phampau

After finding out I had the 2003 Valeo radiator that is prone to mixing tranny/radiator fluid, I decided to just add a tranny oil cooler as it was only $55 dollars as opposed to a new radiator at $400-500. I know there is another write-up already but I will show how i did mines. Feel free to ask any questions if needed.

This is what I ended up going with.

B&M oil cooler-fits perfect in the location as shown

Removed the lines going to the radiator as you see there in the pics.

Cut the hard lines to slide the 3/8" hose over.


Cap off old cooler lines going to radiator in case there is ever a leak. Available at most auto parts stores. Make sure to to put a hose clamp on it, the pic doesn't show.




Routed lines in a safe place


Finished product

Toadster

nice writeup! is there a way you can monitor temps now?

MRAMG1

A+ my friend.

Best part NO MB mark up.

I have used Summitracing for parts on ALL my German cars for years.

FromM3toE55

great write up!

jcjmw

Nice! Simple solution.

TTMotorsports

Looks nice.

I would put a couple of pieces of 3/8" hose split down the center where the power steering hard line is resting against the coolers and place some foam between the cooler and your new radiator. Better safe than sorry.

Just a recommendation!

e500slr

Just a question though, is your car stock or highly modified?

phampau

Thanks for all the comments. There is some foam between the tranny cooler and the a/c condensor, it's part of the "mounting kit and has it on all four corners. As for the powersterring cooler lines, the pictures can be deceiving but they are not touching at all and actually have some good clearance between them. I appreciate the insight and comments though. Car is pretty much stock. I did this in order to avoid buying another radiator which the 2003 were known for having a faulty radiator.

benz_addict

WICKED DIY! Thnx for the pics. I will do this soon

F17RAK

sorry to bring up an old post. I am a new e55 owner from the uk. I also have a 2003 car & i wanted to do this aswell. I have no symtoms of bad gear changes etc. I asked the question on the uk forum but i was told to get a glycol test done first.

My question is, do i have to get a glycol test done first, or do i just install the oil cooler & do a full flush & service of the transmission?

SavMan

Not sure if you completely understood the advice that was given to you on the UK forum.

In answer to your question "No" you don’t have to have the test carried out prior to splitting and fitting a transmission cooler. However it would seem you are doing it for safety and as you have only just bought the car and as such cannot be 100% sure of its history the recommendation was to have the test done first.

Why? well if you already have contamination even if it is unlikely adding the cooler will not stop the damage that has been done. Its not unknown for sellers to change the transmission before selling the car knowing it wont show up as an issue for a few months by which time they are long gone.

To me its like fitting a new lock to the stable but not bothering to check of the horse is actually in before you lock it

However if your confident that there is no issue then by all means fit the cooler without the test.

Manuyc

Benzor1

Bumping an old post : wondering if anyone has a link with pictures, or a recommendation on what oil cooler to run? I see the above referencing "B&M", but it seems they sell small medium and large.

https://www.holley.com/products/driv...rs/parts/70273