Let's Install Gauges

JonM · 09-30-2009, 07:31 PM

I will start off with some pics of the finished product. More on senders and wiring later.

Autometer Competition Series are probably the closest match to the OEM instrument panel, but I didn't care for the Lexus-like always on illumination or the Autometer name for that matter. The Stack gauges light up LED white like the OEM panel and have a conservative, European design which looks nice.

Turns out, the Stack oil pressure gauge uses an Autometer sender, ironically.

Singletrack · 09-30-2009, 08:07 PM

That looks excellent. Looking foward to the details.

GTR-M3 · 09-30-2009, 11:26 PM

Looks very clean. Did you do the install your self? Details on the install will be awesome. Thanks for sharing, i've been wating for some one to put this up.

MuchMoore · 10-01-2009, 12:54 AM

Great look!

JonM · 10-01-2009, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTR-M3

Looks very clean. Did you do the install your self? Details on the install will be awesome. Thanks for sharing, i've been wating for some one to put this up.

Yes, I did the install myself. Compared to 6-cylinder BMWs (especially S54), the installation of both S65 oil pressure and water temperature gauges is quite easy and very clean.

I'll write up some how-to information this weekend if I can.

AMPowerJ · 10-01-2009, 12:58 PM

Incredibly impressive! How much did this set you back? Looking forward to the installation process.

JonM · 10-01-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AMPowerJ

Incredibly impressive! How much did this set you back? Looking forward to the installation process.

Stack gauges are quite expensive. Around $500 for the three, with senders. Other brands of guages cost either a whole lot more or a whole lot less... just depends what you like.

I don't have an exact price on the ashtray-replacement panel and the required plumbing parts under the hood. I'll update with that later.

SOARISTO · 10-05-2009, 07:37 AM

Hello, M3 Fighter Pilots!!

This is the Triple Stack Meter for E9x, produced by "3D Design" in Japan.
(More information is here.)

Did you notice the differences between two products?

Yes, the installation angle of the meter is different.

It is designed in order to be easy to see from driver's eyes.

And also it has high plastic molding precision which can't be achieved in the other Asian countries.
(Check the edge of meter panel carefully!!)

Which do you choose for your M3, something high quality product or not one?

E92M3Guy · 10-05-2009, 11:56 AM

I still like JonM stuff better, he is a reputable person has a reputable company. Why support other countries when the states is not in a good position, support businesses within the own country when ever possible.

tom @ eas · 10-05-2009, 12:05 PM

Very nice - here's our M3 project with the Macht Schnell ashtray pod installed w/ Stri gauges:

Oil Pressure has not been connected yet, as we're waiting for a distribution block to arrive what will also feed a oil source to the blower.

JonM · 10-05-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SOARISTO

Did you notice the differences between two products?

Yes, the installation angle of the meter is different.

It is designed in order to be easy to see from driver's eyes.

And also it has high plastic molding precision which can't be achieved in the other Asian countries.
(Check the edge of meter panel carefully!!)

Which do you choose for your M3, something high quality product or not one?

Our panel is made in the United States by American labor.

The angle of our panel, the EAS panel, and yours all look pretty comparable to me.

elp_jc · 10-05-2009, 02:01 PM

The Japanese looks MUCH better integrated IMO (with flush gauges, rather than surface mounted), but not even that one passes as OEM.

Hopefully the US made is cheaper, to justify its simpler design. Good day gang.

JonM · 10-05-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elp_jc

The Japanese looks MUCH better integrated IMO (with flush gauges, rather than surface mounted), but not even that one passes as OEM.

Hopefully the US made is cheaper, to justify its simpler design. Good day gang.

Gauges, like all mods, are very much personal preference.

Andy has the E9X panel listed at $115.

mvagusta · 10-05-2009, 08:24 PM

I like the 3d design. Any order info and pricing?

wp326 · 10-07-2009, 12:34 AM

not to be jacking this thread, any diy for e90 330i?

tom @ eas · 10-07-2009, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wp326

not to be jacking this thread, any diy for e90 330i?

Yes, we will be performing an install this week for a DIY.

wp326 · 10-07-2009, 04:03 PM

do i need to install all 3 gauges? i only need the oil temp.
Also is it possible to install a timer or something, similar to the stopwatch on the performance steering wheel? just throwing ideas.

how much is the hardware?

tom @ eas · 10-07-2009, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wp326

do i need to install all 3 gauges? i only need the oil temp.
Also is it possible to install a timer or something, similar to the stopwatch on the performance steering wheel? just throwing ideas.

how much is the hardware?

Since you are looking for both oil temp and the stopwatch - the Performance Steering Wheel might be the alternative you're looking for. Otherwise, the gauge pods are only offered in triple gauge variety.

For those looking for white backlit gauges, here's a couple interior shots of our Project 135 w/ Stri DSD White backlit gauges:

wp326 · 10-07-2009, 06:58 PM

any other colors?

what's the hardware cost vs the bmw performance steering wheel?

the wheel is like ~$1000

Jason@Renn-Spec · 10-07-2009, 07:05 PM

Looking to get a stack gauge myself.

tom @ eas · 10-07-2009, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wp326

any other colors?

what's the hardware cost vs the bmw performance steering wheel?

the wheel is like ~$1000

Depends on your choices in gauges, the MS/Stri combo is about half what a PSW costs.

