[SC5-Charles]

Hey guys,

I want to make something to mount the boost gauge on. So I've been running through the old posts regarding setups and I've seen everything from AC vents --> ashtrays --> steering wheel holders. Truthfully I haven't seen anything I liked so far other than the Hartge version (although that looks like it might require drilling).

So here's my challenge to you guys: Help me decide WHICH style setup you like. If there is a majority (or consensus), I will go and make 10 pieces and sell them at cost.

The criteria are:
1) FUNCTIONAL and visible at eye (driving) level)
2) Holds a 2 1/16" to 2 3/8" boost gauge
3) easily reversible (for leased cars)
4) does not require (extensive) drilling, cutting, or hard labor
5) must look good (preferably look stock)
6) if enough space, then preferably to hold more gauges.

Lemme know if you think of anything else. But first let's agree on what to make.

Thanks,

Charles

[Ander]

Black case would match for all interior colors.

[e.n335]

Setup for 2 gauges required. EGT and Boost. Black. OEM style. No A-pillar mount.

[imaznumkay]

Originally Posted by eugen.niederreiter

Setup for 2 gauges required. EGT and Boost. Black. OEM style. No A-pillar mount.

what he said, plus it'd be optimal for my use if there is a way to somehow make a bracket that would sit flush on the vent on the left side of the cluster.

[Terry335]

Originally Posted by SC5-Charles

Hey guys,

I want to make something to mount the boost gauge on. So I've been running through the old posts regarding setups and I've seen everything from AC vents --> ashtrays --> steering wheel holders. Truthfully I haven't seen anything I liked so far other than the Hartge version (although that looks like it might require drilling).

So here's my challenge to you guys: Help me decide WHICH style setup you like. If there is a majority (or consensus), I will go and make 10 pieces and sell them at cost.

The criteria are:
1) FUNCTIONAL and visible at eye (driving) level)
2) Holds a 2 1/16" to 2 3/8" boost gauge
3) easily reversible (for leased cars)
4) does not require (extensive) drilling, cutting, or hard labor
5) must look good (preferably look stock)
6) if enough space, then preferably to hold more gauges.

Lemme know if you think of anything else. But first let's agree on what to make.

Thanks,

Charles

I leave mine under the driver seat and when I want to look at it pull it out and wedge it between the steering column and the dash. Works great for me.

[SC5-Charles]

eugen: 100% agree, A-pillar mount = BIG no-no unless you want a boost gauge lodged in your noggin when your a-pillar air-bag goes off but let's see how we mount 1 first before looking for a second mount.

imaznumkay: I actually think the vent idea works well but only if enough people like it.

Terry: I would prefer to have it visible at all times to the driver. How's that v2 of your terry tuner coming along?

Good ideas everyone! Let's keep it rolling!

By the way, my 335i is not here yet so when the decision is made I *may* need to look at someone's 335i in So. Cal. Unless the mount is something like the driver's side air vent in which case, I'd just go pick one up from the dealership.

[hotrod2448]

I know this would only work for I-drive cars but I would like to see something like the HKS CAMP system for factory screens. In my opinion I'm yet to see a gauge setup that would look at home in this car and I can't think of another location to make it look OEM and be in line of sight.



http://www.hksusa.com/categories/?id=1082
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/HKS/hks_camp_info.html

[Terry335]

Originally Posted by SC5-Charles

Terry: I would prefer to have it visible at all times to the driver. How's that v2 of your terry tuner coming along?

Pretty good, the wideband should show up this weekend for testing.

[stressdoc]

Have Eugen figure out how to remote it into the I-drive screen.

I intended this as a joke, but that said, I would not be too surprised if he figured out how to pull it off...

[Dinan335i]

Originally Posted by hotrod2448

I know this would only work for I-drive cars but I would like to see something like the HKS CAMP system for factory screens. In my opinion I'm yet to see a gauge setup that would look at home in this car and I can't think of another location to make it look OEM and be in line of sight.



http://www.hksusa.com/categories/?id=1082
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/HKS/hks_camp_info.html

+1

I wonder how something like this would integrate with iDrive?

