CSF BMW E30 M3 Cooling package

CSF has over 5 decades of experience manufacturing radiators. So when it comes to keeping your engine cool and your E30 M3 running at its best, a CSF High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator is the obvious choice. Designed to perform on the street or at the track, a performance radiator is a must-have for both high horsepower builds as well as race vehicles which need added cooling performance in motorsports environments.

This radiator features a 2-Row core with CSF's exclusive B-Tube Technology. Unlike a regular oval shape "O" type radiator tube, CSF uses a specially engineered tube in the shape of a "B". These "B-tubes" are carefully formed and then brazed over the seam to seal. CSF is able to use thinner and lighter aluminum material (with better cooling efficiency) because this design is actually stronger than normal "O" shape tubes that are welded. The design increases the heat transfer surface area of the tubes by approximately 15% over regular tubes — producing the efficiency of two smaller tubes vs. one large tube within the same space criteria. With "B-tubes" you are able to get "dual liquid laminar flow". CSF also uses ultra efficient multi louvered fins that are carefully and precisely aligned to maximize airflow through each radiator core. Fin specifications are carefully measured and calculated for each application, and tested for maximum heat rejection efficiency in our wind-tunnel lab.

The CSF E30 M3 radiator is a true "Drop-in fit" design requiring no modifications to install. OE style brackets are all CNC machined and welded for the best durability possible. Inlet/Outlet connections are designed to match the OE connections so you can reuse OEM hoses or aftermarket. Trust the cooling experts at CSF for the best performing, highest-quality, and most reliable radiators.

Features

• CSF's Exclusive B-Tube Technology
• 1-1/4" Core Features an Ultra-Efficient Fin with a Multi-Louvered Design for Maximum Surface Area Contact
• Slip-On 1-3/8" Inlet/Outlet Connections
• CNC Machined Brackets and Fittings for Superb Fit and Durability
• All-Aluminum Race Style Drain Plug
• 1-Hour "Mirror Finish" Hand Polish
• "Drop-In Fit" Requiring No Modifications to Install — Accepts All Attaching OEM Components Including "Quick Connect" Hoses, AC Condenser, Mounting Brackets and Fan Shroud
• Replaces OEM Part Number: 17111468084

Why Upgrade?

While most of the engineering that went into the first M3/3-Series was top of line at the time, there is plenty of room for improvement. The cooling systems on the E30 are fairly adequate for normal to semi spirited driving. However, the factory oil cooler can still struggle to keep up under aggressive driving or track days. The vehicle is also old enough that many of the factory systems really need to be replaced.

Old/Used BMW OE Oil Cooler

Damaged and Clogged Fins

While your original system may still be functional, it is likely not in the best shape. Dented, clogged, and weathered coolers just can't perform like a new cooler. Even then, the old tube and fin design don't compare to the durability and performance of a bar and plate design.

CSF understands that most owners don't want to change the look of their Bavarian classics at this point. That's why the E30 Group A / DTM Oil Cooler was designed to fit in the factory location with no custom mounting hardware necessary. The CSF Oil Cooler offers superior cooling capacity, modern technology, and costs less than a genuine OE replacement.

Design & Engineering

When designing this new cooler, CSF wanted to ensure the best possible performance while ensuring the cooler was as durable as possible. As you've seen, oil coolers and other heat exchangers can take quite a beating over time. CSF utilizes an extremely rugged and durable Bar/Plate design which can stand up to far more abuse. The CSF "Aero-Flow" Bar design reduces weight compared to other Bar/Plate designs while maintaining maximum strength and air-flow. These "Aero-Flow" bars improve heat dissipation with high density turbulated multi-louvered fins. Turbulation increases the turbulent flow through a tube, effectively increasing heat exchange rates and abilities.

BMW OE 17211719179

CSF #8218 (Group A / DTM Style)

CSF #8092 (OEM+/Performance Style)

At around 50% larger in size, the CSF #8218 Oil Cooler increases both fluid capacity and core surface area. The overall performance of the Oil Cooler far exceeds the factory cooler's limits. 100% All-Aluminum construction ensures the best performance and durability. In addition, the black powder coat finish provides extra protection and offers an OEM look behind the grille of your E30.

