Difference between revisions of "Oil Flow - S65 Oil Flow Analysis"

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__FORCETOC__
 
__FORCETOC__
 +
 +
== Overview ==
 +
 +
From the day BE Bearings was conceived, we knew we must figure out a way to test the bearings to ensure they caused no detrimental effects to the S65 engine. We also knew there wouldn’t be any perfect way to do this. We felt the most important thing to measure (oil flow) would also be the most difficult and most expensive. If our theories are correct about too little bearing clearance, then increasing the bearing clearance will show up as increased oil flow. But we had no idea how much, if any, that would be. From pricing the sensors, all we knew was that it was going to be expensive.
 +
 +
We also knew we needed to measure oil pressure to go along with oil flow. We could expect that increasing bearing clearance might decrease oil pressure. If oil flow increased, but oil pressure decreased substantially, that might be a danger to the rest of the engine.
 +
 +
But even if we can measure these things, how do we capture the data and save it? If you have the right equipment and knowledge, then all it takes is a little ingenuity to put together a very nice data logging platform that saves the results to SD Card. That’s where the vBox Pro comes in. The vBox Pro can data log the car’s engine CAN bus and everything on it (see “Data Signals Collected” below). But it still takes a little more equipment and ingenuity to capture the oil pressure and oil flow and add them to the list of signals seen by the vBox Pro. Both the oil flow sensor and our AEM oil pressure sensor will output their measurements as voltages. If we could capture these voltages and convert them to digital data, we’d have the ideal data logging set up. That’s where the vBox Mini Input Module comes to play.
 +
 +
The vBox Mini Input Module (MIM) converts analog signals (like voltages) to digital values, then broadcasts them on a CAN bus. In this case, we programmed the MIM to broadcast the signals on the engine CAN bus at addresses unused by vehicle (so they don’t interfere with anything). Once the signals appear on the engine CAN bus, we can simply use the vBox Pro to capture them, along with all the other engine signals, and store them on the vBox Pro SD Card. This all happens at 10 Hz (10 samples per second). It’s a very nice data logging rig!
 +
 +
Once all the technical details were worked out and we were convinced it would all work, we decided to buy that expensive oil flow sensor and other equipment to make it all happen. Hooking it all up was easier than we thought – it all worked right out of the box exactly like we theorized it should.
 +
 +
Once the data is collected, it is imported into an online database. Once in the database, it can be searched, sorted, and analyzed with a variety of computer programming techniques. That’s exactly who we find these graphs below sorted by oil temperature, throttle input, cold start analysis, etc. The analytical possibilities are virtually limitless. We will be happy to make this database available to download to anybody who wants to analyze the data themselves (you must be familiar with SQA databases and programming to use it).
 +
 +
Below we included what we believe are the most valuable data and graphs to show the difference between factory (OEM BMW) and BE Bearings. The car ran for a year on factory (BMW) bearings while data was collected. After running for a year on factory bearings, the rod bearings were swapped to BE Bearings and the whole data logging / data collection process was restarted.
 +
 +
Just as sure as we were that we needed to test our bearings, we were just as sure that nobody else (no other vendors) would do this or even care to do this level of product verification. We’re pretty sure the results below will prove our point.
  
 
== Test Vehicle ==
 
== Test Vehicle ==
Line 50: Line 68:
  
 
== Test Definitions ==
 
== Test Definitions ==
 +
 +
=== Temperature, RPM, and Cold/Warm Start Ranges ===
 +
 +
For any given temperature range, a set of RPM ranges is defined for analysis.  Any samples found within that temperature range, and RPM range are averaged.  For mid RPM, tens of thousands, sometimes over one-hundred thousand samples will be averaged in a given temperature and RPM range.  This method is intended to smooth out the results and limit the effect of outlying data.
 +
 +
====Temperature Graph Ranges====
 +
{| class = "diyTable bearingHist"
 +
  ! colspan="2" |Individual Graphs
 +
 +
|-
 +
  !Start Temp
 +
  !End Temp
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |<nowiki>-100</nowiki>
 +
  |<nowiki>-0.00001</nowiki>
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |0
 +
  |19.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |20
 +
  |39.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |40
 +
  |59.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |60
 +
  |79.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |80
 +
  |89.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |90
 +
  |91.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |92
 +
  |93.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |94
 +
  |95.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |96
 +
  |97.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |98
 +
  |99.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |100
 +
  |102
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |102
 +
  |104
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |104
 +
  |106
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |106
 +
  |108
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |108
 +
  |110
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |110
 +
  |112
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |112
 +
  |114
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |114
 +
  |116
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |116
 +
  |118
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |118
 +
  |120
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 +
{| class = "diyTable bearingHist"
 +
  ! colspan="2" |Average Graphs
 +
 +
|-
 +
  !Start Temp
 +
  !End Temp
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |98
 +
  |119
 +
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 +
====RPM Ranges====
 +
{| class = "diyTable bearingHist"
 +
  !Start RPM
 +
  !End RPM
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |500
 +
  |1499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |1500
 +
  |1999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |2000
 +
  |2249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |2250
 +
  |2499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |2500
 +
  |2749
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |2750
 +
  |2999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |3000
 +
  |3249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |3250
 +
  |3499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |3500
 +
  |3749
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |3750
 +
  |3999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |4000
 +
  |4249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |4250
 +
  |4499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |4500
 +
  |4749
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |4750
 +
  |4999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |5000
 +
  |5249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |5250
 +
  |5499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |5500
 +
  |5749
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |5750
 +
  |5999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |6000
 +
  |6249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |6250
 +
  |6499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |6500
 +
  |6749
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |6750
 +
  |6999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7000
 +
  |7249
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7250
 +
  |7499
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7500
 +
  |7599
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7600
 +
  |7699
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7700
 +
  |7799
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7800
 +
  |7899
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |7900
 +
  |7999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |8000
 +
  |8099
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |8100
 +
  |8199
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |8200
 +
  |8299
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |8300
 +
  |8399
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |8400
 +
  |8499
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 +
====Cold Start Temperature Ranges====
 +
{| class = "diyTable bearingHist"
 +
  !Start Temp
 +
  !End Temp
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |<nowiki>-100</nowiki>
 +
  |<nowiki>-0.00001</nowiki>
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |0
 +
  |9.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |10
 +
  |19.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |20
 +
  |29.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |30
 +
  |39.99999
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 +
====Warm Start Temperature Ranges====
 +
{| class = "diyTable bearingHist"
 +
  !Start Temp
 +
  !End Temp
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |40
 +
  |59.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |60
 +
  |79.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |80
 +
  |89.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |90
 +
  |95.99999
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |96
 +
  |120
 +
|}
 +
 
=== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ===
 
=== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ===
 +
 +
Once you start your car, have you ever wondered how long it takes for oil pressure to build and oil flow to start?  This is the section that shows what it looks like.
 +
 +
Charts and graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.
  
 
During testing of BMW factory 702/703 bearings, we discovered best results were obtained by pushing the start button, and letting the car idle for 30-seconds.  Too many times during 702/703 bearing testing, we were in a hurry where we just started the car and drove off.  This tended to skew the data collected.
 
During testing of BMW factory 702/703 bearings, we discovered best results were obtained by pushing the start button, and letting the car idle for 30-seconds.  Too many times during 702/703 bearing testing, we were in a hurry where we just started the car and drove off.  This tended to skew the data collected.
Line 67: Line 398:
  
 
=== Oil Pressure Analysis ===
 
=== Oil Pressure Analysis ===
 +
 +
==== Oil Pressure in the S65 ====
 +
 +
The factory oil pump is a variable displacement vane (variable pressure) oil pump. 
 +
 +
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 +
  ! 
 +
  ! Metric (BAR)
 +
  !SAE (PSI) 
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |Minimum oil pressure at idle
 +
  |1.0
 +
  |14.50 
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |Minimum oil pressure while running
 +
  |4.0 – 6.0
 +
  |58.0 – 87.0 
 +
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 +
Oil pressure in the S65 varies with temperature.  This is expected because as the oil is colder, it is more viscous.  As the oil heats up, it becomes less viscous and reduces the pressure.
 +
 +
If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then data logs and graphs will show which RPM level achieves that minimum requirement.  Again, that answer will depend on oil temperature – as colder oil is more viscous and produces more pressure.
 +
 +
==== Oil Pressure Tests ====
 +
The following tests are presented in the Oil Pressure Analysis section:
 +
#Average Oil Pressure:  All data collected between at the Temperature Ranges listed above.  The data within each RPM range is averaged.  This is the best demonstration of long-term oil pressure behavior in the S65. 
 +
##Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
 +
##A chart is presented to show minimum RPM where min oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI) is acheived.
 +
# Minimum Oil Pressure:  This is interesting to see, but not terribly useful to draw meaningful conclusions.  These are single samples, absolute minimums, of oil pressure over temperature and RPM.  The one possible use might be to see how BE Bearings affect the absolute minimum oil pressure.
 +
##Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
 +
# Maximum Oil Pressure:  This is the converse of minimum oil pressure.  Again, not terribly useful, but interesting to see.  The one possible use might be to see if BE Bearings have lower absolute maximum oil pressure measurements over factory bearings.
 +
##A single graph is presented from 5% throttle input.
 +
 