[hotrod2448]

I would imagine it would connect however the TV2go stuff runs but, I could be very wrong. The tricky part would be getting something like the CAMP computer since I believe it was discontinued.

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Have Eugen figure out how to remote it into the I-drive screen.

I intended this as a joke, but that said, I would not be too surprised if he figured out how to pull it off...

I don't think it would make much sense for gauges only. You will be restricted in the underlaying technology, unless you make a car-pc which might be a too expensive solution for some of us. How many of you are willing to pay $2000+ for the gauges ( plus labor ) ? . But it's not said that I'll not come up with a car-pc, would be a nice project for this winter. Too early to discuss about. The time is on my side. Currently nice mainboards and mass-storage solutions are approaching the market.

Cheers
Eugen

[SC5-Charles]

isn't I-drive on all 3-series straight from the factory? which is to say that every e92 3-series has the front mounted display right?

[RiXst3r]

Originally Posted by eugen.niederreiter

I don't think it would make much sense for gauges only. You will be restricted in the underlaying technology, unless you make a car-pc which might be a too expensive solution for some of us. How many of you are willing to pay $2000+ for the gauges ( plus labor ) ? . But it's not said that I'll not come up with a car-pc, would be a nice project for this winter. Too early to discuss about.

Cheers
Eugen

I have a car PC mounted in my 335...

I had one in my e46 too, and I did a fully custom fabbed dash peice for that one.

7" touchscreen, windows xp, 1ghz, 60gig hdd, bluetooth, GPS, etc...

[RiXst3r]

Originally Posted by SC5-Charles

isn't I-drive on all 3-series straight from the factory? which is to say that every e92 3-series has the front mounted display right?

no, its an option

[SC5-Charles]

eugen... i think you and i should talk that's an idea right up my alley of expertise...

[Dinan335i]

I'm definitely interested in whatever solution you guys come up with!

[e.n335]

Originally Posted by SC5-Charles

eugen... i think you and i should talk that's an idea right up my alley of expertise...

The navigation monitor's resolution is the key. I don't know the specs, but it looks quite usable to me

[hotrod2448]

Originally Posted by eugen.niederreiter

The navigation monitor's resolution is the key. I don't know the specs, but it looks quite usable to me

I believe it can display off the air television broadcasts (possibly HD) in some markets. So, I would think it's got the resolution. I think the CAMP system was around $1,200 with the sensors. I think it used a basic 0-5 volt pressure transducer for pressures and the same basic thermistor as most other electric gauges.

You might even be able to get the sensor outputs for everything out of the OBDII port.

[astris]

Originally Posted by eugen.niederreiter

The navigation monitor's resolution is the key. I don't know the specs, but it looks quite usable to me

I don't think resolution will be a problem. The nav screen's in the 2001-2006 3 series support television, dvd, etc. Resolution is pretty good too. It's amazing that they can support that video considering the factory menus and nav look about the same quality as Super Nintendo, lol.

btw, I have the OEM tv tuner in my E46 M3. Has a/v cables for dvd player and backup cam all controlled through the factory nav unit and steering wheel.

A boost gauge on nav would be awesome. I'm not a fan of vent gauges since I use all my vents in the Socal heat. Over in the Audi scene they have a boost gauge that is molded into the top of the steering column. Looks factory.

Here's a pic of the Podi gauge for Audi's.


A gauge in the nav would still be the best in my opinion.

[CASHBY]

Airvent boost gauge is the way to go.

looks clean and its out of the way from everything.

[hl0m4n]

no need for custom fab. the guys at horsepower freaks are working on i think e90 turbo kits. i am just waiting for them to finish fabrication on this piece right here for the new 3ers. the pic shows the e46 m3 turbo guage setup.

i did e-mail them and it is expected somtime august...