[BT22]

Hey everyone! My 25' M240i xDrive is arriving in about a month and I have a question about the ZTK package.

I had read some threads about previous year's M240i's with the exposed oil cooler with the ZTK package equipped, and the importance of having a skid plate installed. Can anyone confirm if the 2025 package finally has it hidden on the U.S. spec cars, or if I should still plan on ordering a skid plate to install upon delivery?

Thank you!!

[kraken]

It's still exposed.

[azrrob]

disappointing. there was a text a few weeks ago with a photo reporting and showing Blue 2025 M340i with an unexposed cooler that was supposedly a factory skid plate.

Bob.

[IanH]

Just last night we had our first official confirmation of the exposed cooler. I ordered my Turner skid plate.

Had a vw with a plastic exposed oil pan.... was too much of a worry hanging over my head to leave it that way.

[Baldilocks73]

Originally Posted by IanH

Just last night we had our first official confirmation of the exposed cooler. I ordered my Turner skid plate.

Had a vw with a plastic exposed oil pan.... was too much of a worry hanging over my head to leave it that way.

Yep. My 2015 Mk7 Golf R had that. 🤦‍♂️

[IanH]

Originally Posted by Baldilocks73

Yep. My 2015 Mk7 Golf R had that. 🤦‍♂️

Hehe, I also had a 2015 R, first white one sold in the US.

So you must remember when Adam (new Hampshire fellow) hit the frost heave and drained his engine instantly.

I had a mk7.5 gti after that, such fun cars but I'm really looking forward to my 240!

[Baldilocks73]

Originally Posted by IanH

Hehe, I also had a 2015 R, first white one sold in the US.

So you must remember when Adam (new Hampshire fellow) hit the frost heave and drained his engine instantly.

I had a mk7.5 gti after that, such fun cars but I'm really looking forward to my 240!

I do remember. Mine was an APR Stage 3+. Took APR a year to get my car running right. Once they did, man it was quick. 473 AWHP or about 530 Crank.

[azrrob]

Saw new car this morning (2025 M240ix). Will pick up late today or tomorrow when prep is finished. Next step is ordering TMS skid plate.

Bob from Boston

[Mike_H_]

I damaged my oil cooler enough to create a leak, didn't notice until I got home, but that was a 1-mile drive.

I lost 2 quarts of oil and replaced the oil cooler myself, which was easier than an oil and filter change on the B58 and its punitive oil filter housing.

The Turner Motorsports skid plate is very HD and will protect the oil cooler. Following the DIY guide of other members, I added mesh to the openings to block road debris that might fly up. A member here had their oil cooler destroyed by gravel kicked up when he was on an unpaved road.

[IanH]

I have the turner plate and bought this mesh on amazon (2 pieces)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08CGNQP5N...sin_title&th=1

Will report on the quality and post install pics. Should be installing this week sometime.

[WilcoJunoHotel]

Originally Posted by Mike_H_

and replaced the oil cooler myself, which was easier than an oil and filter change on the B58 and its punitive oil filter housing.

I have considered removing mine entirely. The only thing that stops me is how easy or hard it would be to cap off the hoses once the cooler is removed. IDK, maybe the hoses can be removed too and whatever they feed to can be plugged.

[Mike_H_]

Originally Posted by WilcoJunoHotel

I have considered removing mine entirely. The only thing that stops me is how easy or hard it would be to cap off the hoses once the cooler is removed. IDK, maybe the hoses can be removed too and whatever they feed to can be plugged.

That certainly seems like a possible solution for those who don't track their car, but there's upside to having cooler oil and additional oil capacity. The risk of a catastrophe can be mitigated with the $435 Turner skid plate.

[MPR]

It's much easier to resolve the issue with the skid plate versus removing the oil cooler and having to worry that all passages remain sealed, plus you retain the benefit of the oil cooler.

Here's my DIY thread from when I did it last summer. It's still holding up perfectly. The exact parts I used are listed in the thread, the mesh looks the same as what IanH posted above.
https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2032354

I also recommend picking up these bolts and washers, to allow the addition of spacer washers to prevent the skid plate or rivets from making contact with the oil cooler. See here. It looks like someone also has used rubber spacers, see post 47.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1

[IanH]

Got my bolts and washers too! thanks for the heads up, I had wondered about the tabs that went up to the oil cooler.

I was thinking the mesh could just wedge in there but SS rivets I have on hand so I can do that too.

[WilcoJunoHotel]

Guys, the skid plate is not complete protection. It helps but does not completely protect that cooler. Is Turner giving buyers some kind of insurance when the plate is installed? The only real protection is to remove it. Flame me if you want but as a retired mechanical engineer I can tell you that this was a big mistake by BMW engineers - skid plate or not, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by WilcoJunoHotel

Guys, the skid plate is not complete protection. It helps but does not completely protect that cooler. Is Turner giving buyers some kind of insurance when the plate is installed? The only real protection is to remove it. Flame me if you want but as a retired mechanical engineer I can tell you that this was a big mistake by BMW engineers - skid plate or not, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

I dont think that anyone expects this skid plate to provide absolute protection to the oil cooler in all scenarios, but it will reduce the risk of damage significantly. Any objects in the road that you may run over will collide with the plate before hitting your oil cooler. With the SS mesh, nothing will be able to get kicked up from the road and make contact with the cooler. That is all I am expecting from the skid plate.

[IanH]

I have been working on my skid plate, thanks to MPR for the guidance. I didnt make it very pretty, but it works well.

A couple notes:

If using the wire mesh, its probably important to terminate the wire ends as seen in my picture

I used 3/16dia 1/2" long normal head aluminum rivets, its worked fine but I do not suggest using 1/2" length as I was forced to trim and round every single rivet.

I managed to find washers locally that will work - 3/8" SS washers for $9 for 25 at home depot. I was not comfortable using rubber as a spacer as I want to be able to fully lock down the skid plate.

All the tools I used. MUST WEAR GLOVES haha