=== Oil Flow Analysis ===
 
=== Oil Flow Analysis ===
 +
==== About Oil Flow ====
 +
Why do we measure oil flow? 
 +
There are a few important reasons we measure oil flow. 
 +
# Oil flow across the bearing surface is what keeps the bearings cool and reduces wear. When we change bearings from factory to BE Bearings with increased clearance, there may be a slight drop in oil pressure due to the larger bearing clearance.  But oil pressure doesn’t tell the whole story.  A modest decrease in oil pressure is not harmful; but we are hoping to see an increase in oil flow with BE Bearings.  Establishing this baseline is important to BE Bearing analysis to see if the new bearings increase oil flow as hoped.
 +
# Expanding on (1) above, measuring oil flow is a good way to gauge the difference caused by BE Bearings.  By testing on the same engine, with the same oil, with same driver, who drives under the same driving conditions, and who drives in the in the same style, oil pressure and oil flow (specifically oil flow) will be the primary measurement change between factory and BE Bearings.
 +
# As the engine heats up, the oil becomes less viscous.  Increased oil flow is expected as the engine heats up.  Since this data is totally unknown outside of BMW, we measure it and provide it for the community to share.
 +
 +
==== Measuring Oil Flow ====
 +
Oil flow is measured with a Flow Technologies turbine flow meter between the engine oil filter outlet and oil cooler.  This is the only place outside of the engine that the sensor could be placed.  Oil flow to the cooler is thermostatically controlled.  When the engine is cold, or just doesn’t feel like it, no oil is sent through the oil cooler – and thus not measured by the oil flow meter.  Our programs used to measure and graph oil flow take this into account and ignore times when the thermostat is closed and not sending oil to the oil cooler.
 +
 +
Oil flow in the S65 varies with temperature and RPM.  Oil As you would expect, the higher the engine RPM, more oil flow will result.  But a little less obvious, oil flow increases as the engine heats up.  This is because the oil becomes less viscous with increased heat.
 +
 +
==== Oil Flow Tests ====
 +
The following tests are presented in the Oil Pressure Analysis section:
 +
 +
#Average Oil Flow:  All data collected between at the Temperature Ranges listed above.  The data within each RPM range is averaged.  This is the best demonstration of long-term oil flow behavior in the S65. 
 +
##Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
 +
 
=== Summary Oil Pressure, Oil Flow Analysis ===
 
=== Summary Oil Pressure, Oil Flow Analysis ===
  
−
== Testing Results ==
+
So what is the best way to roll up all of the data, and view it as a single graph?  To me, this was best achieved by limiting the operating temperatures to 98-120 degrees-C.  We can see how the S65 oil pressure and oil flow change with oil temperature and RPM. The oil flow graphs will show that oil flow stays relatively constant below 98c.  At 98c, the oil pump has the most demands on it, and the oil thermostat is fully open.  Even at 94-96c, I could see the oil thermostat closing for brief moments.  This made 98-120c the best choice for rolling up all of the data.  This will be the best apples-apples comparison between BMW factory bearings and bigger clearance BE Bearings.  If average oil pressure changes, we'll see it in this graph.  If average oil flow changes, we'll see it in this graph.
 +
 
 +
==== Summary Oil Pressure, Oil Flow Tests ====
 +
The following tests are presented in the summary oil pressure/oil flow analysis section:
 +
 
 +
#Avg Oil Pressure, Oil Flow:  All data collected between 98-119c.  The data within each RPM range is averaged.  This is the best demonstration showing the long term oil pressure and oil flow characteristics of the S65. 
 +
##Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
 +
 
 +
== Download Files and Data Descriptions ==
 +
=== Download file name conventions ===
 +
Select samples of database samples are made available for public download.  The files names have the following format:
  
−
=== BMW Factory 702/703 Bearings ===
+
OilData_<font color=#FF0000>BID</font>_<font color=#00B050>NN</font>PCT_<font color=#0000FF>YYYY-MM</font>.csv where:
 +
* <font color=#FF0000>BID</font> = Bearing ID:  702, BEB
 +
* <font color=#00B050>NN</font> = Percent throttle activation:  05, 30, 50
 +
* <font color=#0000FF>YYYY-MM</font> = Year, Month.  This sample includes data up to this date, but not beyond.
  
−
==== Overview ====
+
=== Download file description ===
 +
All download files files are in CSV (comma-separated values) format.  The first line of the file is the header, and has the following meaning.  The header is composed of two sections:  input parameters, output parameters.  The input parameters are the values used as input to the SQL search engine.  All other values are the results of the SQL search operation.
 +
{| class = "diyTable descTable"
 +
  !Input Name
 +
  !Description
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |FileID
 +
  |Not Used
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |Timestamp
 +
  |Not Used
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |nSamples
 +
  |Number of samples collected for this data item
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oTempMin
 +
  |Minimum oil temperature (search database for samples between [oTempMin, oTempMax])
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oTempMax
 +
  |Maximum oil temperature
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |rpmMin
 +
  |Minimum RPM (search database for samples between [rpmMin, rpmMax])
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |rpmMax
 +
  |Maximum RPM
 +
|}
 +
<p></p>
 +
 
 +
{| class = "diyTable descTable"
 +
  !Output Name
 +
  !Description
 +
 
 +
|-
 +
  |ambTempC
 +
  |Ambient Temperature (deg-C)
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |aoTempMin
 +
  |Actual oil temperature observed, deg-C: Minimum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |aoTempMax
 +
  |Actual oil temperature observed, deg-C: Maximum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |wTempMin
 +
  |Actual water temperature observed, deg-C: Minimum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |wTempMax
 +
  |Actual water temperature observed, deg-C: Maximum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oPressMin
 +
  |Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Minimum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oPressMax
 +
  |Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Maximum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oPressAvg
 +
  |Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Average during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oPressMed
 +
  |Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Statistical Median during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oPressMode
 +
  |Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Statistical Mode during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oFlowMin
 +
  |Oil Flow observed, GPM: Minimum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oFlowMax
 +
  |Oil Flow observed, GPM: Maximum during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oFlowAvg
 +
  |Oil Flow observed, GPM: Average during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oFlowMed
 +
  |Oil Flow observed, GPM: Statistical Median during this sample period
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |oFlowMode
 +
  |Oil Flow observed, GPM: Statistical Mode during this sample period
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
== Testing Results:  BMW Factory 702/703 Bearings ==
 +
 
 +
=== Overview ===
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
   !Distance Traveled
 
   !Distance Traveled
Line 107: Line 609:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Number of cold starts
 
   |Number of cold starts
−
   |166
+
   |91
  
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Number of warm starts
 
   |Number of warm starts
−
   |74
+
   |7
  
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 127: Line 629:
 
  |}
 
  |}
  
−
==== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ====
+
=== Download Files ===
−
===== Cold/Warm Start Data =====
+
* [[File:OilData 702 05PCT.csv|Oil Data collected from BMW 702 bearings @ 5% throttle activation]]
−
Once you start your car, have you ever wondered how long it takes for oil pressure to build and oil flow to start?  This is the section that shows what it looks like.
+
* [[File:OilData 702 30PCT.csv|Oil Data collected from BMW 702 bearings @ 30% throttle activation]]
 +
* [[File:OilData 702 50PCT.csv|Oil Data collected from BMW 702 bearings @ 50% throttle activation]]
  
−
The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.  After analyzing some of the data, it appears the throttle input might have been influencing the maximum oil pressure and flow.  Had I known this, I would have not introduced any throttle until 30+ seconds after starting the car.
+
=== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ===
 +
==== Cold/Warm Start Data ====
 +
 
 +
The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.
  
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
Line 138: Line 644:
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |<nowiki>-100-0c</nowiki>
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 146: Line 657:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |10-20c
 
   |10-20c
−
   |2.0
+
   |1.9
−
   |2.9
+
   |3.4
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |20-30c
 
   |20-30c
 
   |1.7
 
   |1.7
−
   |2.4
+
   |2.0
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |30-40c
 
   |30-40c
−
   |1.5
+
   |1.6
 
   |1.7
 
   |1.7
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |40-60c
 
   |40-60c
 +
  |1.1
 
   |1.2
 
   |1.2
−
  |1.5
 
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |60-80c
 
   |60-80c
−
   |1.2
+
   |N/A
−
   |12.2
+
   |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |80-90c
 
   |80-90c
−
   |1.1
+
   |0.9
−
   |1.3
+
   |0.9
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |90-96c
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
−
   |90-86c
+
   |96-119c
−
   |1.9
+
   |N/A
−
   |25.6
+
   |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Cold Start Graphs =====
+
==== Cold Start Graphs ====
  
 
[[File:Cold Start 702 0-10c.jpg|1000x1000px|Cold Start, 0-10c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
 
[[File:Cold Start 702 0-10c.jpg|1000x1000px|Cold Start, 0-10c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
Line 191: Line 707:
 
[[File:Cold Start 702 30-40c.jpg|1000x1000p|Cold Start, 30-40c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
 
[[File:Cold Start 702 30-40c.jpg|1000x1000p|Cold Start, 30-40c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
  
−
===== Warm Start Graphs =====
+
==== Warm Start Graphs ====
 
[[File:Warm Start 702 40-60c.jpg|1000x1000px|Warm Start, 40-60c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
 
[[File:Warm Start 702 40-60c.jpg|1000x1000px|Warm Start, 40-60c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
−
 
−
[[File:Warm Start 702 60-80c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 60-80c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
 
  
 
[[File:Warm Start 702 80-90c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 80-90c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
 
[[File:Warm Start 702 80-90c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 80-90c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
  
−
[[File:Warm Start 702 90-96c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 90-96c, BMW 702 Bearings]]
+
=== Oil Pressure Analysis ===
  
−
==== Oil Pressure Analysis ====
+
==== Average Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
  
−
The factory oil pump is a variable displacement vane (variable pressure) oil pump. 
+
These graphs show the oil pressure average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
−
 
 
−
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
−
  ! 
 
