GregMB

I've been pouring over the MBWorld archives and haven't really found what I'm looking for (yet)

My car is a 2006 E55 and has the extra oil cooler, so I am looking for an upgraded H/E solution that accommodates it without requiring the use of "zip tie technology"..... call me OCD, but solutions like that aren't going to work for me.

Research indicates:

• EuroCharged - Good H/E but does not have any provisions for oil cooler
• FTP / FrozenBoost - Heavy & Large and does not accommodate oil cooler...also gives "fat lip" syndrome to chin spoiler on E55 bumper
• Code3 - Has special oil cooler brackets, but company doesn't seem to be around anymore
• RennTech - Very complete, Very Expensive.. >$3000
• PLM - Includes brackets for oil cooler, seems to get positive reviews, and is reasonably priced.

PLM seems to be the best option, but I am concerned about the physical mounting of the H/E. The photos I've found show that the upper brackets are welded parallel to the top edge of the H/E (and lay basically horizontal)... the Eurocharged H/E tabs are welded vertically (and based on photos I've seen of EC installs, tucks the H/E up quite nicely)

I have seen that the EC version requires cutting of the bumper mount on the side where the coolant lines are... I'm not sure if the PLM has a similar requirement? Also, I'm not sure if the PLM will push the chin spoiler down at all once the oil cooler is re-installed?

So....... I'm hoping that those of you who are actually running the PLM setup on an '05 or '06 E55 (with the oil cooler) took a few photos of the installation and can help me to identify how the H/E actually bolts to the front bumper area, and can reassure me that PLM doesn't create the "fat lip" issues like the larger FTP-type solutions....???


Thanks!

-G

55fanatic

Greg, if you want to come down to Cambridge, I have a PLM I need to install

GregMB

....on my car? Very generous, thank you.

What year is your E55? I'd love to check out the install or at least see some pics once you get it done. I assume your are doing a split-cooling mod at the same time (BMW or Cobra reservoir)??


-G

55fanatic

Mine is an 04

TheOtherDodge

I got the EC one and my car has the oil cooler. It is an easy fix by just zip tying the cooler.

O-55

The bulge will be there on a stock bumper once everything is re-installed. I did not take any pictures of the installation (it is quite simple), but I can take a few to satisfy any fitment concerns post installation.

GregMB

Thanks! Mostly curious about how the welded on tabs work on the PLM. I've seen photos of the EC exchanger, and the straps that are on that one lay flat against the vertical part of the bumper structure. I imagine that the PLM must expect you to bolt to the underside of that structure since they are more of an "L" shape??

Does the oil cooler get the same kind of airflow that it did stock, or does the new location cause it to get blocked by the bumper lip?

A few photos would certainly clear things up if you can snap a few....


-G

O-55

The unit is secured using existing hardware from the front support beam. It sits flush underneath the beam once everything it tightened up. You will also re-use the grommets from the oil cooler mounts.

I'll take pictures of the finished product with and without the front undertray installed to help clear up your airflow concern.

black06c230

I have the PLM also although not connected with my current setup and it is the most stock like install of any of the larger HE. Bolts right to the factory spots and the oil cooler bolts right on too.

I have an 05 with E63 front now but don't recall being much of an issue with any bulge before with the OE E55 bumper. To me its the best bang for the buck and best install.

ss.dna02

I have the PLM on the way and will try to take pics and all when I install. I went with the PLM unit because of this same reason.

3BNick

I also have the PLM on my 06. Super easy bolt on installation and the bulge isn't bad at all . Not even noticeable with a lower lip installed.

Since my wife was "NICE" enough to "REMOVE" my carbon lip for me I will take a picture of the stock bumper with the PLM installed.

GregMB

Any special source for the purchase? I went directly to the PLM website and experimented with a few common discount codes and was able to eventually find a 10% OFF coupon....

Best I could do was around $350 shipped...


-G

ss.dna02

I went directly to PLM.

I honestly didnt look around. I regret not doing that now. $350 shipped would have been nice !!

MAN55LE

I put it in my sticky...last post in DIY https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...-addition.html
I'll just pot a link to both for you.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...r-upgrade.html

Jeffchai

i just finish the heat exchanger install 2 days ago. the only issue i have with them is the hole they drilled on the bracket is about half inch off i had to redrill to be able to mount them on my car. but other than that its pretty easy swap.

GregMB

Thanks for the links! The bumper removal stuff is helpful. The rest of it looks substantially different from what I was planning to do... (different H/E and extra cooler) but it all provides good context for the swap.

Nice pic! Thanks... So is the typical interference point in those lower corners of the H/E? From your photo that seems like the most likely spot.... or maybe it's the entire underside of the oil cooler once it's bolted back in??



MOAR PICS!!!!




-G

ss.dna02

I just got my PLM in the mail today so I will be installing it on my next day off. I'll take pics.

Jeffchai

here's 2 more pictures. every thing fits fine i just had to redrill the tab at the end to mount it on my car other than that its a bolt on deal.

pearlpower

The PLM is GTG, mine has been on for years with no issues or concerns as it is bolted on. Bulge will be present- unless you go with the E63 bumper. HINT HINT

GregMB

PP,

What specifically causes the "bulge"? Is it the oil cooler pushing down on the chin spoiler across the bottom, or is it the lower corners of the H/E that end up hitting?

-G

chawkins2001

Where have you been brotha, good to see you posting again

pearlpower

You know how it is man , kids, working out, other hobbies, job, etc. as the years go by, the available hrs disappear to boot.

ss.dna02

How much coolant would I need after I replace the H/E ?

And are any of you running water wetter or Royal purple Ice ?

Jeffchai

i added over 2.5 gallons i drain out the radiator fluid too while at it. i use water wetter on the new plm heat exchanger.

HeissRod

The bulge, at least from the FTP install, comes from the oil cooler pushing down on the underbody tray, which pulls down on the bumper.