Where is the Temperature Gauge

[Georj]

I find it strange that there is no temperature gauge in the 2008 128i. I could not see any option to check the engine temperature in the manual. Any reason why BMW would leave out the temperature gauge. In my opinion engine temperature is very important information to have all the time.

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by Georj

I find it strange that there is no temperature gauge in the 2008 128i. I could not see any option to check the engine temperature in the manual. Any reason why BMW would leave out the temperature gauge. In my opinion engine temperature is very important information to have all the time.

Guess because it would alarm most people. The temp varies a lot depending on driving mode. Steady highway cruising our cars run very, very hot. Start driving aggressively and the temp plummets.

The 135i has an oil temp gauge at least, more important than coolant temp IMHO.

[Thunderguts]

There's no easy way to add one either. You can get accurate water temperatures through the OBD port with any number of gauges or apps, but unless I'm mistaken, you cannot get oil temps through the OBD in the 128i. I was even considering the BMWP steering wheel, but I think the oil temp reading only works for the 135i.

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Start driving aggressively and the temp plummets.

This is so bizarre in winter. It's the only car I've ever had where my heater becomes less functional the harder I drive. I've actually felt the vent air cool as I get on the gas.

[Georj]

I am sorry I don't agree with you guys. This is the first car I have seen that does not have a temperature gauge. Even a cheap ford focus has one. I used to have a 1997 Porsche 993 C4S. The last air cooled Porsche. It had a engine temperature gauge, oil temperature gauge and oil level gauge.

I believe it is very important to have a temperature gauge (either engine temperature or oil). Either one will do. It is important to know when the engine has reached its operating temperature so you can start driving aggressively. And if the engine is getting to hot, then something is obviously wrong and you need to stop and investigate.

[Esteban]

Check out chris_flies build thread. I believe he added an oil temp gauge (plus more) to his 128i.

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by Georj

I am sorry I don't agree with you guys.

You're not disagreeing with anyone here. I don't know a single person who doesn't WANT a temperature gauge. Along with a dipstick, it was an idiotic omission on BMW's part. Even a water temperature gauge would help predict a failing water pump.

People are only pointing out BMW's likely rationale. Most new 128i buyers were not enthusiasts. I hate to say it, but I suspect it fell squarely under "secretary's BMW." BMW likely didn't want a bunch of complaints and dealer warranty visits because "the needle thingy was close to the red thingy." It's only later that people have come to appreciate it for the gem that it is.

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

You're not disagreeing with anyone here. I don't know a single person who doesn't WANT a temperature gauge. Along with a dipstick, it was an idiotic omission on BMW's part. Even a water temperature gauge would help predict a failing water pump.

People are only pointing out BMW's likely rationale. Most new 128i buyers were not enthusiasts. I hate to say it, but I suspect it fell squarely under "secretary's BMW." BMW likely didn't want a bunch of complaints and dealer warranty visits because "the needle thingy was close to the red thingy." It's only later that people have come to appreciate it for the gem that it is.

Add lack of a trunk key latch to the list of cheaping out.

[blue135]

Well, some of us got a trunk key. Wonder if somebody woke up one day and discovered they could save a dollar a car.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by blue135

Well, some of us got a trunk key. Wonder if somebody woke up one day and discovered they could save a dollar a car.

So when did they stop putting a trunk keyhole? 2009, 2010?

[spidertri]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

There's no easy way to add one either. You can get accurate water temperatures through the OBD port with any number of gauges or apps, but unless I'm mistaken, you cannot get oil temps through the OBD in the 128i. I was even considering the BMWP steering wheel, but I think the oil temp reading only works for the 135i.

Oil temp is read by the pan level sensor, you can access oil temp (and coolant temp) through the 128s OBD port using the ProTool app or other devices.

[lemansblau135is]

I believe another member was selling 135i templates that fit over the stock gauges and could code a oil temp gauge like the 135i for the 128i's. I think it was LMB335is

[WDE82]

Only BMW software can access oil temperatures through OBD port. Coolant temps can be accessed in the "hidden menu".

Google E82 hidden menu and you can browse through a bunch of stuff.

