Which cars have oil coolers?
Oil coolers are commonly found on turbocharged, high-performance, and many diesel engines; exact inclusion depends on the engine family and model. If you’re shopping or maintaining a vehicle, check the official specs for your exact model to confirm whether an engine oil cooler is fitted.
What oil coolers are and why they matter
Engine oil lubricates moving parts and helps manage heat inside the engine. When oil overheats, its viscosity drops and lubrication can degrade, increasing wear risk. An oil cooler transfers heat from the engine oil to another medium—such as coolant or ambient air—helping maintain oil temperature within an optimal range. This is especially important for engines operating under high load, in hot climates, or during spirited driving.
How they work
Oil coolers come in several designs, including coolant-to-oil coolers, air-to-oil coolers, and integrated cooling loops tied to the turbocharger or main cooling system. The arrangement depends on the engine’s layout, cooling needs, and performance targets. In many modern cars, the cooler is a separate radiator or a plate/fin heat exchanger with dedicated oil lines.
Which cars typically have oil coolers
Oil coolers are most common in turbocharged, performance-oriented, and diesel engines. The list below offers representative examples of models and brands where engine oil cooling is commonly fitted or highly likely.
- Porsche 911 and 718 (turbocharged and high-performance variants)
- Nissan GT-R
- Chevrolet Corvette (C7 and C8 generations)
- BMW M3/M4 and other M performance models with turbocharged engines
- Mercedes-AMG C63, E63, GT family (turbocharged variants)
- Audi RS models (RS4, RS5, RS6, RS7, etc.)
- Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini and other modern high-performance/supercar platforms
- Diesel-powered trucks and SUVs (e.g., common in heavy-duty pickups and large SUVs with diesel engines)
Note: not every model in these lines always uses a separate engine oil cooler. Some engines rely on integrated or turbo-related cooling arrangements, and placement can vary by year and trim. Always verify the exact equipment for your vehicle.
Representative models and brands known to use engine oil coolers
These examples illustrate typical practice among major brands for engines in performance or high-load variants. Availability can vary by year and trim; consult the official spec sheet for the exact model you’re considering.
- Porsche 911 and 718 (turbocharged variants)
- Chevrolet Corvette (C7/C8)
- Nissan GT-R
- BMW M3/M4 and other M models with turbo engines
- Mercedes-AMG C63/E63/GT family
- Audi RS6/RS7/RS5
- Ferrari 488/812 Superfast and similar modern supercars
- McLaren 720S and other track-focused supercars
Manufacturers sometimes update cooling configurations across model years, and some vehicles may rely on integrated cooling within the turbo system or a combined oil-cooling strategy. Always confirm with current manufacturer specifications.
How to verify if your car has an oil cooler
If you want to know whether a specific car has an engine oil cooler, use the steps below before making a purchase or performing maintenance.
- Check the owner’s manual or the official specifications sheet for “engine oil cooler” or “oil cooler.”
- Inspect the engine bay for an auxiliary cooler or separate oil lines leading to a small radiator mounted near the front of the car or along the underside of the engine bay.
- Look for coolant-to-oil or air-to-oil cooler components in service literature or repair guides; some engines share cooler hardware with turbocharging systems.
- Ask the dealer or manufacturer’s technical support for a definitive yes/no on the exact model-year trim you’re considering.
- If you can, review teardown photos, technical service bulletins, or independent spec databases that document cooling system configurations.
Understanding whether an oil cooler is present can be important for owners who drive aggressively, tow heavy loads, or operate in hot environments, as it can extend engine life and maintain lubrication performance under high stress.
Summary
Engine oil coolers are a common feature on turbocharged, high-performance, and many diesel engines, helping maintain oil temperature under heavy use. Not every model includes one, and designs vary from separate radiators to integrated cooling within the turbo or main cooling system. When evaluating a car—whether for purchase, ownership, or performance planning—check the official specs or consult the dealer to confirm the presence and specifics of an engine oil cooler for your exact model and year.
