Many vehicles see bearing failures at sustained 300+ temperatures. The oil thins out so much that it can no longer provide adequate film protection to vulnerable parts like bearings. A few weeks ago I was at a hot track event with a C5 Corvette that was continually pushing 300+, and sure enough a few sessions in he had bottom end engine failure.

Porsche gets around 400. They don't overheat. Then, I guess it's an I6. Same with BMW in 2003 with their 333bhp I6. No overheating there that I was aware of. BMW recognized that the i135 overheats when tracked and so they installed an oil-cooler. Nissan should do the same.

And...is this 335 stock? I am betting there might be a Dinan or other tune there, too. I mean, who tracks a STOCK 335i :stirthepot:

I know this has been beaten to death, but...

For those concerned about damage to their engines at the oil temps we routinely see in the 370Z (220-260), I submit a pic of the oil temp gauge in a Ferrari California. Note that it doesn't become a "red line" temp until 300 degrees.

I think the 370's limp mode activation at 280 is in response to how fast it heats up -- to get out in front of an engine damaging situation before it hits 300 and stays there for any amount of time.

In other words, the problem is not how hot the oil gets in normal driving, but rather how quickly it gets there and potentially beyond in track or aggressive driving. Thus, it should be easily managed in all but track situations.

Mine rarely climbs above 240 and has never been above 260 to my knowledge. That's in Houston heat and driving hard.

The SM oil certification requires a successful test of the oil brand at a 300 deg oil temperature sustained for a continuous 24 hour period under load. The bearings are then checked for wear. If there is no wear or wear is minimal, then the oil gets certified SM.