−
  ! Metric (BAR)
 
−
  !SAE (PSI) 
 
−
 
−
|-
 
−
  |Minimum oil pressure at idle
 
−
  |1.0
 
−
  |14.50 
 
−
 
−
|-
 
−
  |Minimum oil pressure while running
 
−
  |4.0 – 6.0
 
−
  |58.0 – 87.0 
 
−
 
−
|}
 
−
<p></p>
 
−
 
 
−
Oil pressure in the S65 varies with temperature.  This is expected because as the oil is colder, it is more viscous.  As the oil heats up, it becomes less viscous and reduces the pressure.  This graph shows the relationship between oil temperature and oil pressure.  Each color band represents a different temperature.  The temperature (color) bands range from 0-degrees C to 110-degrees C.  They are plotted against the RPMs of the engine.
 
−
 
 
−
===== How oil pressure changes with different oil temperatures =====
 
−
 
 
−
These graphs show the oil pressure average of all 5.4 million samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 
  
 
{|   
 
{|   
Line 235: Line 725:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
==== RPM of minimum oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI) ====
 
If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved.  Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is.  As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.
 
If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved.  Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is.  As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.
  
Line 341: Line 832:
 
  |}
 
  |}
  
−
===== Absolute minimum oil pressure with different oil temperatures =====
+
==== Absolute Minimum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
  
 
So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples.  But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?
 
So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples.  But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?
Line 354: Line 845:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Absolute maximum oil pressure with different oil temperatures =====
+
==== Absolute Maximum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
  
 
Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums.  There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.
 
Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums.  There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.
Line 362: Line 853:
 
<p></p>
 
<p></p>
  
−
==== Oil Flow Analysis ====
+
=== Oil Flow Analysis ===
−
=====About Oil Flow=====
+
==== How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM ====
−
Why do we measure oil flow? 
 
−
There are a few important reasons we measure oil flow. 
 
−
# Oil flow across the bearing surface is what keeps the bearings cool and reduces wear. When we change bearings from factory to BE Bearings with increased clearance, there may be a slight drop in oil pressure due to the larger bearing clearance.  But oil pressure doesn’t tell the whole story.  A modest decrease in oil pressure is not harmful; but we are hoping to see an increase in oil flow with BE Bearings.  Establishing this baseline is important to BE Bearing analysis to see if the new bearings increase oil flow as hoped.
 
−
# Expanding on (1) above, measuring oil flow is a good way to gauge the difference caused by BE Bearings.  By testing on the same engine, with the same oil, with same driver, who drives under the same driving conditions, and who drives in the in the same style, oil pressure and oil flow (specifically oil flow) will be the primary measurement change between factory and BE Bearings.
 
−
# As the engine heats up, the oil becomes less viscous.  Increased oil flow is expected as the engine heats up.  Since this data is totally unknown outside of BMW, we measure it and provide it for the community to share.
 
  
−
=====Measuring Oil Flow=====
+
These graphs show the oil flow average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
−
Oil flow is measured with a Flow Technologies turbine flow meter between the engine oil filter outlet and oil cooler.  This is the only place outside of the engine that the sensor could be placed.  Oil flow to the cooler is thermostatically controlled.  When the engine is cold, or just doesn’t feel like it, no oil is sent through the oil cooler – and thus not measured by the oil flow meter.  Our programs used to measure and graph oil flow take this into account and ignore times when the thermostat is closed and not sending oil to the oil cooler.
 
−
 
 
−
Oil flow in the S65 varies with temperature and RPM.  Oil As you would expect, the higher the engine RPM, more oil flow will result.  But a little less obvious, oil flow increases as the engine heats up.  This is because the oil becomes less viscous with increased heat.
 
−
===== How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM =====
 
−
 
 
−
These graphs show the oil flow average of all 5.4 million samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 
  
 
{|   
 
{|   
Line 385: Line 865:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Summary Oil Pressure and Oil Flow ====
+
=== Average Oil Pressure and Oil Flow ===
−
===== Average Oil Pressure and Oil Flow =====
 
−
So what is the best way to roll up all of the data, and view it as a single graph?  To me, this was best achieved by limiting the operating temperatures to 98-120 degrees-C.  We’ve seen how the S65 oil pressure and oil flow change with oil temperature and RPM. The oil flow graphs above show that oil flow stays relatively constant below 98c.  At 98c, the oil pump has the most demands on it, and the oil thermostat is fully open.  Even at 94-96c, I could see the oil thermostat closing for brief moments.  This made 98-120c the best choice for rolling up all of the data.  This will be one of the best comparisons against bigger clearance BE Bearings, as that data becomes available.
 
−
 
 
 
These graphs show the average oil pressure and average oil flow average of all samples between 98-119c, and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 
These graphs show the average oil pressure and average oil flow average of all samples between 98-119c, and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
  
Line 398: Line 875:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
=== BE Bearings SP1527HK ===
+
== Testing Results:  BE Bearings SP1527HK ==
 +
 
 +
Current Snapshot:  2017-02-28
  
−
Snapshot Date: 2016-11-30
+
Previous Snapshots:
 +
* [http://wiki.rcollins.org/core/index.php?title=Oil_Flow_-_S65_Oil_Flow_Analysis&oldid=1954 2017-01-31]
 +
* [http://wiki.rcollins.org/core/index.php?title=Oil_Flow_-_S65_Oil_Flow_Analysis&oldid=1729 2016-12-31]
 +
* [http://wiki.rcollins.org/core/index.php?title=Oil_Flow_-_S65_Oil_Flow_Analysis&oldid=1697 2016-11-30]
 +
<p></p>
  
−
==== Overview ====
+
=== Overview ===
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
   !Distance Traveled
 
   !Distance Traveled
Line 415: Line 898:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Ending Odometer
 
   |Ending Odometer
−
   |64902
+
   |68417
−
   |40328
+
   |42512
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Total
 
   |Total
−
   |4345
+
   |7860
−
   |2700
+
   |4884
 
  |}
 
  |}
 
<p></p>
 
<p></p>
Line 431: Line 914:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Number of files analyzed
 
   |Number of files analyzed
−
   |165
+
   |381
  
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Number of cold starts
 
   |Number of cold starts
−
   |80
+
   |123
  
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Number of warm starts
 
   |Number of warm starts
−
   |65
+
   |27
  
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Distance Traveled
 
   |Distance Traveled
−
   |2700 Miles (4345 KM)
+
   |4884 Miles (7860 KM)
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Data Log Entries (#)
 
   |Data Log Entries (#)
−
   |2417631
+
   |4783033
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |Individual data items collected
 
   |Individual data items collected
−
   |65276037
+
   |129141891
 
   
 
   
 
  |}
 
  |}
  
−
==== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ====
+
=== Download Files ===
−
===== Cold/Warm Start Data =====
+
* February 2017
−
The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.  After analyzing some of the data, it appears the throttle input might have been influencing the maximum oil pressure and flow.  Had I known this, I would have not introduced any throttle until 30+ seconds after starting the car.
+
**[[File:OilData BEB 05PCT 2017-02.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 30PCT 2017-02.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 50PCT 2017-02.csv|thumb]]
 +
<p></p>
 +
* January 2017
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 05PCT 2017-01.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 30PCT 2017-01.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 50PCT 2017-01.csv|thumb]]
 +
<p></p>
 +
* December 2016
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 05PCT 2016-12.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 30PCT 2016-12.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 50PCT 2016-12.csv|thumb]]
 +
<p></p>
 +
* November 2016
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 05PCT 2016-11.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 30PCT 2016-11.csv|thumb]]
 +
**[[File:OilData BEB 50PCT 2016-11.csv|thumb]]
 +
 
 +
=== Cold/Warm Start Analysis ===
 +
==== Cold/Warm Start Data ====
 +
 
 +
The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.
  
