[sclui56]

Originally Posted by MPR

Is there a few mm of space between the cooler and plate? The screw heads are short and just a fender washer, so maybe 3-4mm

I have not even test-fitted the plate so cannot answer your question. If there were some allowance, I would imagine it could be very tight. In looking at the other plates from Turner, e.g. F-series, the G42's seems shallow. Just hope there's not much manufacturing variances that could reduce the clearance further since I know you're planning on attaching the mesh.

Maybe oldbmwtech had a clear picture from memory. For now, I am just hoping the rear braces are where majority of the load sit, then I can think about the use of mesh.

As a side note, I am surprised that the factory did away with the thin plastic cover found on the F series. I tried looking to see if such a piece was ever intended, but couldn't locate a current parts diagram.

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by MPR

Is there a few mm of space between the cooler and plate? The screw heads are short and just a fender washer, so maybe 3-4mm

I would use rivets instead of a nut and bolt, then you wouldn't need to worry about clearance.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by oldbmwtech

I would use rivets instead of a nut and bolt, then you wouldn't need to worry about clearance.

I wanted something a little heavier duty, plus I need a washer to secure the mesh. Starting to have second thoughts on bothering with the mesh, if the clearance is that tight.

I need around 3/16" clearance for the hardware I bought

Can anyone educate me on how rivets are installed? Do they make them with a wide base to avoid needing a washer to grab onto the mesh? I need them around 1/4" long. I spent $30 on SS hardware that I may now return if I can make rivets work.

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by MPR

I wanted something a little heavier duty, plus I need a washer to secure the mesh. Starting to have second thoughts on bothering with the mesh, if the clearance is that tight.

I need around 3/16" clearance for the hardware I bought

Can anyone educate me on how rivets are installed? Do they make them with a wide base to avoid needing a washer to grab onto the mesh? I need them around 1/4" long. I spent $30 on SS hardware that I may now return if I can make rivets work.

You can add a fender washer with rivets if needed.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by oldbmwtech

You can add a fender washer with rivets if needed.

I'm going to definitely switch to rivets, once I can find ones that are 1/4" long and have over 1/4" grip area and diameter <= 1/4"

[KC87ZB]

Put the mesh on the bottom of the skid plate (road side) so the washers are on that side as well, you will have less clearance issues. Sure it's not as pretty but who's going to see it.

[MPR]

KC87ZB You can't lay the mesh flat since the plate has fins that protrude out.

Here's where I'm at, just need 1 more piec of mesh, and to get it secured.

[Xspeedracer]

Just spotted this online https://www.radiatorgrillstore.com/p...esh-protection

[MPR]

Originally Posted by Xspeedracer

Just spotted this online https://www.radiatorgrillstore.com/p...esh-protection

That's not protecting the oil cooler, which is the topic of this thread. It is preventing leaves from getting into your bumper, that's it.

[danallxt]

What about laying a narrow bead of jb weld along the screen perimeter? Solves the clearance issue.
It's some pretty awesome stuff. I once cracked a metal oil pan on an Audi. Didn't want to wait for shipping and it was mucho $$. Removed the pan, cleaned very good with degreaser and then burned any remaining oil in the pores away. JB weld fixed it until the car got totalled 4 years later. I was doubtful due to expansion/contraction of hot oil, but it never leaked/failed.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by danallxt

What about laying a narrow bead of jb weld along the screen perimeter? Solves the clearance issue.
It's some pretty awesome stuff. I once cracked a metal oil pan on an Audi. Didn't want to wait for shipping and it was mucho $$. Removed the pan, cleaned very good with degreaser and then burned any remaining oil in the pores away. JB weld fixed it until the car got totalled 4 years later. I was doubtful due to expansion/contraction of hot oil, but it never leaked/failed.

I've been looking into rivets and I think it'll be the simplest, and I'll be able to replace the mesh if it ever gets damaged. With JB weld it would be permanently attached.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by oldbmwtech

I would use rivets instead of a nut and bolt, then you wouldn't need to worry about clearance.

I reduced the space needed by a lot with the rivets idea, thanks again.

[mblaucoupe135]

I have good news to share. Got the oil cooler replaced today and the engine seems to be OK! I'm so relieved! I appreciate everyone for your support during this ordeal. So excited to have my car back!

[~Barn~]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

I have good news to share. Got the oil cooler replaced today and the engine seems to be OK! I'm so relieved! I appreciate everyone for your support during this ordeal. So excited to have my car back!

Great update! Glad you are whole again.

[MPR]

Half way done, just waiting on the other piece of mesh which arrives Saturday.

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

I have good news to share. Got the oil cooler replaced today and the engine seems to be OK! I'm so relieved! I appreciate everyone for your support during this ordeal. So excited to have my car back!

Wonderful news. I know you are relieved. Now get a skid plate and use mesh with rivets and your worries will be no more. Life is solved.

[oldbmwtech]

Originally Posted by MPR

Half way done, just waiting on the other piece of mesh which arrives Saturday.

This looks great, might do this too. Thanks for posting pics and updating us. We get great ideas from everyone here. When I bought my skid plate I was told I was the third person that bought it. Not to brag, but I bet there will be updates to this skid plate. I wonder how much this plate reduces air flow and with the mesh. I track my car and wound like air flow as well as protection.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by oldbmwtech

This looks great, might do this too. Thanks for posting pics and updating us. We get great ideas from everyone here. When I bought my skid plate I was told I was the third person that bought it. Not to brag, but I bet there will be updates to this skid plate. I wonder how much this plate reduces air flow and with the mesh. I track my car and wound like air flow as well as protection.

Thank you, I'm very happy with how it came out. I will create a thread that will include links to everything and how to cut the mesh as I did. Pretty simple DIY job, the hardest part was figuring out the fasteners.

[mblaucoupe135]

I forgot to mention in my earlier post, I'm also going to send bmw of north America a letter about this oil cooler issue. I doubt it will do any good, but if there are others out there who have contacted them about this issue whether on the g42 or on other bimmers, perhaps it will help push them to consider adding a protective cover to these coolers in the future.

[MPR]

Originally Posted by mblaucoupe135

I forgot to mention in my earlier post, I'm also going to send bmw of north America a letter about this oil cooler issue. I doubt it will do any good, but if there are others out there who have contacted them about this issue whether on the g42 or on other bimmers, perhaps it will help push them to consider adding a protective cover to these coolers in the future.

Include a pic of my in-progress skid plate as an example of what they should include with the car.

[mblaucoupe135]

Originally Posted by MPR

Include a pic of my in-progress skid plate as an example of what they should include with the car.

Good idea! I'm also going to include a pic of my oil cooler with a hole in it.

[Bimmer Pleaser]

How about installing the steel mesh only? I think that should be enough protection. Going through the posts in this thread I think it is really irritating to have to consider spending hundreds of dollars on a brand new (and already pretty expensive) car to protect its power-train.