Best aftermarket oil thermostat solution for N54?

[The Convert]

I recently installed the FTP Motorsports oil thermostat which fits into the stock oil cooler housing. The oil heats up pretty quickly to 220F and stays there. Previously was stock OCH but felt the oil was too hot at 240-245F as a daily driver. And before that for several years I was using the BMS oil thermostat which is really a diverter plug and felt the oil took too long to warm up, like @martymil mentions. So I’m pretty happy with the FTP Motorsports thermostat.

Can you throw a link up for the ftp one? Thanks!

 

[martymil]

I have two ade valves in stock if you want one

 

[9krpmrx8]

I have been using the FTP for a couple of years now in my N55. The max I see if 245F when sitting in traffic in 100F weather. When moving my oil temps never go above 230F even when pushing it. Now I don't track the car but south Texas summers are no joke and this thing works.

Amazon.com: FTP Low Oil Temp Thermostat Cooler Valve Parts For BMW N55 N54 135i 335i 535i: Automotive

Buy FTP Low Oil Temp Thermostat Cooler Valve Parts For BMW N55 N54 135i 335i 535i: Thermostats - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[Weehe]

So it is basically the stock thermostat without the holes?

 

[Jeffman]

So it is basically the stock thermostat without the holes?

It opens at about 220F instead of 240F.

 

[gmx]

I thought it would be better to bring a thread back from the dead rather than start a new one (proof I searched!).

I see that the Mosselman kit has been mentioned a few times. How does it compare to the Stett kit? Stett uses the Improved Racing thermostat which was also brought up as a good piece. They both seem to be quality and about the same price.

When I ordered my car way back in 08 it wasn't clear that you needed to get the manual trans and the sport package to get the oil cooler. Up to this point temperatures have been fine because I don't track the car and am still on stock turbos. As part of the transition to single turbo I'm thinking it's time to add some additional oil cooling. Up to this point I haven't put a used part on the car, but ~$325 for a new oil filter housing seems steep when the used ones on Ebay are $50. Should I just bite the bullet and go new?

Improved Racing is a packaging pain with dual cores. Single core, it's fine and much easier. Used would be fine unless an ape dismantler gouged the sealing surfaces.

How is FTP different from the ADE diverter?

 

[9krpmrx8]

The FTP you will actually receive promptly after you order it.

 

[BOosted 335i]

So the important part of the thermostat is the spring correct?not so much the plunger. The spring contracts and expands.so as for the ade and ftp it seems they are both probably the exact same just branded differenty.

 

[BOosted 335i]

Ebay is selling FTP oil thermostats for 30.00 shipped,not sure if it's the same FTP since these are from China.

 

[Jeffman]

I bought mine from ECS. It came right away.

N54 N55 Low Temp Oil Thermostat - Type 08

Control those oil temps with a new thermostat

www.ecstuning.com

 

[9krpmrx8]

Nice, Amazon is $45.00, free one day shipping for those of you who are impatient and have prime, lol

 

[I am Jacks N54]

Hard Motorsport also has an option: http://www.hardmotorsport.com/n55-n54-low-oil-temp-thermostat-e9x/

 

[veer90]

Hard Motorsport also has an option: http://www.hardmotorsport.com/n55-n54-low-oil-temp-thermostat-e9x/

Good to see someone continuing to make it since ADE stopped fulfilling orders

ADE low temp tstat and a custom front mount oil cooler setup with -10AN lines and a Setrab Series 9 oil cooler behind the kidneys performs well for me, oil temps at 230 after 5 back to back drift sessions. Temps are better than my evolution raceworks fender mounted cooler that I had before I cracked it.

 

[BOosted 335i]

Is there a difference in these low temp valves between ad-e and FTP?looks like Marty has few.

 

[martymil]

A thermostat is a thermostat no difference, they all do the exact same thing.

 

[Asbjorn]

I thought it would be better to bring a thread back from the dead rather than start a new one (proof I searched!).

I see that the Mosselman kit has been mentioned a few times. How does it compare to the Stett kit? Stett uses the Improved Racing thermostat which was also brought up as a good piece. They both seem to be quality and about the same price.

When I ordered my car way back in 08 it wasn't clear that you needed to get the manual trans and the sport package to get the oil cooler. Up to this point temperatures have been fine because I don't track the car and am still on stock turbos. As part of the transition to single turbo I'm thinking it's time to add some additional oil cooling. Up to this point I haven't put a used part on the car, but ~$325 for a new oil filter housing seems steep when the used ones on Ebay are $50. Should I just bite the bullet and go new?

I don't know if the S55 oil thermostat fits the N54, but that might be a nice oem alternative. The set point is slightly lower. I have read that it fits N20.

 

[Rob09msport]

I don't know if the S55 oil thermostat fits the N54, but that might be a nice oem alternative. The set point is slightly lower. I have read that it fits N20.

The ftp thermostat works good imo instead of 240 I now sit at 220 and it seems to warm up about same. If in winter I notice taking long I'll just get an earl's or something

 

[gmagnus7]

I personally like the Mosselman thermostat. It's a 185 degree opening thermostat and the hose routing is much easier (OEM like) for a dual cooler setup compared to the Improved Racing one. Not cheap though. https://www.mosselmanturbo.com/en/msl-thermostat-n54

 

[Rob09msport]

What I am realizing is a 160 thermostat isnt actually going to function at 160 to 180 in the car cause it has half of the oil flowing through it after the cooler so that will be cooling the casing somewhat meaning it will actually function a little hotter I would think

 

[fmorelli]

IMO, if any question whether real or China fake ... order from an FTP dealer. Just be aware - because Amazon fulfills doesn't mean it is not fake. I have yet to have anyone at Amazon make a convincing argument that they know what they are using to fulfill. Their answer - "we warranty our product". Hardly the same thing.

Filippo