CSF ZF8 Transmission Oil Cooler with Rock Guard for G8X BMW M2 / M3 / M4 [8221]

CSF ZF8 Transmission Oil Cooler with Rock Guard for G8X BMW M2 / M3 / M4 [8221]

In its stock configuration, the G8X is an impressive vehicle, but its true potential is unlocked through tuning. However, increasing the vehicle’s power demands an upgraded cooling system to ensure reliability. CSF’s new G8X M3 / M4 Transmission Oil Cooler for the ZF8 Automatic transmission is a crucial upgrade. CSF collaborated closely with their development partner, sponsored race team, and leading local dealer Studio RSR, as well as Time Attack Teams such as Art of Attack and Velocity Performance, to refine and perfect the ZF8 Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler. Their collective expertise, experience, and testing feedback were instrumental in developing the most effective cooler possible.

Design, Development and Testing

• While the OEM Transmission Cooler is sufficient for the G8X in its stock form, it falls short when used in modified or tuned vehicles, especially those subjected to intense track or competition use. Transmission oil temperatures significantly influence the shifting performance of the automatic transmission. When fluid temperatures exceed optimal levels, shifting delays become apparent. Though sluggish shifting is frustrating, the more pressing issue is the potential damage to the transmission when temperatures rise too high. In many cases, drivers may not immediately notice the gradual decline in shifting performance, but damage to this costly and crucial component can still occur over time.

Dual-Core Advantage

• By upgrading from the OEM single-core design to a dual-core system, CSF increased the cooler’s overall volume by 194%. This design significantly enhances heat dissipation and boosts the fluid capacity of the coolers by approximately 94%. Using CSF’s AC Condenser Technology, which features a 1-Row Super-High Pressure 16mm 9-Channel Microtube design, the system optimizes oil flow and maximizes surface area contact, resulting in superior heat dissipation.

Rock Guard

• CSF understands the challenges the front of a car faces, both on and off the track. A small piece of debris can easily damage a cooler by penetrating the front grille. Positioned at the very front of the center cooling stack, the transmission cooler is particularly vulnerable to such damage. The increasing popularity of “open face” race-style grilles on the G8X further elevates this risk. The factory grille provides the only protection for the OEM transmission cooler, but this level of protection may not suffice for many race teams and enthusiasts. To mitigate this risk, CSF has integrated a replaceable rock guard into their cooler design, ensuring the cooler remains protected and the G8X performs reliably, even in the event of debris intrusion.

OEM vs CSF

• The CSF Transmission Cooler features an innovative dual-pass design. Unlike the OEM cooler’s single-pass system, which flows across the core and back through a feed pipe, the CSF design eliminates the need for this feed pipe, utilizing the additional vertical space. This dual-pass design effectively doubles the cooling capacity while maintaining compatibility with the OEM mounting position, requiring no modifications.

Testing & Feedback

• Studio RSR rigorously tested the new Transmission Oil Cooler on their G80 M3 Time Attack car during multiple events. Competing in Global Time Attack events year-round, their G80 M3 also spends many weekends on the track, testing new setups and modifications. The real-world performance feedback from Studio RSR has been vital in developing CSF’s new G8X cooling products. Similarly, Velocity Performance has been running the Transmission Oil Cooler alongside the Front Mount Heat Exchanger on their G82 M4 track car.

Features

• 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
• Utilizes OEM top / bottom rubber seals for optimal airflow
• OEM-style “quick connect” inlet / outlet connections
• Drop-in fit
• Can be installed with CSF’s High-Performance Heat Exchanger or with the OEM cooling system
• 2-year limited warranty
• Ideal for road racing, drag racing, and vehicles with increased performance and / or transmission tuning

Specifications

• Dual-Core Design:
  • Rear Cooler: 16 rows vs. OEM 14 rows (191mm overall height vs. OEM 155mm)
  • Front Cooler: Additional 16 rows
  • 194% increase in core & tank volume
  • 94% increase in fluid capacity compared to OEM (CSF 1700ml vs. OEM~875ml)
  • Two 22mm stacked cores = 44mm core thickness vs. OEM 28mm core thickness
• Core & Tank Dimensions:
  • • OEM: 553mm x 155mm x 28mm (width by height by depth)
    • CSF: 555mm x 191mm x 44mm (width by height by depth)
• Tubes & Rows:
  • OEM: 13 tubes & 14 rows
  • CSF: 15 tubes & 16 rows
• Fin Height:
  • OEM: 8mm
  • CSF: 8mm
• Design:
  • OEM: Single core / Single pass with feed pipe
  • CSF: Dual core / Dual pass (front to back)

Applications

• BMW M2: G87 (2023+) – 3.0L TT I6 S58
• BMW M3: G80, G81 (2021+) – 3.0L TT I6 S58
• BMW M4: G82, G83 (2021+) – 3.0L TT I6 S58

Notes

• Requires no modifications to install

About CSF

Back in 1947, a father and his three sons embarked on a business venture by setting up a small retail shop dealing in automotive parts. The family business blossomed over the years, evolving into an automotive garage specializing in radiator repair, and later, a radiator manufacturing facility. By 1975, the family-owned brand CSF was established, marking a milestone as the first to introduce import applications into the American automotive aftermarket, in line with the influx of Honda, Datsun, and Toyota vehicles. By 2009, the fourth generation of the CSF family joined the business, which had by then become a leading name in the import and domestic radiator and condenser markets, selling over 650,000 units that year despite an economic recession, and totaling over 35 million units to date. CSF’s portfolio expanded to include a diverse range of cooling systems, including commercial trucks, industrial and agricultural applications, marine coolers, intercoolers, pressure caps, and a pioneering Racing & High Performance Division. Today, CSF’s Racing & High Performance Division is renowned for designing and manufacturing advanced, efficient, and reliable cooling systems for a wide array of applications, from high performance all-aluminum direct-fit radiators to custom systems for racecars, power sports, off-road, marine, and industrial use. With over 50 years of experience and more than 40 million cooling systems sold worldwide, CSF has rightfully earned the industry title of “THE COOLING EXPERTS.”