Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done?

dhahlen · Wed, May-23-2012, 07:39:06 PM

Arizona sucks in the summer, 110+ on the freeway, stop and go, in traffic, with A/C on... it's no fun. Coolant and oil temps begin to creep up past nominal (middle of gauge). I am looking for ways to prevent this. I wanted to see what others have done.

2003 M3, 64k on it and it's supercharged with a vortech v3 unit (has it's own oil).

Things I may do:

-BMW 55C Thermostat
-Zionsville Radiator
-SPAL electric fan
-Active Autowerke Fan Clutch
-Flush Radiator, refill with 30/70 coolant/water.
-New water pump

Does Stewart make a high flow version of the water pump for the e46 m3 and if they do is it noticeably better?

Suggestions and Input are appreciated.

**Mr.B///MW** · Wed, May-23-2012, 07:50:29 PM

If you're running a S/C, I would assume an upgraded aftermarket cooling system would be preferred.

dhahlen · Wed, May-23-2012, 07:55:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.B///MW

If you're running a S/C, I would assume an upgraded aftermarket cooling system would be preferred.

I had zero issues on my previous e46 with an ESS Stage 1 kit, never moved past center, even when driving it hard on the track or in stop/go traffic in the summer.

I was thinking about Mishimoto, but I was a bit skeptical on the quality difference versus Zionsville. However, it is a fraction of the price.

dhahlen · Wed, May-23-2012, 08:00:10 PM

It also appears that the mishimoto will not fit with a s/c kit

DriveSlow · Wed, May-23-2012, 08:32:55 PM

Texas gets really hot too and I drive in rush hour traffic to and from work/school.

im going to be installing the moshimoto radiator and electric fans with a switch inside the car.

also thinking about starting a electric water pump project on the e46...

Cuz5150 · Wed, May-23-2012, 09:29:44 PM

"-Flush Radiator, refill with 30/70 coolant/water."
^^^this^^^
but............lets change it to this:

"Flush Radiator, refill with 10/90 coolant/water"
Oh, and don't let anyone tell you you need more coolant
in order to lubricate things........Big Myth!
Running with water, drastically reduces engine temps

vndkshn · Wed, May-23-2012, 09:31:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dhahlen

Arizona sucks in the summer, 110+ on the freeway, stop and go, in traffic, with A/C on... it's no fun. Coolant and oil temps begin to creep up past nominal (middle of gauge). I am looking for ways to prevent this. I wanted to see what others have done.

2003 M3, 64k on it and it's supercharged with a vortech v3 unit (has it's own oil).

Things I may do:

-BMW 55C Thermostat
-Zionsville Radiator
-SPAL electric fan
-Active Autowerke Fan Clutch
-Flush Radiator, refill with 30/70 coolant/water.
-New water pump

Does Stewart make a high flow version of the water pump for the e46 m3 and if they do is it noticeably better?

Suggestions and Input are appreciated.

Meh.. that's not that hot (in terms of water/oil temps).

Doesn't the 55C thermostat trip the light because the engine never gets warm enough?

If you go electric fans, the fan clutch is a waste, I'd eliminate the belt driven fan completely.

dhahlen · Wed, May-23-2012, 09:52:19 PM

The thermo is on back order in germany... :/

I may snag the AA fan clutch. Radiator options are Zionsville or PWR, the Zionsville is $100 more and I feel I'd be happier with that setup.

Going to flush the coolant this weekend as well. Car was in NY/NJ before, so I'd imagine it has a 50/50 mix versus the 30/70 I'd run in the hotter climate.

omhl · Wed, May-23-2012, 10:02:00 PM

i would try radiant heat tape around the intake, plenium, and maybe a heatshield extension.

Foo2rama · Wed, May-23-2012, 10:16:44 PM

114 degree ambient at Willow springs, took untill lap5 on the 1pm session to get the engine hot...

Wed, May-23-2012, 07:39:06 PM	#1
dhahlen Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 664 Reputation: 0	Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? Arizona sucks in the summer, 110+ on the freeway, stop and go, in traffic, with A/C on... it's no fun. Coolant and oil temps begin to creep up past nominal (middle of gauge). I am looking for ways to prevent this. I wanted to see what others have done. 2003 M3, 64k on it and it's supercharged with a vortech v3 unit (has it's own oil). Things I may do: -BMW 55C Thermostat -Zionsville Radiator -SPAL electric fan -Active Autowerke Fan Clutch -Flush Radiator, refill with 30/70 coolant/water. -New water pump Does Stewart make a high flow version of the water pump for the e46 m3 and if they do is it noticeably better? Suggestions and Input are appreciated. __________________ 1993 GP220 RX-7 (sold, no more headaches!) 1996 EB M3 (sold to a friend) 2004 AW M3 (RIP) 2005 JB M3 (sold) 2007 SG 335i (wife's) 2002 911tt x50 (sold the BEAST) 1991 318is (daily) 2008 AW/FR M3 (sold) 2003 AW/IR M3 (sold to a friend) 2001 911tt Modded - Current

Wed, May-23-2012, 07:50:29 PM	#2
Mr.B///MW Banned Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 5,796 Reputation: 0	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? If you're running a S/C, I would assume an upgraded aftermarket cooling system would be preferred.

