What is it and why did it move?

When I first saw the new E90 at the Denver Auto Show, I noticed that there was an engine component that had been moved from the front of the block and relocated down to the bottom of the engine fan cover. In its new location the plastic cover is missing (vent fins visible) and it is just strapped down - and not very cleanly I might add (not up to BMW standards). I'm guessing it was moved to provide additional cooling but I'm not sure why in some areas and not others (US versus Europe).

While visiting a dealership in Pennsylvania, I noticed it is mounted in a different location about half way up the fan cover.

All 2006 3 Series articles show it in its original engine mounting location, as do the pictures in the brochure.

I have included several pictures to better illustrate my discription.

So...What is it and why did it move?

Reply » What is it and why did it move?

i have no idea. but i'm curious...

Reply » What is it and why did it move?

That original car appears to be a Euro spec 330, This is apparent due to the Airbox!

Reply » What is it and why did it move?

That's a Heat Exchanger. Apparently the Euro models have it, the US spec not.

(For those, who wants to check it in the ETK, E90-->Engine-->Lubrication System)

Something I found here:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=104670
Quote:

An oil cooler/heat exchanger speeds warm-up and alternatively keeps the oil cool under high-output/high-heat conditions

Reply » What is it and why did it move?

Hey 06graphite, I gathered that you have an 06-325. Do you have this item mounted top front or at the bottom as I noted in my earlier post?

Reply » What is it and why did it move?

Quote:

Hey 06graphite, I gathered that you have an 06-325. Do you have this item mounted top front or at the bottom as I noted in my earlier post?

I never noticed it. To be honest, I'm too busy driving the car to look under the hood!

I'll check tonight when I get home.

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