Race Proven

Tim Hardy Racing — Turbo M52 E30

Tim Hardy Racing recently participated in the 2022 Pikes Peak Hill Climb with their 1987 BMW E30. While not your typical E30 build, it was the perfect opportunity to get feedback on oil cooling performance for the E30 in a race setting. While the #8218 Cooler was not available while the car was being built, CSF was able to offer a prototype version to them.

Feedback from Tim Hardy was 100% positive. All the CSF cooling systems on the car exceeded expectations. Being able to keep a 700HP turbocharged M52 swapped E30's oil temps in check while racing up Pikes Peak shows how efficient these coolers are in the most demanding circumstances. Tim Hardy and his team finished 3rd in Class (Pikes Peak Open) and 12th overall with a time of 11:09.400.

E30 Oil Cooler Mounting

E30 Oil Cooler Mounting Locations All Late Model (After 09/87) E30 3-Series equipped with factory oil coolers use the inner mounting locations. All E30 M3 Models & Early Model (Up to 09/87) E30 3-Series equipped with factory oil coolers use the outer mounting locations. All E30 Models come with both mounting location provisions from the factory. You can use either mounting location with the proper hardware. Therefore OEM Hardware can be used to mount the CSF #8218 Cooler whether your car was equipped with one from the factory or not. Note: Factory lines differ between the various models so changing your factory cooler style will require new/custom lines.

E30 M3 with Factory Lines The CSF E30 Oil Cooler #8218 installed on an E30 M3 using the factory oil cooler lines mounts perfectly with OEM hardware. There is ample clearance between the oil cooler and the front mount electric fan. Most aftermarket condenser/auxiliary fans should have similar clearance. While it is unlikely that a fan will cause a clearance issue with the cooler, it may limit your options on how you run your oil lines. Traditionally, the M20 oil cooler lines run above the cooler, and a large protruding auxiliary fan could make running new lines over the cooler more difficult. Customers running turbo systems with a front mount intercooler (FMIC) may also have fitment issues. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding fitment conflicts with other aftermarket parts.

⚠ Fitment Notes

1986-1993 BMW E30 M3 (S14)

The long factory oil hard line will not be able to use support brackets on the back of the radiator. This is due to the adapter fittings pushing the lines out about a 1/2" from the factory so the brackets won't line up but the lines will still run to the proper location and can be connected.

1985-1987 (up to 09/87) BMW E30 325 w/ Factory Oil Cooler

Requires custom lines (factory hard line passes over the oil cooler normally but this unit is too tall to run that line over the top).

1988-1993 BMW E30 325 w/ Factory Oil Cooler

Requires custom lines & mounting hardware. E30 Chassis has provisions for OEM mounting hardware. OEM Mounting Hardware part number listed below.

1984-1993 BMW E30 3-Series w/o Factory Oil Cooler

Requires lines, mounting hardware, and sandwich plate (or provision for oil hook up). E30 Chassis has provisions for OEM mounting hardware. OEM Mounting Hardware part numbers listed below.

The BMW OEM Parts Required for Retrofit:

• Body bracket: #17211719126 x 2
• Rubber grommet: #17211712839 x 2
• Grommet insert: #17211712844 x 2
• Grommet hex head screw: #07119916886 x 2
• Oil cooler O-rings: #17222245358 x 2

Features

• Group A / DTM E30 M3 Oil Cooler Design
• Direct fit oil cooler for BMW E30 M3
• Can fit all E30 Chassis (see applications and fitment notes)
• High Efficiency & Rugged Durability Bar/Plate Design
• "Aero-Flow" Bar Lightweight Construction for Strength and Maximum Flow
• Cast End Tanks with 100% TIG Welded Construction
• Satin Black Finish for Extreme Protection Against Corrosion and Debris
• Comes complete with fitting kit for both OEM style as well as -10 AN male connections