Wed, May-23-2012, 08:00:10 PM	#4
dhahlen Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 664 Reputation: 0	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? It also appears that the mishimoto will not fit with a s/c kit __________________ 1993 GP220 RX-7 (sold, no more headaches!) 1996 EB M3 (sold to a friend) 2004 AW M3 (RIP) 2005 JB M3 (sold) 2007 SG 335i (wife's) 2002 911tt x50 (sold the BEAST) 1991 318is (daily) 2008 AW/FR M3 (sold) 2003 AW/IR M3 (sold to a friend) 2001 911tt Modded - Current

Wed, May-23-2012, 08:32:55 PM	#5
DriveSlow Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 618 Reputation: 0 Location: Dallas	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? Texas gets really hot too and I drive in rush hour traffic to and from work/school. im going to be installing the moshimoto radiator and electric fans with a switch inside the car. also thinking about starting a electric water pump project on the e46... __________________ NorthTexasBimmers: http://www.facebook.com/NorthTexasBimmersClub

Wed, May-23-2012, 09:29:44 PM	#6
Cuz5150 Cuz5150 Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 319 Reputation: 0 Location: S. NJ	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? "-Flush Radiator, refill with 30/70 coolant/water." ^^^this^^^ but............lets change it to this: "Flush Radiator, refill with 10/90 coolant/water" Oh, and don't let anyone tell you you need more coolant in order to lubricate things........Big Myth! Running with water, drastically reduces engine temps __________________ 2004/M3/Vert/Black/Imola/6mt/Cold/Xenon/HK 2006/M3/Coupe/Mystic/Black/6mt/ZCP/Xenon/HK 2002 998 Ducati -Diplomacy is saying "nice doggie" while trying to find a rock -The average response time of a 911 call is 23minutes; The response time of a .44mag is 1600 feet per second.

Wed, May-23-2012, 09:52:19 PM	#8
dhahlen Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 664 Reputation: 0	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? The thermo is on back order in germany... :/ I may snag the AA fan clutch. Radiator options are Zionsville or PWR, the Zionsville is $100 more and I feel I'd be happier with that setup. Going to flush the coolant this weekend as well. Car was in NY/NJ before, so I'd imagine it has a 50/50 mix versus the 30/70 I'd run in the hotter climate. __________________ 1993 GP220 RX-7 (sold, no more headaches!) 1996 EB M3 (sold to a friend) 2004 AW M3 (RIP) 2005 JB M3 (sold) 2007 SG 335i (wife's) 2002 911tt x50 (sold the BEAST) 1991 318is (daily) 2008 AW/FR M3 (sold) 2003 AW/IR M3 (sold to a friend) 2001 911tt Modded - Current

Wed, May-23-2012, 10:02:00 PM	#9
omhl Online Entrepreneur \| University of California, Irvine Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 970 In the garage: '02 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Irvine, CA	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? i would try radiant heat tape around the intake, plenium, and maybe a heatshield extension. __________________ 2002 BMW TiAg/Imola E46 ///M3 6MT Suspension/Braking: TMS Subframe Reinforcement \| UUC RTABS w/limiters \| Yellow DPS Coilover Suspension \| Drilled/Slotted Rotors \| Solid Brass Brake Bushing \| StopTech Street Pads \| SS Brake Lines \| Front/Rear Strut Bar \| -3.5 Fr/-2.0 R Camber 22 Fr/ 17 R Dampening Engine & Exhaust: Custom Tune \| AVT Air Scoop \| K&N 57 Intake + Elbow \| BMW Performance SSK \| F1 Autohaus Ceramic Coated Headers GruppeM Replica Muffler w/ Dual AR20 \| B+Q Lower Intake mod \| IAT Relocation Interior: Imola Interior \| Schroth 4 Point Harness \| Illuminated ZHP Knob \| Armrest Delete Center Console Exterior: CSL Trunk \| CF CSL Diffuser \| Gloss Black Hamann Lip \| Gloss Black Roof \| Piano Black Grills \| F1 Silver 18x10 Enkei NT03+M ET25 + Blue Valves 265/275 \| Muteki SR48 Titanium Studs Electrical: 6K LED Angel Eyes w/2 Rheostats \| Parrot CK3000 Bluetooth Retrofit \| V1 Hardwired \| Cree Reverse Lights \|

Wed, May-23-2012, 10:16:44 PM	#10
Foo2rama 2004 E46 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Age: 36 Posts: 4,248 In the garage: '04 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Costa Mesa	Re: Keeping the S54 cool in the summer / traffic - What have you done? 114 degree ambient at Willow springs, took untill lap5 on the 1pm session to get the engine hot... __________________ __________________ 2004 Mystic Blau Imola Rot ///M3 Coupe SMG Other Rides 73- 240z - L28 Block w e31 heads - prepping as a track toy 95- Legend Coupe - C32A5 block - totaled while parked 96- Dodge Ram 4x4 5.9 - totaled while parked in a seperate incident

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