Gauge pod & gauges

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I'm looking to add some gauges. I looked at steering column pod (RallyRoad) & sunglasses tray pod (LeatherZ). I think I'd opt for steering column because the other is just too far off the normal driving sight line. But I prefer 3 gauges: oil & water temp, oil pressure. So either solution seems a compromise.



Have others solved this problem? Is there a 2 in 1 gauge (say oil temp & pressure in one gauge)? What about steering column vs. Sunglasses tray installation? I've looked at LeatherZ but it just seems too much out of sight.



Also, I've looked at analog style gauges (e.g. VDO) and digital (e.g. ProSport EVO). Any suggestions here?



Thanks! Joe

[m3f_TheJDub-E36]

I've been looking at this.

http://www.chetcodigital.com/vGauge/...pec_Module.htm


Also this but it's been sold out for a while

http://www.etbinstruments.com/index....product_id=171

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I've been looking at this.

http://www.chetcodigital.com/vGauge/...pec_Module.htm



Also this but it's been sold out for a while

http://www.etbinstruments.com/index....product_id=171

Both look difficult to place without significant modification (such as a track car).

Hoping not to stray too far from OEM look & feel.

[m3f_Evtron]

I've put a lot of thought into this recently. I also want 3 gauges, and I'd prefer to not use the A-pillar or the sunglass tray. I'm leaning toward the stereo DIN slot, and considering relocating the stereo to the glovebox to retain bluetooth functionality. Just need to figure out a clean way to do it. I also haven't found a decent 3 gauge DIN panel yet, thinking about making one out of the factory DIN blank.

[m3f_TheJDub-E36]

Both look difficult to place without significant modification (such as a track car).


Hoping not to stray too far from OEM look & feel.

Yeah, it's definitely more of an install than just the typical gauges, I had a three pod in the sunglass tray and it just looked too tuner or ricer and like you said it's hard to see them.

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I've put a lot of thought into this recently. I also want 3 gauges, and I'd prefer to not use the A-pillar or the sunglass tray. I'm leaning toward the stereo DIN slot, and considering relocating the stereo to the glovebox to retain bluetooth functionality. Just need to figure out a clean way to do it. I also haven't found a decent 3 gauge DIN panel yet, thinking about making one out of the factory DIN blank.

Not sure I'd be willing to remove radio. Plus, I think to do it right, you need to pivot the gauges toward the driver. I'll be interested in what you come up with. Thanks!

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

Yeah, it's definitely more of an install than just the typical gauges, I had a three pod in the sunglass tray and it just looked too tuner or ricer and like you said it's hard to see them.

More tuner than a steering column pod? One of the issues I have with the column mount is that it seems a bit tunerish. But also seems the most practical. Go figure.

[m3f_betrezra]

I've been going thru this as well....... after removing my glove box to change carpet..... it seems you could put some gages in your glove box (spare box).... pop the door open to check on things. If you want to retain oem looks.


Another option I installed an a clk55 years ago to remain stealth was a digital multi-function display...... the trick bit was to install it behind smoked lexan. When off you saw nothing.... when on I had my remove V-1 display there and my wide-band display there. You can put this lexan window just about anywhere you have a flat panel.


I wonder if there is a blue-tooth feed avail...... mount your I phone to a suction cup windshield mount.... blue-tooth to your black box which is connected to the temp, oil, etc... no wires, no boy racer gages..

[m3f_TheJDub-E36]

More tuner than a steering column pod? One of the issues I have with the column mount is that it seems a bit tunerish. But also seems the most practical. Go figure.

The nice thing about the rally road set up is you can adjust the height, but it's only two gauges.

[m3f_pbonsalb]

You can get some 2 in 1 gauges. More expensive. I like the RR column dual pod. It's on my list. I have 3 on the pillar and 3 in the sunglass cubby. Would rather just have a single with 5 digital lines but you have to buy a plug together system to get that. Zeitronix maybe and there are probably others. Have seen people put displays into rear view mirror but that is advanced class. Also where mpg is in cluster. Could replace stock idiot coolant gauge in cluster with real one.

[m3f_englishtom1596q]

Swap in a euro cluster that has the oil temp in it. Then do the column pressure and Coolant temp

[m3f_fiveightandten]

There are combination / dual function gauges out there:


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/inn-3913/overview/


FYI, you can also de-buffer your stock temp gauge, or install another driver in the cluster. Here's some info:


https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ock-temp-gauge


https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...ghlight=buffer

[m3f_Braymond141]

If you use the steering gauge pods you need to use digital gauges that are slim. Using mechanical style gauges or ones with incandescent bulbs will prevent the ears from flexing down out of your cluster view.

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

Thanks everyone. I'll look into it more. Likely I'll order the RR dual pod with digital gauges. I'd like to get this figured out before I get the engine back from the machine shop so the wiring is all ready to go.

[m3f_JitteryJoe]

I found some dual digital gauges made by SPA. 52mm and look pretty slim and they have many different combos. Don't know anything about SPA gauges though but they are not cheap. Ordering from overseas seems the least expensive way to get them.


Anyone know about SPA gauges?