DO88 Radiator Installation Question

rantarM3 · 12-29-2020, 08:33 AM

Today I have been trying to get the DO88 radiator in place but it just won't sit all the way back, so as to be able to get the screws in. When I put the radiator in place, being a little wider than stock (~1/8" at the mounting tabs), it pushes the radiator mounting brackets outwards and lets the condenser fall a bit. I have to reach in and get the condenser back in place but the radiator itself will not reach the screw mounting hole on the passenger's side, in particular. Has anyone had this problem? Or are there some nuances in getting the radiator seated properly?

Prior Post:

I am in process of refreshing my M3's cooling system and decided to go with a DO88 radiator. The installation instructions call for removal of the front bumper, but TIS (for replacement of the radiator) does not. I also cannot see why it would be necessary to remove the bumper since the radiator comes out through the engine bay. Can anyone who's installed one of these radiators confirm whether bumper removal is at all necessary?

Thanks in advance!

turbo_joe · 12-29-2020, 08:39 AM

You can swap the rad with the bumper on the car. Its not a bad install at all

amrazM · 12-29-2020, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rantarM3

I am in process of refreshing my M3's cooling system and decided to go with a DO88 radiator. The installation instructions call for removal of the front bumper, but TIS (for replacement of the radiator) does not. I also cannot see why it would be necessary to remove the bumper since the radiator comes out through the engine bay. Can anyone who's installed one of these radiators confirm whether bumper removal is at all necessary?

Thanks in advance!

I believe do88 document discusses the installation of the dkg/engine oil/ps cooler all at once thats why it mentions bumper removal

rantarM3 · 12-29-2020, 01:35 PM

Thanks, guys. Much appreciated!

rantarM3 · 01-13-2021, 12:00 PM

Bump for new question.

M43S7RO · 01-13-2021, 08:41 PM

I recall there being some ridges you have to file down for it not to be as tight a fit on the driver side of the radiator support ( step 16 of instructions). Assuming you did this, I had no other issues.

rantarM3 · 01-14-2021, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M43S7RO

I recall there being some ridges you have to file down for it not to be as tight a fit on the driver side of the radiator support ( step 16 of instructions). Assuming you did this, I had no other issues.

Yes, I did that and followed the instructions to no avail. I will have to try again although a photo of a fitted radiator might be helpful. I also noticed that the mounting holes are farther apart than on the stock radiator, but that would only affect the screw going in, and not fitting the radiator in place.

rantarM3 · 01-17-2021, 09:28 AM

I have to yet successfully install this radiator, as its fitment is pretty awful. After calling Autocoture about this, they said that fitting it was a bit "tricky" and that if I still had trouble, I should call back and maybe I could speak with a tech. Deciding to measure mounting points resulted in my finding out that the do88's brackets are welded incorrectly and have to be cut down to allow the radiator to clear the top of the right "module carrier" (i.e., the plastic bracket that holds the condenser and radiator in place). And now more work is needed for the radiator to make contact with the rubber seal that is supposed to make contact with the top, so as to seal the incoming air from going around and into the engine bay.

I will write up a review showing everything that I had to do to get it to fit properly. VERY disappointed with this piece.

12-29-2020, 08:33 AM	#1
rantarM3 Captain 205 Rep 729 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (3)	DO88 Radiator Installation Question - Help Fitting Radiator Today I have been trying to get the DO88 radiator in place but it just won't sit all the way back, so as to be able to get the screws in. When I put the radiator in place, being a little wider than stock (~1/8" at the mounting tabs), it pushes the radiator mounting brackets outwards and lets the condenser fall a bit. I have to reach in and get the condenser back in place but the radiator itself will not reach the screw mounting hole on the passenger's side, in particular. Has anyone had this problem? Or are there some nuances in getting the radiator seated properly? Prior Post: I am in process of refreshing my M3's cooling system and decided to go with a DO88 radiator. The installation instructions call for removal of the front bumper, but TIS (for replacement of the radiator) does not. I also cannot see why it would be necessary to remove the bumper since the radiator comes out through the engine bay. Can anyone who's installed one of these radiators confirm whether bumper removal is at all necessary? Thanks in advance! Last edited by rantarM3; 01-13-2021 at 11:59 AM..
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12-29-2020, 08:39 AM	#2
turbo_joe Lieutenant Colonel 1608 Rep 1,584 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 Coupe Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: SOMD iTrader: (2)	You can swap the rad with the bumper on the car. Its not a bad install at all __________________ 2012 E92 M3 Instagram Turbo__Joe
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12-29-2020, 01:35 PM	#4
rantarM3 Captain 205 Rep 729 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (3)	Thanks, guys. Much appreciated!
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01-13-2021, 12:00 PM	#5
rantarM3 Captain 205 Rep 729 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (3)	Bump for new question.
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01-13-2021, 08:41 PM	#6
M43S7RO Major 502 Rep 1,055 Posts Drives: Jerez Black E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Peoria, AZ iTrader: (13)	I recall there being some ridges you have to file down for it not to be as tight a fit on the driver side of the radiator support ( step 16 of instructions). Assuming you did this, I had no other issues.
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01-17-2021, 09:28 AM	#8
rantarM3 Captain 205 Rep 729 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (3)	I have to yet successfully install this radiator, as its fitment is pretty awful. After calling Autocoture about this, they said that fitting it was a bit "tricky" and that if I still had trouble, I should call back and maybe I could speak with a tech. Deciding to measure mounting points resulted in my finding out that the do88's brackets are welded incorrectly and have to be cut down to allow the radiator to clear the top of the right "module carrier" (i.e., the plastic bracket that holds the condenser and radiator in place). And now more work is needed for the radiator to make contact with the rubber seal that is supposed to make contact with the top, so as to seal the incoming air from going around and into the engine bay. I will write up a review showing everything that I had to do to get it to fit properly. VERY disappointed with this piece.
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