 
'''BE Bearings'''
 
'''BE Bearings'''
Line 465: Line 970:
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |<nowiki>-100-0c</nowiki>
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |0-10c
 
   |0-10c
−
   |1.7
+
   |1.6
−
   |2.0
+
   |1.9
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |10-20c
 
   |10-20c
−
   |1.8
+
   |1.7
−
   |2.2
+
   |1.9
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 483: Line 993:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |30-40c
 
   |30-40c
−
   |1.3
+
   |1.0
−
   |1.5
+
   |1.2
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |40-60c
 
   |40-60c
−
   |1.0
+
   |0.8
−
   |10.8
+
   |0.9
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 498: Line 1,008:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |80-90c
 
   |80-90c
−
   |0.9
+
   |N/A
−
   |18.9
+
   |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |90-96c
 
   |90-96c
−
   |0.9
+
   |N/A
−
   |21.9
+
   |N/A
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |96-119c
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
|}
 
|}
Line 514: Line 1,029:
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !70% pressure (seconds)
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 
   !90% pressure (seconds)   
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |<nowiki>-100-0c</nowiki>
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 522: Line 1,042:
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |10-20c
 
   |10-20c
−
   |2.0
+
   |1.9
−
   |2.9
+
   |3.4
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |20-30c
 
   |20-30c
 
   |1.7
 
   |1.7
−
   |2.4
+
   |2.0
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |30-40c
 
   |30-40c
−
   |1.5
+
   |1.6
 
   |1.7
 
   |1.7
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |40-60c
 
   |40-60c
 +
  |1.1
 
   |1.2
 
   |1.2
−
  |1.5
 
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |60-80c
 
   |60-80c
−
   |1.2
+
   |N/A
−
   |12.2
+
   |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |80-90c
 
   |80-90c
−
   |1.1
+
   |0.9
−
   |1.3
+
   |0.9
 +
 +
|-
 +
  |90-96c
 +
  |N/A
 +
  |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
−
   |90-86c
+
   |96-119c
−
   |1.9
+
   |N/A
−
   |25.6
+
   |N/A
 
   
 
   
 
|}
 
|}
 +
  
 
'''Summary:'''
 
'''Summary:'''
 
According to this chart, the BE Bearings take less time to reach 70% and 90% oil pressure compared to their BMW OEM counterparts.  Not only is it less time to reach full oil pressure, it seems significantly less time to reach full oil pressure.  This is a bit of a shock to me and something I never expected to see.
 
According to this chart, the BE Bearings take less time to reach 70% and 90% oil pressure compared to their BMW OEM counterparts.  Not only is it less time to reach full oil pressure, it seems significantly less time to reach full oil pressure.  This is a bit of a shock to me and something I never expected to see.
  
−
===== Cold Start Graphs =====
+
'''Trend 2017-02'''
 +
* Two more temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline.  No temperature ranges got worse.
 +
 
 +
'''Trend 2017-01'''
 +
* Three temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline, one temperature range gave back 0.1 second over previous baseline.
 +
 
 +
'''Trend 2016-12'''
 +
* Four of six temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline.
 +
 
 +
==== Cold Start Graphs ====
  
 
[[File:Cold Start BEB 0-10c.jpg|1000x1000px|Cold Start, 0-10c, BE Bearings]]
 
[[File:Cold Start BEB 0-10c.jpg|1000x1000px|Cold Start, 0-10c, BE Bearings]]
Line 575: Line 1,110:
 
Oil flow does seem to modestly increase as well.  This was  an anticipated outcome, but it's good to see it on the graphs.
 
Oil flow does seem to modestly increase as well.  This was  an anticipated outcome, but it's good to see it on the graphs.
  
−
===== Warm Start Graphs =====
+
==== Warm Start Graphs ====
 
[[File:Warm Start BEB 40-60c.jpg|1000x1000px|Warm Start, 40-60c, BE Bearings]]
 
[[File:Warm Start BEB 40-60c.jpg|1000x1000px|Warm Start, 40-60c, BE Bearings]]
  
 
[[File:Warm Start BEB 60-80c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 60-80c, BE Bearings]]
 
[[File:Warm Start BEB 60-80c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 60-80c, BE Bearings]]
−
 
−
[[File:Warm Start BEB 80-90c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 80-90c, BE Bearings]]
 
−
 
−
[[File:Warm Start BEB 90-96c.jpg|1000x1000p|Warm Start, 90-96c, BE Bearings]]
 
  
 
'''Summary'''
 
'''Summary'''
 
The trend with continues from our Cold Start graphs to our Warm Start graphs.  Oil pressure comes up faster with BE Bearings than BMW factory bearings.  Oil flow shows modest increases as well, but we'd say this is fairly inconclusive -- especially above 80c.  Those graphs contained too much throttle input, and we think that contaminates the results.  Now that we know this, we will see if we can filter out the results containing too much throttle, and moving forward will capture results without any throttle until 30-seconds has passed since starting the engine.
 
The trend with continues from our Cold Start graphs to our Warm Start graphs.  Oil pressure comes up faster with BE Bearings than BMW factory bearings.  Oil flow shows modest increases as well, but we'd say this is fairly inconclusive -- especially above 80c.  Those graphs contained too much throttle input, and we think that contaminates the results.  Now that we know this, we will see if we can filter out the results containing too much throttle, and moving forward will capture results without any throttle until 30-seconds has passed since starting the engine.
  
−
==== Oil Pressure Analysis ====
+
=== Oil Pressure Analysis ===
  
−
The factory oil pump is a variable displacement vane (variable pressure) oil pump. 
+
==== Average Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
−
 
 
−
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
−
  ! 
 
−
  ! Metric (BAR)
 
−
  !SAE (PSI) 
 
−
 
−
|-
 
−
  |Minimum oil pressure at idle
 
−
  |1.0
 
−
  |14.50 
 
−
 
−
|-
 
−
  |Minimum oil pressure while running
 
−
  |4.0 – 6.0
 
−
  |58.0 – 87.0 
 
−
 
−
|}
 
−
<p></p>
 
−
 
 
−
Oil pressure in the S65 varies with temperature.  This is expected because as the oil is colder, it is more viscous.  As the oil heats up, it becomes less viscous and reduces the pressure.  This graph shows the relationship between oil temperature and oil pressure.  Each color band represents a different temperature.  The temperature (color) bands range from 0-degrees C to 110-degrees C.  They are plotted against the RPMs of the engine.
 
−
 
 
−
===== How oil pressure changes with different oil temperatures =====
 
  
 
These graphs show the oil pressure average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 
These graphs show the oil pressure average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
Line 622: Line 1,131:
 
|}
 
|}
  
 +
==== RPM of minimum oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI) ====
 
If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved.  Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is.  As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.
 
If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved.  Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is.  As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.
  
−
The following chart shows average oil pressure vs. RPM. It shows what RPM achieves minimum recommended 4-BAR (58-PSI) oil pressure.  This chart compares to the BMW Factory bearings by color of text.  Black text means the values are the same.  Green text means the BE Bearings achieved minimum oil pressure at a lower RPM than factory bearings.  Red text means the BE Bearings achieved minimum oil pressure at a higher RPM than factory bearings.
+
The following chart shows average oil pressure vs. RPM. It shows what RPM achieves minimum recommended 4-BAR (58-PSI) oil pressure.  This chart highlights areas that have increased performance, decreased performance, or stayed the same.  Areas marked in <font color=#00B050>'''GREEN'''</font> show an increase in performance.  Areas marked in <font color=#FF0000>'''RED'''</font> show a decrease in performance.  Everything else is unchanged.
  
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
 
{| class="diyTable bearingSpec"
Line 684: Line 1,194:
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
−
   |<font color=#FF0000>'''2000'''</font>
+
   |'''1500'''
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
Line 696: Line 1,206:
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
 
   |1500
−
   |<font color=#00B050>'''1500'''</font>
+
   |'''2000'''
 
   
 
   
 
  |-
 
  |-
 
   |102-103c
 
   |102-103c
 
   |2000
 
   |2000
−
   |2000
+
   |1500
 
   |2000
 
   |2000
 
   
 
   
Line 707: Line 1,217:
 
   |104-105c
 
   |104-105c
 
   |2000
 
   |2000
−
   |2000
+
   |'''2000'''
 
   |2000
 
   |2000
 
   
 
   
Line 726: Line 1,236:
 
   |<font color=#00B050>'''2000'''</font>
 
   |<font color=#00B050>'''2000'''</font>
 
   |<font color=#00B050>'''2000'''</font>
 
   |<font color=#00B050>'''2000'''</font>
−
   |2250
+
   |<font color=#FF0000>'''2500'''</font>
 
  |}
 
  |}
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Summary:'''
 +
There was one area of decreased performance, but multiple areas of increased performance.  The increased performance is starting to make more sense after seeing how cold and warm starts come up to pressure quicker with BE Bearings than factory BMW bearings.  The same phenomenon may be at play here, or may be something difference.
 +
 +
'''Trend 2017-02:'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  no change
 +
* 30% Throttle:  no change
 +
* 50% Throttle:  No change, except there's now data for 110-110c
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2017-01:'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  no change
 +
* 30% Throttle:  no change
 +
* 50% Throttle:  returned to normal at 96-97c, 100-101c
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2016-12:'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  no change
 +
* 30% Throttle: improved at 102-103c
 +
* 50% Throttle: improved at 96-97c
  
−
===== Absolute minimum oil pressure with different oil temperatures =====
+
==== Absolute Minimum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
  
 
So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples.  But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?
 
So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples.  But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?
Line 742: Line 1,270:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
===== Absolute maximum oil pressure with different oil temperatures =====
+
==== Absolute Maximum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM ====
  
 
Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums.  There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.
 
Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums.  There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.
Line 750: Line 1,278:
 
<p></p>
 
<p></p>
  
−
==== Oil Flow Analysis ====
+
=== Oil Flow Analysis ===
−
=====About Oil Flow=====
+
==== How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM ====
−
Why do we measure oil flow? 
 
−
There are a few important reasons we measure oil flow. 
 
