High-Performance SUVs have been all the rage over the last decade with what feels like every manufacturer jumping into the market. Some have done it better than others, but BMW nailed it with their M versions. The F97 X3M and F98 X4M are powered by the same S58 engine found in the G8X M3, M4, and M2. These SUVs are capable of massive power and incredible speeds. However, they stuffer from the same heat issues as their Sedan and Coupe cousins. CSF’s Cooling Systems have become core upgrades for S58 owners, even ones keeping the engine mostly stock.
Many owners have been upgrading their X3Ms and X4Ms with the CSF “Level Up” Charge Air Cooler Manifold for years now. The fastest examples are all running the CSF Manifold and have been asking for more cooling upgrades. After over a year of development and testing, CSF is pleased to announce the Front Mount Heat Exchanger & Transmission Cooler Module for the F9X X3M/X4M.
Design & Engineering
CSF began designing the Heat Exchanger for the X3M/X4M using all the experience and data gathered from the entire G8X Cooling Suite. The first hurdle in designing a Front Mount Heat Exchanger for these vehicles was the space constraints. The X3M and X4M use a different transmission oil cooler than the G8X models that restricted increasing the size of the Heat Exchanger due to the mounting cradle. After testing a few smaller core options, CSF determined it made more sense to combine the Heat Exchanger with a Transmission Cooler Upgrade to maximize size and performance.
By combining the Heat Exchanger and Transmission Cooler into a full cooling module, CSF was able to run the same size core as the G8X Heat Exchanger. The Auto Transmission Cooler uses the same dual core design as the G8X Transmission Cooler which is fitted to the new Heat Exchanger. This creates a cooling module that comes as a single unit. The combination not only solves two cooling issues for the X3M and X4M, but also lowers costs which are passed along to the customer.
OEM vs CSF
Both the Heat Exchanger and Transmission Cooler are significant upgrades when compared to the factory Units.
Heat Exchanger
The TIG welded aluminum tanks are much larger than the OE plastic tanks offering superior strength and fluid volume. A larger 2-row 42mm core increases cooling efficiency and capacity. This high efficiency core uses CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology, maximizing airflow and heat dissipation. CSF’s multi-louvered fins significantly increase the heat exchange surface area improving overall cooling efficiency and recovery while maintaining proper airflow. 100% All-Aluminum construction ensures the best performance and durability. The mounting tabs and brackets are much stronger and more durable than the OE plastic design. In addition, the Heat Exchanger also features an integrated bolt on rock guard to keep the cooler safe. This rock guard is metal and much more robust than the factory plastic rock guard. Now you can feel more confident that your cooling system is safer from debris.
Transmission Cooler
The CSF Transmission Cooler features a unique dual pass design to maximize cooling performance. You can see in the diagram below how the OEM Cooler’s dual pass design works by flowing across the lower half of the core and back through the top half. This is how traditional dual pass systems work and is perfectly functional. The CSF Front to Back stacked core design more than doubles surface area and almost triples the core volume. The engineers at CSF came up with this unique design to take advantage of the extra space originally taken up by the OE Cooler and oversized plastic cradle. This design essentially doubles the cooling capacity while still fitting perfectly in the OEM position with no modifications necessary.
Dual-Core Advantage
By changing from the OEM single core design to a dual core, CSF was able to increase the overall volume by 201%. This design offers a drastic improvement in heat dissipation and increases the fluid capacity of the coolers. Utilizing CSF’s AC Condenser Technology, a 1-Row Super-High Pressure 16mm 9-Channel Microtube design optimizes oil flow and offers maximum surface area contact. These features combine to offer the best possible heat dissipation from the system.
Rock Guard
CSF knows the kind of punishment the front of a car can take on or off the track. The wrong bit of debris flying through the front grille can quickly punch a hole in a cooler. Because the Transmission cooler sits at the very front of the center cooling stack, it is quite vulnerable to damage. The factory grille is the only form of protection for the OEM transmission cooler. However, this still isn’t the level of protection many race teams and enthusiasts are comfortable with. To address this concern, CSF has incorporated a rock guard to keep your cooler safe and your X3M/X4M running strong in the event of debris making it through the front grille.
Feat Exchanger Features
- Significantly Reduces Intake Air Temperatures (IATs) for Maximum Performance (with Faster Heat Soak Recovery)
- Improves Air Flow to the Rest of the Cooling System for Lower Engine Coolant Temperatures
- 2-Row – 42mm Ultra-High-Performance Core
- 6.5mm Tall Multi-Louvered Fin with CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology
- Upper Rock Guard and Transmission Cooler Mounting Kit
- Hand Brushed Satin Finish
Transmission Cooler Features
- Dual-Core Design – 201% Increase in Core Volume
- Made with CSF’s AC Condenser Technology Using a 1-Row Super-High Pressure 16mm 9-Channel Microtube for Optimal Oil Flow and Maximum Surface Area Contact
- Pre-installed foam strips for increased sealing
- CNC Machined Mounting Brackets and OEM Style “Quick Connect” Inlet/Outlet
- 100% All Aluminum TIG-Welded Construction
- True Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” Installation Requires Absolutely No Modifications
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
- OEM Part Number equivalent: Heat Exchanger – BMW: 17.11.9.468.695
- OEM Part Number equivalent: Transmission Cooler – BMW: 17.11.9.693.360
Vehicles Supported
BMW F97/F98 X3M/X4M, including Competition
