[shehatezme]

Hi guys,

I notice a yellow color on my bottom radiator. It’s dry, curious if you guys think it was leaking at some point or it just brush against a speed bump that’s yellow?

I have a mishimoto skid plate that I haven’t installed yet. Maybe I should throw it on.

[DailyDownshift]

Does look like a very very small leak. I would get that checked out.

[two_three_two]

i mean, look at the deformed fin where the right hand stain is. its definitely a small leak and you will likely need to replace.

also, not a radiator, its an oil cooler which unfortunately means this may or may not be urgent

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by two_three_two

i mean, look at the deformed fin where the right hand stain is. its definitely a small leak and you will likely need to replace.

also, not a radiator, its an oil cooler which unfortunately means this may or may not be urgent

^As said. This is your engine oil cooler. Your radiator is far behind the front bumper.

[Bumpinjeep]

I would either drive it slowly and keep an eye on the engine temp or tow it to the dealer. The last thing you need is your motor to overheat and cause damage. It's very expensive to replace the motor, so honestly, keep an eye on it. Hopefully this is something faulty and a warranty fix and not something that needs fixing out of pocket.

[DomMuc]

clean it .. drive it for 20 min check it again.. if it is yellowish again -- you need a new oilcooler

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Bumpinjeep

I would either drive it slowly and keep an eye on the engine temp or tow it to the dealer. The last thing you need is your motor to overheat and cause damage. It's very expensive to replace the motor, so honestly, keep an eye on it. Hopefully this is something faulty and a warranty fix and not something that needs fixing out of pocket.

They'll say it's damage caused by road hazard, won't be covered under warranty. BTW, the last person that had their engine seize up from loss of oil ended up having their car totaled by insurance.

[KC87ZB]

You don't need to even clean it. You need a new oil cooler. You don't need to even take it to the dealer to determine that since it is leaking oil.

[Carefree]

Originally Posted by shehatezme

I have a mishimoto skid plate that I haven’t installed yet. Maybe I should throw it on.

That’s what many of us would call “bad timing”.

[two_three_two]

Originally Posted by Carefree

That’s what many of us would call “bad timing”.

"hey, that horse looks awfully familiar... i wonder if my barn is locked?"

[ourlee]

Suddenly $465 feels a bargain.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by shehatezme

Hi guys,

I notice a yellow color on my bottom radiator. It’s dry, curious if you guys think it was leaking at some point or it just brush against a speed bump that’s yellow?

I have a mishimoto skid plate that I haven’t installed yet. Maybe I should throw it on.

That is your oil cooler, and yes, it has been compromised. I would have it replaced asap. As BMW won't do as a warranty replacement, I would so to a trusted shop and replace with a Carbahn or CSF oil cooler (I prefer Carbahn). Oh, and yes, have the skid plate installed at the same time.

[Bret]

shehatezme, has your car had its break-in service? I'm just curious because it would create another issue if not. I do appreciate your post as it has motivated me to purchase a skid plate for my yet to be delivered M2. BTW, I'd call it a radiator too as it literally radiates heat from oil, though I do understand that the nomenclature must exist to differentiate similarly functioning items.

I'm not familiar with the layout of the engine compartment, so I have a question for those who are. Would this repair require draining the oil via the oil pan first?

[shehatezme]

The car has had its break in service completed already.

Thanks guys will clean it today and see it it get yellow again. Car is not over heating or anything. Will keep everyone posted. I haven’t driven the car in 3 weeks and just noticed this.

[TallGibbs]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

That is your oil cooler, and yes, it has been compromised. I would have it replaced asap. As BMW won't do as a warranty replacement, I would so to a trusted shop and replace with a Carbahn or CSF oil cooler (I prefer Carbahn). Oh, and yes, have the skid plate installed at the same time.

shehatezme
Most of these aftermarket coolers already have a protective screen built into them so consider that with how it would interact with a skid plate (may have interferences or may not skid plate all).

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Bret

I'm not familiar with the layout of the engine compartment, so I have a question for those who are. Would this repair require draining the oil via the oil pan first?

No, but there will be some oil lost replacing the oil cooler. It just needs to be topped off.

[Tag]

shehatezme, from the looks of it I'd say you ran over something. You can see a clear line of damage to the oil cooler. It needs to be replaced.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by Bret

shehatezme, has your car had its break-in service? I'm just curious because it would create another issue if not. I do appreciate your post as it has motivated me to purchase a skid plate for my yet to be delivered M2. BTW, I'd call it a radiator too as it literally radiates heat from oil, though I do understand that the nomenclature must exist to differentiate similarly functioning items.

I'm not familiar with the layout of the engine compartment, so I have a question for those who are. Would this repair require draining the oil via the oil pan first?

Are you asking where the oil cooler is located? If so, it's on the underside ,just behind the OEM "splitter" facing daw aka parallel to the ground (very front part of the undercarraige...there are plenty of posts showing pictures as well as googling).

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by Tag

No, but there will be some oil lost replacing the oil cooler. It just needs to be topped off.

Depending on the number of miles since the breakin change, you may just want to do a full oil & filter change (depending on the shop you go to, they may require it).

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by TallGibbs

shehatezme
Most of these aftermarket coolers already have a protective screen built into them so consider that with how it would interact with a skid plate (may have interferences or may not skid plate all).

I have the CSF oil cooler and Mishi skid plate. Regardless of what comes with the cooler, install the skid plate.

[dienstag]

This thread has inspired me to get off my butt and install the zunsport screen that has been sitting in my garage for a month.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by dienstag

This thread has inspired me to get off my butt and install the zunsport screen that has been sitting in my garage for a month.

Isn't doing any good there.