−
# Oil flow across the bearing surface is what keeps the bearings cool and reduces wear. When we change bearings from factory to BE Bearings with increased clearance, there may be a slight drop in oil pressure due to the larger bearing clearance.  But oil pressure doesn’t tell the whole story.  A modest decrease in oil pressure is not harmful; but we are hoping to see an increase in oil flow with BE Bearings.  Establishing this baseline is important to BE Bearing analysis to see if the new bearings increase oil flow as hoped.
 
−
# Expanding on (1) above, measuring oil flow is a good way to gauge the difference caused by BE Bearings.  By testing on the same engine, with the same oil, with same driver, who drives under the same driving conditions, and who drives in the in the same style, oil pressure and oil flow (specifically oil flow) will be the primary measurement change between factory and BE Bearings.
 
−
# As the engine heats up, the oil becomes less viscous.  Increased oil flow is expected as the engine heats up.  Since this data is totally unknown outside of BMW, we measure it and provide it for the community to share.
 
−
 
 
−
=====Measuring Oil Flow=====
 
−
Oil flow is measured with a Flow Technologies turbine flow meter between the engine oil filter outlet and oil cooler.  This is the only place outside of the engine that the sensor could be placed.  Oil flow to the cooler is thermostatically controlled.  When the engine is cold, or just doesn’t feel like it, no oil is sent through the oil cooler – and thus not measured by the oil flow meter.  Our programs used to measure and graph oil flow take this into account and ignore times when the thermostat is closed and not sending oil to the oil cooler.
 
−
 
 
−
Oil flow in the S65 varies with temperature and RPM.  Oil As you would expect, the higher the engine RPM, more oil flow will result.  But a little less obvious, oil flow increases as the engine heats up.  This is because the oil becomes less viscous with increased heat.
 
−
===== How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM =====
 
  
 
These graphs show the oil flow average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 
These graphs show the oil flow average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM.  The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle.  The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here.  Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
Line 772: Line 1,289:
 
   |[[File:Oil GPM vs RPM with 30 pct Throttle BEB.jpg|alt=Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle|thumb|Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle]]
 
   |[[File:Oil GPM vs RPM with 30 pct Throttle BEB.jpg|alt=Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle|thumb|Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle]]
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
'''Summary'''
 +
Overall, oil flow increased with BE Bearings over factory BMW 702/703 bearings.  For upper oil operating temperatures, the oil flow seems to have increased substantially.  At lower oil operating temperatures, the results are inconclusive -- just by looking at the graphs.
 +
 +
Our hopes with BE Bearings were to allow a modest drop in oil pressure, so long as it was accompanied by an increase in oil flow.  These graphs don't tell us much about pressure yet, but they do show rather significant increases in oil flow.
 +
 +
'''Trend 2017-02'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  Oil flow at many temperatures improved.  Both low temperature ranges and higher temperature ranges showed some improvement over the last snapshot.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Oil flow at two lower RPM bands increased, and also increased at 89-90c.  Oil flow @ 20-40c was slightly lower on mid-RPM ranges (0.25 GPM lower).  All others appear to be about the same.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Oil flow at all higher temperature ranges seemed to improve.  In fact, oil flow at almost all temperature ranges seemed to improve.  The only exception was the same one noted in the 30% sample:  20-40c was about 0.025 GPM lower.
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2017-01'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  Oil flow at all temperature ranges below 100c stayed about the same.  Oil flow above 100c continues to get higher and higher, especially in the mid-RPM ranges; not so much, if any at high-RPM ranges though.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Oil flow at all temperature ranges below 102c stayed about the same.  Oil flow above 102c continues to get higher and higher, similar to 5% throttle observations.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Same as 30% Throttle.  Oil flow at mid-RPM to upper-RPM ranges for 100c and above shows nice gains.
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2016-12'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  As more data samples become available over time, the data starts to converge.  Oil flow increased 0.25 - 0.50 GPM almost across the board in all temperature ranges and RPM bands.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Same observations as 5% throttle.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Same observations as 5% throttle.
 +
 +
=== Average Oil Pressure and Oil Flow ===
 +
These graphs show the average oil pressure and average oil flow average of all samples between 98-119c, and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.
 +
 +
{| 
 +
  |[[File:Avg Data vs RPM with 05 pct Throttle BEB.jpg|alt=Average Oil PSI, Oil GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle|thumb|Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle]]
 +
  |rowspan="2"|  [[File:Avg Data vs RPM with 50 pct Throttle BEB.jpg|Thumb|900x900px|Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle|Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle]] 
 +
  |-
 +
  |[[File:Avg Data vs RPM with 30 pct Throttle BEB.jpg|alt=Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle|thumb|Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle]]
 +
|}
 +
 +
'''Summary '''Primarily, we want to know if BE Bearings cause an average decrease in oil pressure, and if so:  how much?  We also want to know if the BE Bearings increase average oil flow, and if so:  how much?
 +
 +
This is the graph answers both of those questions in a rather obvious way.
 +
* Oil Pressure:  Oil pressure does seem to decrease slightly with BE Bearings.  This is most likely due to the extra clearance.  But the amount of decrease is between 2-3 PSI, over a 70+ PSI average.  Assuming the 73 PSI average, a 3 PSI pressure drop is equal to 4% of the total.  Whether it was the 5%, 30%, or 50% throttle input, the results were all the same:  a 2-3 PSI drop over a 73 PSI average.  This is proof positive that the S65 variable displacement oil pump is doing its job.
 +
* Oil Flow:  The most significant change between factory and BE Bearings is the oil flow.  We were hoping for a modest increase in oil flow to offset a modest decrease in oil pressure.  But the resulting oil flow is nearly double with BE Bearings over the BMW 702/703 bearing counterparts.  Having double oil flow over the bearing surface increases the wedge strength and keeps the bearings cooler.  The results with BE Bearings seems to be a huge win, much bigger than any of us expected.
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2017-02'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  Oil pressure stayed about the same as the last sample.  However, oil flow from 400-7600 RPM increased about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM.  This is another net increase of oil flow across the entire RPM range.  This is '''VERY STRONG''' showing.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Just like the 5% throttle, oil pressure stayed about the same as the last sample.  Also like the 5% sample, oil flow from 400-7600 RPM increased about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM.  This is another net increase of oil flow across the entire RPM range.  This is another '''VERY STRONG''' showing.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Results at 50% throttle match results at 30% throttle.  Oil pressure stayed about the same, but oil flow from 400-7600 gained about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM.
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2017-01'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  Oil pressure showed about a 1-PSI drop in high mid-to-upper RPM ranges.  However, oil flow made very strong gains in the same area and all the way to high RPMs.  Oil flow increased approximately 1-GPM over the last sample period.  This is a '''VERY STRONG''' showing.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Like 5% throttle, oil pressure showed about a 0.5 to 1-PSI drop in mid-RPM ranges.  Oil flow also made very strong gains in the same area and all the way to high RPMs.  Oil flow increased approximately 0.75-GPM over the last sample period.  This is another '''VERY STRONG''' showing.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Same results as 5% and 50% throttle, with oil flow increasing about 0.5 - 0.75 GPM instead of 0.75 - 1.0 GPM.
 +
<p></p>
 +
'''Trend 2016-12'''
 +
* 5% Throttle:  As more data samples become available over time, the data starts to converge.  Oil pressure began to converge to BMW 702 pressure levels.  What was a 2-3 PSI drop with BE Bearings, has gone down so about a 2.5 PSI drop.  Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 5000.  The wild variations seen in previous data start to disappear as more data samples are available.
 +
* 30% Throttle:  Oil pressure got smoother, but otherwise didn't change enough to mention.  Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 4000.
 +
* 50% Throttle:  Oil pressure got smoother, but otherwise didn't change enough to mention.  Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 3600.

Latest revision as of 00:49, 16 January 2018


Contents

Overview

From the day BE Bearings was conceived, we knew we must figure out a way to test the bearings to ensure they caused no detrimental effects to the S65 engine. We also knew there wouldn’t be any perfect way to do this. We felt the most important thing to measure (oil flow) would also be the most difficult and most expensive. If our theories are correct about too little bearing clearance, then increasing the bearing clearance will show up as increased oil flow. But we had no idea how much, if any, that would be. From pricing the sensors, all we knew was that it was going to be expensive.

We also knew we needed to measure oil pressure to go along with oil flow. We could expect that increasing bearing clearance might decrease oil pressure. If oil flow increased, but oil pressure decreased substantially, that might be a danger to the rest of the engine.

But even if we can measure these things, how do we capture the data and save it? If you have the right equipment and knowledge, then all it takes is a little ingenuity to put together a very nice data logging platform that saves the results to SD Card. That’s where the vBox Pro comes in. The vBox Pro can data log the car’s engine CAN bus and everything on it (see “Data Signals Collected” below). But it still takes a little more equipment and ingenuity to capture the oil pressure and oil flow and add them to the list of signals seen by the vBox Pro. Both the oil flow sensor and our AEM oil pressure sensor will output their measurements as voltages. If we could capture these voltages and convert them to digital data, we’d have the ideal data logging set up. That’s where the vBox Mini Input Module comes to play.

The vBox Mini Input Module (MIM) converts analog signals (like voltages) to digital values, then broadcasts them on a CAN bus. In this case, we programmed the MIM to broadcast the signals on the engine CAN bus at addresses unused by vehicle (so they don’t interfere with anything). Once the signals appear on the engine CAN bus, we can simply use the vBox Pro to capture them, along with all the other engine signals, and store them on the vBox Pro SD Card. This all happens at 10 Hz (10 samples per second). It’s a very nice data logging rig!