128i do have oil temperature sensors as it's a critical value for the engine management. You can swap in a new cluster with the oil temp gauge (135i) and recode the EEPROM to your car and recode the odometer and it'll work. You have to buy a cluster with less miles than your car though otherwise it'll trip the odometer tamper warning dot.

[Gangplank]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Check out chris_flies build thread. I believe he added an oil temp gauge (plus more) to his 128i.

Originally Posted by WDE82

Only BMW software can access oil temperatures through OBD port. Coolant temps can be accessed in the "hidden menu".

Google E82 hidden menu and you can browse through a bunch of stuff.

128i do have oil temperature sensors as it's a critical value for the engine management. You can swap in a new cluster with the oil temp gauge (135i) and recode the EEPROM to your car and recode the odometer and it'll work. You have to buy a cluster with less miles than your car though otherwise it'll trip the odometer tamper warning dot.

This ^^. Pretty sure that's what Esteban is talking about above. If I recall the coding it was the "fun" part.

That said, in the 135 it's not all that useful for DD. It basically goes from cold to HOT & stays there. Lol.

[..Rush..]

@Thunderguts

"secretary's BMW."

I have heard this term.
It used to be thrown around more freely a decade, or more ago. Now, what exactly does this term mean?
And who calls them "secretaries" these days?
Is it an " administrative assistant's car?" LOL

[Georj]

Originally Posted by spidertri

Oil temp is read by the pan level sensor, you can access oil temp (and coolant temp) through the 128s OBD port using the ProTool app or other devices.

This is not acceptable solution. You don't want to be fiddling with apps while speeding on the highway.

[Georj]

Originally Posted by Esteban

So when did they stop putting a trunk keyhole? 2009, 2010?

I have a trunk key and also touch sensor on the trunk under the rear license plate lamps.

[Georj]

Regardless of these shortcomings, my 2008 128i convertible with Sport Package and 6 speed manual, is a fun car to drive. It reminds me a little bit of my Porsche 993 C4S, which BTW was totaled on the highway three years ago. The 128i quite nimble especially in 2nd and 3rd gear and very good handling

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Georj

I have a trunk key and also touch sensor on the trunk under the rear license plate lamps.

Yes, I had a 2008 135i with a keyhole too, was wondering when they stopped making the 1er with a keyhole, because I also had a 2011 135i and it did not have a keyhole. Convenient to have one, could be very inconvenient not to have one.

[BMWCCA1]

It seems 2008 may be the only year with the trunk key-hole. Any 2009 owners care to look?

Most modern temperature gauges are really nothing more than idiot lights. They are buffered not to react too quickly and scare the driver. They relentlessly maintain their mid-position no matter what the temperature or season. By the time they get into the red, it's too late anyway. This has been the case in most European cars for several decades.

Would I like to have a temp gauge? Sure!
Secretary's car? I believe dear friend Satch once called the Z4 the hairdresser's car . . .just before he bought one!

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Yes, I had a 2008 135i with a keyhole too, was wondering when they stopped making the 1er with a keyhole, because I also had a 2011 135i and it did not have a keyhole. Convenient to have one, could be very inconvenient not to have one.

Yep. How many thread have there been about someone locking their trunk with the battery out

[spidertri]

Originally Posted by Georj

This is not acceptable solution. You don't want to be fiddling with apps while speeding on the highway.

Who said anything about fiddling with apps while driving? I'm not making any excuses for why the coolant gauge doesn't exist, simply stating a way to access coolant temp information.

When I use it, ProTool has a live data gauge screen mode which shows a bunch of different parameters at once. I haven't experienced the app losing connection and the screen doesn't shut off on my phone so there isn't anything to fiddle with after turning it on, before leaving.

That being said, I did the 135i gauge cluster swap so that I could have the oil temp gauge because it's certainly the more critical temp to watch with these engines.

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Esteban

So when did they stop putting a trunk keyhole? 2009, 2010?

The poster in the link below says he has a trunk keyhole in his '09 1er, so maybe BMW stopped putting a trunk keyhole in the 1 series in 2010.

Any 2010 owners want to chime in?

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show...38;postcount=8