Oil Temperature Increase - Need I worry?

[Brompty]

Can someone advise me on this issue, please?

I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S, 95K and counting. I made some recent updates to the car: changed the transmission fluid for Redline fluid, K&N air filter, and recently a replacement Nissens intercooler. A garage has done an oil and filter change recently.

What's happening that's new is the oil temperature goes up beyond the half-way mark when I drive a little 'harder'. Previously it stuck resolutely at half way, but now goes beyond this. It does come back down to half-way if I decrease speed.

The only thing I can think of is that the intercooler is not cooling enough when the engine is stressed. But does this sound likely? It was not a cheap replacement, but it was a lot cheaper than a real BMW one. Is this anything to worry about?

[0llie]

Do you have a stand-alone oil temperature gauge, or are you looking at the water temperature gauge housed inside the speedo (non-navigation equipped cars)?

[Brompty]

Proper oil temperature gauge. With a seperate coolant temp gauge - which stays at 90

[MJK 24]

Different grade of oil at last oil change?

[CarsOrBikes]

You may be driving it a bit harder, but you also might have a poor intercooler. The intercooler doesn't directly affect the oil temp, but if the intake charge is hotter, then it will affect performance, which will raise the oil temp. Also the oil as above, might not be 0/30 LL04 which is what it should have really. It is ok if the gauge goes to around 3/4 if pushing really quite hard, or over 100 for like 20 miles etc, but if not doing that get it checked. There are many engine threads, so get an engine health check if in doubt, and an oil pressure check, make sure the cooling system and fan etc is all sound, if you have changed the pulley is it mapped? Is the air cleaner reassembled correctly after the filter swap? Is the exhaust front cat blocked partially? This can be checked with a borescope when removed from the car.

Only my2p