Once all the technical details were worked out and we were convinced it would all work, we decided to buy that expensive oil flow sensor and other equipment to make it all happen. Hooking it all up was easier than we thought – it all worked right out of the box exactly like we theorized it should.

Once the data is collected, it is imported into an online database. Once in the database, it can be searched, sorted, and analyzed with a variety of computer programming techniques. That’s exactly who we find these graphs below sorted by oil temperature, throttle input, cold start analysis, etc. The analytical possibilities are virtually limitless. We will be happy to make this database available to download to anybody who wants to analyze the data themselves (you must be familiar with SQA databases and programming to use it).

Below we included what we believe are the most valuable data and graphs to show the difference between factory (OEM BMW) and BE Bearings. The car ran for a year on factory (BMW) bearings while data was collected. After running for a year on factory bearings, the rod bearings were swapped to BE Bearings and the whole data logging / data collection process was restarted.

Just as sure as we were that we needed to test our bearings, we were just as sure that nobody else (no other vendors) would do this or even care to do this level of product verification. We’re pretty sure the results below will prove our point.

Test Vehicle

  • 2008 BMW M3
  • 100% stock engine with 30000 miles
  • Stock ECU
  • Stock exhaust

Data logging Equipment

  • Racelogic Video Vbox Pro, 32-channels engine (ECU) CAN bus.
  • Racelogic Mini Input Module.  Eight channels A-D conversions, transffered via CAN to Video VBox Pro
  • AEM oil pressure sensor.  0-10 BAR; 0-5V analog output to Racelogic Mini Input Module
  • Flow Technologies Turbine Oil Flow Sensor.  Oil temperature and oil viscosity corrected.  Calibrated for Castrol TWS 10W60 oil.  0-15 Gallons Per Minute (GPM); 0-10V analog output to Racelogic Mini Input Module.

Data signals collected and stored

  • Timestamp (GMT)
  • Vehicle Latitude
  • Vehicle Longitude
  • Vehicle Elevation (terrain height)
  • Vehicle Velocity
  • Wheel Speed Sensors (LF, RF, LR, RR)
  • BMW internal speedometer
  • Odometer
  • Brake pedal pressure
  • Steering angle
  • Fuel gauge
  • Vehicle voltage
  • Engine RPM
  • Throttle position (% open)
  • Ambient pressure
  • Ambient temperature
  • Water temperature
  • Oil temperature
  • Oil Flow (0-15 GPM)
  • Oil Pressure (0-150 PSI)

Driving Styles

Everyday driving and hard cornering

Vehicle was driven as a daily driver.  27 miles to work in rush hour traffic each day.  Hard corning when possible.  Grocery getting and fast food runs when possible.

Attempt to hit max RPM whenever possible. This helps data log oil flow.

  • Attempted to hit max RPM in 2nd gear each morning while getting on the freeway. This was my best and most consistent opportunity.
  • Also hit max RPM whenever the opportunity presented itself. Starbucks runs on weekends were a good opportunity for a consistent high RPM runs on open road.

Track day driving

I would have liked to include at least one track day with each set of rod bearings, but that wasn’t possible.  At the track day event with the factory 702/703 bearings, the car immediately went into limp mode on the first parade lap.  We never were able to fix the issue on that day.  It was eventually tracked down to bad seals on the throttle bodies and/or possible loose ground strap (both issues were present).  Therefore, the track day never happened for the original 702/703 bearings.

Test Definitions

Temperature, RPM, and Cold/Warm Start Ranges

For any given temperature range, a set of RPM ranges is defined for analysis. Any samples found within that temperature range, and RPM range are averaged. For mid RPM, tens of thousands, sometimes over one-hundred thousand samples will be averaged in a given temperature and RPM range. This method is intended to smooth out the results and limit the effect of outlying data.

Temperature Graph Ranges

Individual Graphs
Start Temp End Temp
-100 -0.00001
0 19.99999
20 39.99999
40 59.99999
60 79.99999
80 89.99999
90 91.99999
92 93.99999
94 95.99999
96 97.99999
98 99.99999
100 102
102 104
104 106
106 108
108 110
110 112
112 114
114 116
116 118
118 120

Average Graphs
Start Temp End Temp
98 119

RPM Ranges

Start RPM End RPM
500 1499
1500 1999
2000 2249
2250 2499
2500 2749
2750 2999
3000 3249
3250 3499
3500 3749
3750 3999
4000 4249
4250 4499
4500 4749
4750 4999
5000 5249
5250 5499
5500 5749
5750 5999
6000 6249
6250 6499
6500 6749
6750 6999
7000 7249
7250 7499
7500 7599
7600 7699
7700 7799
7800 7899
7900 7999
8000 8099
8100 8199
8200 8299
8300 8399
8400 8499

Cold Start Temperature Ranges

Start Temp End Temp
-100 -0.00001
0 9.99999
10 19.99999
20 29.99999
30 39.99999

Warm Start Temperature Ranges

Start Temp End Temp
40 59.99999
60 79.99999
80 89.99999
90 95.99999
96 120

Cold/Warm Start Analysis

Once you start your car, have you ever wondered how long it takes for oil pressure to build and oil flow to start? This is the section that shows what it looks like.

Charts and graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later. The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.

During testing of BMW factory 702/703 bearings, we discovered best results were obtained by pushing the start button, and letting the car idle for 30-seconds. Too many times during 702/703 bearing testing, we were in a hurry where we just started the car and drove off. This tended to skew the data collected.

While testing BE Bearings, an adjustment was made to let the car idle for 30-seconds after start. The net effect is that 702/703 data collection methods are slightly different. However, the 702/703 data will look better than it actually is. If the BE Bearing data shows better than factory, then it's a true results and not influenced by a "start-and-go" driving style we used on the 702/703 bearings.

Cold Start Analysis

  • Cold Start: Oil Temperature < 40 deg (C)

Each cold start was data logged.  Data logger was powered up and obtained GPS signal.  Once the GPS signal was locked, the data logging was started.  After data logging started, the vehicle was started. This allowed the entire starting sequence, low RPMs with the starter, oil pressure, and oil flow to be tracked during the cold start procedure.

Warm Start Analysis

  • Warm Start: Oil Temperature > 40 deg (C)

Exact same procedure as cold starts, and for the same purpose.  Data logger was powered up and obtained GPS signal.  Once the GPS signal was locked, the data logging was started.  After data logging started, the vehicle was started.

Oil Pressure Analysis

Oil Pressure in the S65

The factory oil pump is a variable displacement vane (variable pressure) oil pump. 

Metric (BAR) SAE (PSI)
Minimum oil pressure at idle 1.0 14.50
Minimum oil pressure while running 4.0 – 6.0 58.0 – 87.0

Oil pressure in the S65 varies with temperature. This is expected because as the oil is colder, it is more viscous. As the oil heats up, it becomes less viscous and reduces the pressure.

If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then data logs and graphs will show which RPM level achieves that minimum requirement. Again, that answer will depend on oil temperature – as colder oil is more viscous and produces more pressure.

Oil Pressure Tests

The following tests are presented in the Oil Pressure Analysis section:

  1. Average Oil Pressure: All data collected between at the Temperature Ranges listed above. The data within each RPM range is averaged. This is the best demonstration of long-term oil pressure behavior in the S65.
    1. Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
    2. A chart is presented to show minimum RPM where min oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI) is acheived.
  2. Minimum Oil Pressure: This is interesting to see, but not terribly useful to draw meaningful conclusions. These are single samples, absolute minimums, of oil pressure over temperature and RPM. The one possible use might be to see how BE Bearings affect the absolute minimum oil pressure.
    1. Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.
  3. Maximum Oil Pressure: This is the converse of minimum oil pressure. Again, not terribly useful, but interesting to see. The one possible use might be to see if BE Bearings have lower absolute maximum oil pressure measurements over factory bearings.
    1. A single graph is presented from 5% throttle input.

Oil Flow Analysis

About Oil Flow

Why do we measure oil flow?  There are a few important reasons we measure oil flow. 

  1. Oil flow across the bearing surface is what keeps the bearings cool and reduces wear. When we change bearings from factory to BE Bearings with increased clearance, there may be a slight drop in oil pressure due to the larger bearing clearance.  But oil pressure doesn’t tell the whole story.  A modest decrease in oil pressure is not harmful; but we are hoping to see an increase in oil flow with BE Bearings.  Establishing this baseline is important to BE Bearing analysis to see if the new bearings increase oil flow as hoped.
  2. Expanding on (1) above, measuring oil flow is a good way to gauge the difference caused by BE Bearings.  By testing on the same engine, with the same oil, with same driver, who drives under the same driving conditions, and who drives in the in the same style, oil pressure and oil flow (specifically oil flow) will be the primary measurement change between factory and BE Bearings.
  3. As the engine heats up, the oil becomes less viscous.  Increased oil flow is expected as the engine heats up.  Since this data is totally unknown outside of BMW, we measure it and provide it for the community to share.

