Oil coolers - DO-88 vs Mishimoto

[Maxhouse97]

After doing the research, it seems the main difference between these two is that the Mishimoto includes new stainless steel braided lines. My question is how needed is it to change out the factory oil lines? I would prefer not to have to change them out because installation would be easier, but if they’re going to go bad anyways, then maybe I lean towards the Mishimoto. Cars is a 2004 with 144,000 miles.

[Altaran]

After doing the research, it seems the main difference between these two is that the Mishimoto includes new stainless steel braided lines. My question is how needed is it to change out the factory oil lines? I would prefer not to have to change them out because installation would be easier, but if they're going to go bad anyways, then maybe I lean towards the Mishimoto. Cars is a 2004 with 144,000 miles.

Main difference is that the Mishimoto unit will not work with factory oil lines due to connectors on both sides, hence they include their own.
I've not seen a factory oil line fail, but as our cars get older it increases the chance. It's definitely the right time to change the lines when having the cooler out anyways.
I've been using the do88 for 2 years. It works great, definitely lower oil temps on track.

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[Maxhouse97]

Yeah that’s why I’m leaning toward the Mishimoto because it includes the -10AN braided lines. However, I’ve seen some mentions of fitment headaches with those lines. For those who have installed the Mishimoto kit: how difficult was it to route the braided lines within the factory confines? I’m particularly worried about them rubbing against the power steering pulley or the frame rails over time.

Did you find the included line stays were enough to keep things safe, or did you have to get creative with zip ties/shrouding? Would love to hear if the extra effort of the Mishimoto lines is worth it over just slapping a DO88 on the stock hardlines.

[Maxhouse97]

Also, new stock oil lines are $300, another reason to go for the Mishimoto.

[Bebop]

Yeah that’s why I’m leaning toward the Mishimoto because it includes the -10AN braided lines. However, I’ve seen some mentions of fitment headaches with those lines. For those who have installed the Mishimoto kit: how difficult was it to route the braided lines within the factory confines? I’m particularly worried about them rubbing against the power steering pulley or the frame rails over time.

Did you find the included line stays were enough to keep things safe, or did you have to get creative with zip ties/shrouding? Would love to hear if the extra effort of the Mishimoto lines is worth it over just slapping a DO88 on the stock hardlines.

IMO, the Mishi lines suck.
The fitting angles and the length of the lines isn't ideal at all.

I wrapped them and the factory power steering lines with an old hose split in half to prevent them from rubbing.

I'm going to refresh my PS system and will deal with those when I tear back into my front end, but I wasn't impressed.

The radiator on the other hand seems perfectly fine to me and due to the bigger AN10 fittings with have less pressure drop and more flow than the factory ones.

[bigjae46]

Mishimoto is rebadged eBay racing stuff. I'd never put anything Mishimoto on my car. I'd just buy it from eBay for half the price.

[Portlandgrey]

My oe lines were about to let go at the crimp area.
The BMW lines were on extended back order last year, so I ended up making up my own an10 lines to a new cooler.

[Portlandgrey]

New lines

[Maxhouse97]

OK so consensus is DO and buy new OEM lines or make your own, got it.

[tnord]

I'm curious, why is CSF not part of the consideration?

[M3LSB.Gab]

I'm curious, why is CSF not part of the consideration?

a lot of issues with CSF on E46 M3. You actually loose performance with their parts also.

[tnord]

Issues that don't also exist with mishimoto? I'm not well versed in each of these parts, but that surprises me.

[bigjae46]

Issues that don't also exist with mishimoto? I'm not well versed in each of these parts, but that surprises me.

Right. CSF does have issues with the radiator but haven't heard of the oil cooler being an issue.

For a street driven car the stock oil cooler works very well.

[Maxhouse97]

My car is 80/20 street/track, post off the reason I’m considering an upgrade is because of elevated temps on track.

[EthanolTurbo]

My car is 80/20 street/track, post off the reason I’m considering an upgrade is because of elevated temps on track.

Probably better off cleaning or replacing the stock oil cooler. The DO88 stuff is really good though!