An exhaust gas cooler and method of cooling are provided. The exhaust gas cooler includes an inlet and outlet manifold and respectively including inlet and outlet openings and respectively positioned at a first and second end of the cooler. The exhaust gas cooler includes a plurality of conduits coupled to the inlet and outlet manifold and also includes at least one side wall coupled to the inlet and outlet manifold around the plurality of conduits, such that the plurality of conduits are disposed in a region between the at least one side wall and the inlet and outlet manifold. The at least one sidewall includes a first coolant inlet opening and a first coolant outlet opening each adjacent a first end of the exhaust gas cooler, a second coolant inlet opening, and a second coolant outlet opening. The exhaust gas cooler includes a bypass conduit positioned outside of the region.