Measuring Oil Flow

Oil flow is measured with a Flow Technologies turbine flow meter between the engine oil filter outlet and oil cooler.  This is the only place outside of the engine that the sensor could be placed.  Oil flow to the cooler is thermostatically controlled.  When the engine is cold, or just doesn’t feel like it, no oil is sent through the oil cooler – and thus not measured by the oil flow meter.  Our programs used to measure and graph oil flow take this into account and ignore times when the thermostat is closed and not sending oil to the oil cooler.

Oil flow in the S65 varies with temperature and RPM.  Oil As you would expect, the higher the engine RPM, more oil flow will result.  But a little less obvious, oil flow increases as the engine heats up.  This is because the oil becomes less viscous with increased heat.

Oil Flow Tests

The following tests are presented in the Oil Pressure Analysis section:

  1. Average Oil Flow: All data collected between at the Temperature Ranges listed above. The data within each RPM range is averaged. This is the best demonstration of long-term oil flow behavior in the S65.
    1. Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.

Summary Oil Pressure, Oil Flow Analysis

So what is the best way to roll up all of the data, and view it as a single graph? To me, this was best achieved by limiting the operating temperatures to 98-120 degrees-C. We can see how the S65 oil pressure and oil flow change with oil temperature and RPM. The oil flow graphs will show that oil flow stays relatively constant below 98c. At 98c, the oil pump has the most demands on it, and the oil thermostat is fully open. Even at 94-96c, I could see the oil thermostat closing for brief moments. This made 98-120c the best choice for rolling up all of the data. This will be the best apples-apples comparison between BMW factory bearings and bigger clearance BE Bearings. If average oil pressure changes, we'll see it in this graph. If average oil flow changes, we'll see it in this graph.

Summary Oil Pressure, Oil Flow Tests

The following tests are presented in the summary oil pressure/oil flow analysis section:

  1. Avg Oil Pressure, Oil Flow: All data collected between 98-119c. The data within each RPM range is averaged. This is the best demonstration showing the long term oil pressure and oil flow characteristics of the S65.
    1. Graphs are presented with 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle input.

Download Files and Data Descriptions

Download file name conventions

Select samples of database samples are made available for public download. The files names have the following format:

OilData_BID_NNPCT_YYYY-MM.csv where:

  • BID = Bearing ID: 702, BEB
  • NN = Percent throttle activation: 05, 30, 50
  • YYYY-MM = Year, Month. This sample includes data up to this date, but not beyond.

Download file description

All download files files are in CSV (comma-separated values) format. The first line of the file is the header, and has the following meaning. The header is composed of two sections: input parameters, output parameters. The input parameters are the values used as input to the SQL search engine. All other values are the results of the SQL search operation.

Input Name Description
FileID Not Used
Timestamp Not Used
nSamples Number of samples collected for this data item
oTempMin Minimum oil temperature (search database for samples between [oTempMin, oTempMax])
oTempMax Maximum oil temperature
rpmMin Minimum RPM (search database for samples between [rpmMin, rpmMax])
rpmMax Maximum RPM

Output Name Description
ambTempC Ambient Temperature (deg-C)
aoTempMin Actual oil temperature observed, deg-C: Minimum during this sample period
aoTempMax Actual oil temperature observed, deg-C: Maximum during this sample period
wTempMin Actual water temperature observed, deg-C: Minimum during this sample period
wTempMax Actual water temperature observed, deg-C: Maximum during this sample period
oPressMin Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Minimum during this sample period
oPressMax Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Maximum during this sample period
oPressAvg Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Average during this sample period
oPressMed Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Statistical Median during this sample period
oPressMode Oil Pressure observed, PSI: Statistical Mode during this sample period
oFlowMin Oil Flow observed, GPM: Minimum during this sample period
oFlowMax Oil Flow observed, GPM: Maximum during this sample period
oFlowAvg Oil Flow observed, GPM: Average during this sample period
oFlowMed Oil Flow observed, GPM: Statistical Median during this sample period
oFlowMode Oil Flow observed, GPM: Statistical Mode during this sample period

Testing Results: BMW Factory 702/703 Bearings

Overview

Distance Traveled Metric (KM) SAE (Miles)
Starting Odometer 50007 31073
Ending Odometer 60548 37623
Total 10541 6550

Statistics
Number of files analyzed 360
Number of cold starts 91
Number of warm starts 7
Distance Traveled 6550 Miles (10541 KM)
Data Log Entries (#) 5115132
Individual data items collected 138108564

Download Files

Cold/Warm Start Analysis

Cold/Warm Start Data

The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.

Temperature 70% pressure (seconds) 90% pressure (seconds)
-100-0c N/A N/A
0-10c 2.0 2.6
10-20c 1.9 3.4
20-30c 1.7 2.0
30-40c 1.6 1.7
40-60c 1.1 1.2
60-80c N/A N/A
80-90c 0.9 0.9
90-96c N/A N/A
96-119c N/A N/A

Cold Start Graphs

Cold Start, 0-10c, BMW 702 Bearings

Cold Start, 10-20c, BMW 702 Bearings

Cold Start, 20-30c, BMW 702 Bearings

Cold Start, 30-40c, BMW 702 Bearings

Warm Start Graphs

Warm Start, 40-60c, BMW 702 Bearings

Warm Start, 80-90c, BMW 702 Bearings

Oil Pressure Analysis

Average Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

These graphs show the oil pressure average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

RPM of minimum oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI)

If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved. Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is. As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.

The following chart shows average oil pressure vs. RPM. It shows what RPM achieves minimum recommended 4-BAR (58-PSI) oil pressure.

Average Oil Pressure @ RPM per Oil Temperature 5% Throttle 30% Throttle 50% Throttle
0-20c 500 500 500
20-40c 500 500 500
40-60c 500 500 500
60-80c 500 1500 500
80-90c 1500 1500 1500
90-91c 1500 1500 1500
92-93c 1500 1500 1500
94-95c 1500 1500 1500
96-97c 1500 1500 1500
98-99c 1500 1500 1500
100-101c 1500 1500 2000
102-103c 1500 2000 2000
104-105c 2000 2000 2000
106-107c 2000 2000 2000
108-109c 2250 2250 2500
110-111c 2500 2250 2250

Absolute Minimum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples. But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?

These are the same set of graphs as above, but show the absolute minimums. The absolute minimums are the minimum oil pressures collected across all temperature ranges. They are graphed here to show just how low the pressure can go. Some of this may have been observed during hard cornering (more on that later). So it's hard to draw any hard conclusions based on these graphs. They are offered for informational purposes only to let the reader draw their own conclusions.

Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Absolute Maximum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums. There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.

Maximum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle

Oil Flow Analysis

How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM

These graphs show the oil flow average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Average Oil Pressure and Oil Flow

These graphs show the average oil pressure and average oil flow average of all samples between 98-119c, and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Average Oil PSI, Oil GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Testing Results: BE Bearings SP1527HK

Current Snapshot: 2017-02-28

Previous Snapshots:

Overview

Distance Traveled Metric (KM) SAE (Miles)
Starting Odometer 60557 37628
Ending Odometer 68417 42512
Total 7860 4884

Statistics
Number of files analyzed 381
Number of cold starts 123
Number of warm starts 27
Distance Traveled 4884 Miles (7860 KM)
Data Log Entries (#) 4783033
Individual data items collected 129141891

Download Files

Cold/Warm Start Analysis

Cold/Warm Start Data

The following chart amd graphs will show what it looks like from the time you press the "START" button to 30-seconds later.  The chart shows how long from “START” until 70% and 90% oil pressure is attained.

BE Bearings

Temperature 70% pressure (seconds) 90% pressure (seconds)
-100-0c N/A N/A
0-10c 1.6 1.9
10-20c 1.7 1.9
20-30c 1.4 1.6
30-40c 1.0 1.2
40-60c 0.8 0.9
60-80c 0.8 0.9
80-90c N/A N/A
90-96c N/A N/A
96-119c N/A N/A


BMW Factory 702/703 Bearings

Temperature 70% pressure (seconds) 90% pressure (seconds)
-100-0c N/A N/A
0-10c 2.0 2.6
10-20c 1.9 3.4
20-30c 1.7 2.0
30-40c 1.6 1.7
40-60c 1.1 1.2
60-80c N/A N/A
80-90c 0.9 0.9
90-96c N/A N/A
96-119c N/A N/A


Summary: According to this chart, the BE Bearings take less time to reach 70% and 90% oil pressure compared to their BMW OEM counterparts. Not only is it less time to reach full oil pressure, it seems significantly less time to reach full oil pressure. This is a bit of a shock to me and something I never expected to see.

Trend 2017-02

  • Two more temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline. No temperature ranges got worse.

Trend 2017-01

  • Three temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline, one temperature range gave back 0.1 second over previous baseline.

Trend 2016-12

  • Four of six temperature ranges showed improvement over previous baseline.

Cold Start Graphs

Cold Start, 0-10c, BE Bearings

Cold Start, 10-20c, BE Bearings

Cold Start, 20-30c, BE Bearings

Cold Start, 30-40c, BE Bearings

Summary These graphs show both BE Bearing and BMW Factory bearings (as lighter colors). It's very clear from these graphs, that the oil pressure comes up faster with BE Bearings than BMW Factory bearings. Having oil pressure come up faster and lubricating the bearings is a huge benefit to reduce bearing wear and increase bearing longevity. This was an unexpected surprise that we didn't anticipate. The graphs also show no decrease in oil pressure over factory bearings. This should allay fears that increased clearance would decrease oil pressure, especially during this critical "Cold Start" time period.

