cold start to get near the sweet spot of 180*F+. My Miata was the same way. My roommate's '15 WRX is a bit quicker, but not much. Having driven my N54 135i and my Mom's N55 135i vert, I will say that the N55 warms up more quickly than the N54 off a cold start. The N54 is on the slow side when it comes to warming the oil up to the correct temperature, which is amusing considering on the opposite end of the spectrum, it's also EXCELLENT at baking the oil to 280*F once you start hammering it.

SaMaster14 · 06-30-2015, 03:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

FYI, all (US-spec at least) Mercedes-Benz show COOLANT temp in the gauge cluster, not oil. Water temps come to operating temperature (180-220, depending on car) very quickly in most every car with a healthy thermostat/cooling system. Very few cars show oil temperatures/pressure with factory equipment, usually, you set up an OBD or aftermarket gauge setup to get it.

Oil is much thicker than coolant, and takes much longer to get to the correct operating temperature. For most vehicles, this usually requires about 15-20 minutes of mixed/average driving off a cold start to get near the sweet spot of 180*F+. My Miata was the same way. My roommate's '15 WRX is a bit quicker, but not much. Having driven my N54 135i and my Mom's N55 135i vert, I will say that the N55 warms up more quickly than the N54 off a cold start. The N54 is on the slow side when it comes to warming the oil up to the correct temperature, which is amusing considering on the opposite end of the spectrum, it's also EXCELLENT at baking the oil to 280*F once you start hammering it.

That clears a lot up. Thanks for the post!

sakitnyatudisini · 06-30-2015, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

That clears a lot up. Thanks for the post!

congrats for answer, goodluck SaMaster

optigrab · 06-30-2015, 11:38 AM

On the N54 the oil cooler valve does not open to the fender mounted oil cooler till 230F BMS makes a insert to hold it open all the time

06-27-2015, 03:14 PM	#1
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5095 Rep 3,951 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	Engine Oil Temps Hey guys, not an issue, but more of a curiosity. What determines optimal engine oil temp as regulated by the car? For example, I came from a e92 335is -> f80 M3. Both cars have a 3.0L I6TT and they both have normal operating temps at around 220-240F. On the other hand, I also usually drive an R231 (2013) SL550 when I'm with my parents. That car is a 4.6L V8TT and its normal operating temperature is around 190F. Does the larger engine require cooler temps? Or is this simply a Mercedes vs BMW thing? Also, since the M3 is putting out more power and more boost, shouldn't it run cooler than the 335is? Also, warm up times piqued my interest. The Mercedes warms up to operating temp almost instantaneously after starting the vehicle. There is no 'cold start' sound or brake/throttle difference. It drives/sounds the same cold and warm. My M3, on the other hand, takes about 5 mins or so to pass the 180 mark when starting totally cold and then a couple more minutes to reach normal operating temp. Also, when the car is cold it is noticeable, both by exhaust sound and pedal feel. (Side note, my 335is when totally cold took even longer than the M3 to warm past 180 and to operating temp. Sometimes maybe 20 minutes to pass the 180 mark) Just a thread for discussion. I would like to hear how NA engines respond in this as when I had my G37 NA V6 I don't think it had a temp gauge and I didn't pay much attention to it. For example what would be the differences in temp/warm up times between an e9x 335 (TT I6) vs an e9x 328 (NA I6)? What about supercharged engines? Any input/discussion is appreciated! Help me learn and expand my car knowledge! Haha [EDIT] posted in the wrong forum. I think this would be better suited in the general automotive, not general BMW. __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust Last edited by SaMaster14; 06-27-2015 at 03:23 PM.. Reason: Posted in wrong section. Please relocate.
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06-30-2015, 12:49 AM	#2
SaMaster14 Brigadier General 5095 Rep 3,951 Posts Drives: '23 G80 M3C xDrive; '13 e92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 [8.72] 2023 BMW M3 Competi ... [9.63]	Thread is now in the right place! Anyone have any answers/knowledge to bestow upon the community? __________________ 2023 G80 M3 Competition xDrive Isle of Man Green on Kyalami Orange full leather - 826M black wheels - Carbon Fiber Trim - Carbon Bucket Seats - Executive/Driving Assist/Parking Packages - Laserlight - M Shadowline Lights - M Drive Pro - CS Trans/Diff/Steering Coding 2013 E92 M3 Mineral White on Bamboo Beige noviello leather (Base w/ Nav, Comfort Access, Lighting Pack) - DINAN Stage 1 and Free Flow Axle-Back Exhaust
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06-30-2015, 01:58 AM	#3
Ginger_Extract California-bound 390 Rep 1,480 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (3)	FYI, all (US-spec at least) Mercedes-Benz show COOLANT temp in the gauge cluster, not oil. Water temps come to operating temperature (180-220, depending on car) very quickly in most every car with a healthy thermostat/cooling system. Very few cars show oil temperatures/pressure with factory equipment, usually, you set up an OBD or aftermarket gauge setup to get it. Oil is much thicker than coolant, and takes much longer to get to the correct operating temperature. For most vehicles, this usually requires about 15-20 minutes of mixed/average driving off a cold start to get near the sweet spot of 180F+. My Miata was the same way. My roommate's '15 WRX is a bit quicker, but not much. Having driven my N54 135i and my Mom's N55 135i vert, I will say that the N55 warms up more quickly than the N54 off a cold start. The N54 is on the slow side when it comes to warming the oil up to the correct temperature, which is amusing considering on the opposite end of the spectrum, it's also EXCELLENT at baking the oil to 280F once you start hammering it. __________________ Streets of Willow: 1:27.7 CW 11/15/15; 1:29.5 CCW 8/15/15 \|\|\|\| Autoclub Speedway ROVAL (CCW): 1.52.6 - 12/2/17 Willow Springs - Big Willow (CW): 1:35.8 - 3/31/18 \|\|\|\| Buttonwillow #13 (CW): 1:59.3 1/27/18 https://www.facebook.com/JakeStumphRacing \|\|\|\| http://www.youtube.com/user/RaceMeMZ3 Last edited by Ginger_Extract; 06-30-2015 at 02:03 AM..
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06-30-2015, 11:38 AM	#6
optigrab More Boost? 60 Rep 283 Posts Drives: 08 135i MSport 6AT Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Southern PA iTrader: (2)	On the N54 the oil cooler valve does not open to the fender mounted oil cooler till 230F BMS makes a insert to hold it open all the time
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