Hi I am currently installing a thermostatically controlled external oil cooler on a R56. I have been searching the internet and I have not found which oil passage is supply and return for the stock oil cooler. It doesn't matter without a thermostat, but with one it does. I will post the answer when I find out the old fashioned way.

 

Did you purchase the plate that replaces the factory oil cooler? That should supply some instructions or at least on their website. I just bought one used so I'm in the boat as you. Where are you putting the cooler and I assume the thermostat is for an electric fan?

 

Cooler is going behind and above the bumper. It is a HEL kit. The thermostat is for the oil. The oil does not flow thru the cooler until it has reached operating temp. If you are not using a thermostat, the direction of flow doesn't matter unless it is labeled on the cooler. The sneed for speed cooler just looked so cheap.

 

https://www.mishimoto.com/engineerin...-and-overview/
More info on oil cooler thermostats.

 

Thanks for the pics and info. I'm thinking I may add some hood vents and when the remote oil fitting came along I may now hang it under one of the vents. Small derale unit with a fan and thermostat to turn it on at 180 and off at 165.

 

Verified that oil is pumped out from the bottom port on the oil filter housing. I mounted the thermostat on the MFE to the right of the expansion tank