Oil flow does seem to modestly increase as well. This was an anticipated outcome, but it's good to see it on the graphs.

Warm Start Graphs

Warm Start, 40-60c, BE Bearings

Warm Start, 60-80c, BE Bearings

Summary The trend with continues from our Cold Start graphs to our Warm Start graphs. Oil pressure comes up faster with BE Bearings than BMW factory bearings. Oil flow shows modest increases as well, but we'd say this is fairly inconclusive -- especially above 80c. Those graphs contained too much throttle input, and we think that contaminates the results. Now that we know this, we will see if we can filter out the results containing too much throttle, and moving forward will capture results without any throttle until 30-seconds has passed since starting the engine.

Oil Pressure Analysis

Average Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

These graphs show the oil pressure average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

RPM of minimum oil pressure (4-BAR, 58-PSI)

If minimum oil operating oils pressure is 4-BAR (58 PSI), then it’s interesting to see on this graph at what RPM that goal is achieved. Again, that answer depends on oil temperature – as oil is more viscous and produces more pressure the colder it is. As these graphs show, the minimum operating oil pressure at minimum RPM appears to be right around 2500; that’s where we get minimum 4-bar pressure regardless of oil temperature.

The following chart shows average oil pressure vs. RPM. It shows what RPM achieves minimum recommended 4-BAR (58-PSI) oil pressure. This chart highlights areas that have increased performance, decreased performance, or stayed the same. Areas marked in GREEN show an increase in performance. Areas marked in RED show a decrease in performance. Everything else is unchanged.

Average Oil Pressure @ RPM per Oil Temperature 5% Throttle 30% Throttle 50% Throttle
0-20c 500 500 500
20-40c 500 500 500
40-60c 500 500 500
60-80c 500 500 500
80-90c 1500 1500 1500
90-91c 1500 1500 1500
92-93c 1500 1500 1500
94-95c 1500 1500 1500
96-97c 1500 1500 1500
98-99c 1500 1500 1500
100-101c 1500 1500 2000
102-103c 2000 1500 2000
104-105c 2000 2000 2000
106-107c 2000 2000 2000
108-109c 2000 2000 2250
110-111c 2000 2000 2500

Summary: There was one area of decreased performance, but multiple areas of increased performance. The increased performance is starting to make more sense after seeing how cold and warm starts come up to pressure quicker with BE Bearings than factory BMW bearings. The same phenomenon may be at play here, or may be something difference.

Trend 2017-02:

  • 5% Throttle: no change
  • 30% Throttle: no change
  • 50% Throttle: No change, except there's now data for 110-110c

Trend 2017-01:

  • 5% Throttle: no change
  • 30% Throttle: no change
  • 50% Throttle: returned to normal at 96-97c, 100-101c

Trend 2016-12:

  • 5% Throttle: no change
  • 30% Throttle: improved at 102-103c
  • 50% Throttle: improved at 96-97c

Absolute Minimum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

So far, the data being shown are averages across millions of samples. But what about absolute minimum and absolute maximums?

These are the same set of graphs as above, but show the absolute minimums. The absolute minimums are the minimum oil pressures collected across all temperature ranges. They are graphed here to show just how low the pressure can go. Some of this may have been observed during hard cornering (more on that later). So it's hard to draw any hard conclusions based on these graphs. They are offered for informational purposes only to let the reader draw their own conclusions.

Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Minimum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Absolute Maximum Oil Pressure at various temperatures vs. RPM

Conversely, the final graph in this set shows the absolute maximums. There's no need to show maximum graphs for different throttle levels because the maximums are absolute and every graph would be the same.

Maximum Oil Pressure (PSI) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle

Oil Flow Analysis

How oil flow changes with different oil temperatures and RPM

These graphs show the oil flow average of all available samples at various temperatures and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Summary Overall, oil flow increased with BE Bearings over factory BMW 702/703 bearings. For upper oil operating temperatures, the oil flow seems to have increased substantially. At lower oil operating temperatures, the results are inconclusive -- just by looking at the graphs.

Our hopes with BE Bearings were to allow a modest drop in oil pressure, so long as it was accompanied by an increase in oil flow. These graphs don't tell us much about pressure yet, but they do show rather significant increases in oil flow.

Trend 2017-02

  • 5% Throttle: Oil flow at many temperatures improved. Both low temperature ranges and higher temperature ranges showed some improvement over the last snapshot.
  • 30% Throttle: Oil flow at two lower RPM bands increased, and also increased at 89-90c. Oil flow @ 20-40c was slightly lower on mid-RPM ranges (0.25 GPM lower). All others appear to be about the same.
  • 50% Throttle: Oil flow at all higher temperature ranges seemed to improve. In fact, oil flow at almost all temperature ranges seemed to improve. The only exception was the same one noted in the 30% sample: 20-40c was about 0.025 GPM lower.

Trend 2017-01

  • 5% Throttle: Oil flow at all temperature ranges below 100c stayed about the same. Oil flow above 100c continues to get higher and higher, especially in the mid-RPM ranges; not so much, if any at high-RPM ranges though.
  • 30% Throttle: Oil flow at all temperature ranges below 102c stayed about the same. Oil flow above 102c continues to get higher and higher, similar to 5% throttle observations.
  • 50% Throttle: Same as 30% Throttle. Oil flow at mid-RPM to upper-RPM ranges for 100c and above shows nice gains.

Trend 2016-12

  • 5% Throttle: As more data samples become available over time, the data starts to converge. Oil flow increased 0.25 - 0.50 GPM almost across the board in all temperature ranges and RPM bands.
  • 30% Throttle: Same observations as 5% throttle.
  • 50% Throttle: Same observations as 5% throttle.

Average Oil Pressure and Oil Flow

These graphs show the average oil pressure and average oil flow average of all samples between 98-119c, and throttle ranges over RPM. The graphs do change slightly between 5%, 30%, and 50% throttle. The primary graph, 50% throttle is shown here. Click the thumbnails of the other graphs to enlarge each one.

Average Oil PSI, Oil GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 5% Throttle
 Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 50% Throttle
Oil Flow (GPM) @ Oil Temperature (C) vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle
Oil PSI,GPM vs. RPM with > 30% Throttle

Summary Primarily, we want to know if BE Bearings cause an average decrease in oil pressure, and if so: how much? We also want to know if the BE Bearings increase average oil flow, and if so: how much?

This is the graph answers both of those questions in a rather obvious way.

  • Oil Pressure: Oil pressure does seem to decrease slightly with BE Bearings. This is most likely due to the extra clearance. But the amount of decrease is between 2-3 PSI, over a 70+ PSI average. Assuming the 73 PSI average, a 3 PSI pressure drop is equal to 4% of the total. Whether it was the 5%, 30%, or 50% throttle input, the results were all the same: a 2-3 PSI drop over a 73 PSI average. This is proof positive that the S65 variable displacement oil pump is doing its job.
  • Oil Flow: The most significant change between factory and BE Bearings is the oil flow. We were hoping for a modest increase in oil flow to offset a modest decrease in oil pressure. But the resulting oil flow is nearly double with BE Bearings over the BMW 702/703 bearing counterparts. Having double oil flow over the bearing surface increases the wedge strength and keeps the bearings cooler. The results with BE Bearings seems to be a huge win, much bigger than any of us expected.

Trend 2017-02

  • 5% Throttle: Oil pressure stayed about the same as the last sample. However, oil flow from 400-7600 RPM increased about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM. This is another net increase of oil flow across the entire RPM range. This is VERY STRONG showing.
  • 30% Throttle: Just like the 5% throttle, oil pressure stayed about the same as the last sample. Also like the 5% sample, oil flow from 400-7600 RPM increased about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM. This is another net increase of oil flow across the entire RPM range. This is another VERY STRONG showing.
  • 50% Throttle: Results at 50% throttle match results at 30% throttle. Oil pressure stayed about the same, but oil flow from 400-7600 gained about another 0.25 - 0.50 GPM.

Trend 2017-01

  • 5% Throttle: Oil pressure showed about a 1-PSI drop in high mid-to-upper RPM ranges. However, oil flow made very strong gains in the same area and all the way to high RPMs. Oil flow increased approximately 1-GPM over the last sample period. This is a VERY STRONG showing.
  • 30% Throttle: Like 5% throttle, oil pressure showed about a 0.5 to 1-PSI drop in mid-RPM ranges. Oil flow also made very strong gains in the same area and all the way to high RPMs. Oil flow increased approximately 0.75-GPM over the last sample period. This is another VERY STRONG showing.
  • 50% Throttle: Same results as 5% and 50% throttle, with oil flow increasing about 0.5 - 0.75 GPM instead of 0.75 - 1.0 GPM.

Trend 2016-12

  • 5% Throttle: As more data samples become available over time, the data starts to converge. Oil pressure began to converge to BMW 702 pressure levels. What was a 2-3 PSI drop with BE Bearings, has gone down so about a 2.5 PSI drop. Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 5000. The wild variations seen in previous data start to disappear as more data samples are available.
  • 30% Throttle: Oil pressure got smoother, but otherwise didn't change enough to mention. Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 4000.
  • 50% Throttle: Oil pressure got smoother, but otherwise didn't change enough to mention. Oil flow showed a reasonable increase in all RPM bands above 3600.
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