Defi & SPA gauges are top of the line and cost considerably more.

wp326 · 10-07-2009, 09:54 PM

pm pricing to 94555

09-30-2009, 07:31 PM	#1
JonM Private First Class Drives: E90 M3 Sedan Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 125 iTrader: (4)	Let's Install Gauges I will start off with some pics of the finished product. More on senders and wiring later. Autometer Competition Series are probably the closest match to the OEM instrument panel, but I didn't care for the Lexus-like always on illumination or the Autometer name for that matter. The Stack gauges light up LED white like the OEM panel and have a conservative, European design which looks nice. Turns out, the Stack oil pressure gauge uses an Autometer sender, ironically. __________________ Jon Maddux 10 S1000RR \| 09 F650GS \| 08 M3 Sedan \| 07 R1200RT \| 06 M Coupe \| 01 M coupe
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09-30-2009, 11:26 PM	#3
GTR-M3 Private First Class Drives: 2008 Bmw M3 V8 M-DCT Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 119 iTrader: (0)	Looks very clean. Did you do the install your self? Details on the install will be awesome. Thanks for sharing, i've been wating for some one to put this up. __________________ *NO GUTS, NO GLORY! ///M3 TUNER* *PASSION DOES NOT COMPROMISE*

10-01-2009, 12:54 AM	#4
MuchMoore Colonel Drives: 08 E90 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: CenFla Posts: 2,315 iTrader: (28)	Great look! __________________ \| Andrew \| M Technik \| BMW Performance \| BBS \| Forge \| V1 \| LUX \| Bilstein \| Precision-Sport \| Last edited by MuchMoore; 10-01-2009 at 01:01 AM. Reason: Im an idiot.

10-01-2009, 12:58 PM	#6
AMPowerJ One mod leads to another ... Drives: 2013 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Blythewood, SC Posts: 2,326 iTrader: (9) Garage List 2013 BMW E92 M3 [0.00] 2012 Toyota Tacoma [0.00]	Incredibly impressive! How much did this set you back? Looking forward to the installation process. __________________ 2013 E92 M3 with ESS VT2-585 SC, StopTech BBK, M Perf Exhaust, and a bunch of carbon fiber ...

10-05-2009, 07:37 AM	#8
SOARISTO Enlisted Member Drives: New M3 Coupe M-DCT Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Technopolis, Tokyo Posts: 35 iTrader: (0)	Check the Japanese Quality!! Hello, M3 Fighter Pilots!! This is the Triple Stack Meter for E9x, produced by "3D Design" in Japan. (More information is here.) Did you notice the differences between two products? Yes, the installation angle of the meter is different. It is designed in order to be easy to see from driver's eyes. And also it has high plastic molding precision which can't be achieved in the other Asian countries. (Check the edge of meter panel carefully!!) Which do you choose for your M3, something high quality product or not one? __________________ Blog: http://www.soaristo.jpn.org/blog/ HomePage: http://www.soaristo.jpn.org/ Last edited by SOARISTO; 10-05-2009 at 08:17 AM.

09-30-2009, 08:07 PM	#2
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 12 AW X5d Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 3,800 iTrader: (3)	That looks excellent. Looking foward to the details.

10-05-2009, 11:56 AM	#9
E92M3Guy Private First Class Drives: Black E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Upland Posts: 197 iTrader: (0)	I still like JonM stuff better, he is a reputable person has a reputable company. Why support other countries when the states is not in a good position, support businesses within the own country when ever possible.

10-05-2009, 12:05 PM	#10
tom @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA Posts: 8,858 iTrader: (12) Garage List 2008 ESS VT2-525 Z4MC [0.00] 2011 ESS VT2-625 M3 [0.00]	Very nice - here's our M3 project with the Macht Schnell ashtray pod installed w/ Stri gauges: Oil Pressure has not been connected yet, as we're waiting for a distribution block to arrive what will also feed a oil source to the blower. __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com web: www.europeanautosource.com tel 866.669.0705 \| ca: 714.369.8524 x22 \| fax: 714.908.1796 Blog \| Facebook \| YouTube \| Flickr \| Twitter

10-05-2009, 02:01 PM	#12
elp_jc Brigadier General Drives: . Join Date: May 2008 Location: . Posts: 4,912 iTrader: (0)	The Japanese looks MUCH better integrated IMO (with flush gauges, rather than surface mounted), but not even that one passes as OEM. Hopefully the US made is cheaper, to justify its simpler design. Good day gang.

10-05-2009, 08:24 PM	#14
mvagusta Lieutenant Drives: 2008 m3 coup Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: michigan Posts: 476 iTrader: (1)	I like the 3d design. Any order info and pricing?

10-07-2009, 12:34 AM	#15
wp326 Private First Class Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 153 iTrader: (0)	not to be jacking this thread, any diy for e90 330i?

10-07-2009, 04:03 PM	#17
wp326 Private First Class Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 153 iTrader: (0)	do i need to install all 3 gauges? i only need the oil temp. Also is it possible to install a timer or something, similar to the stopwatch on the performance steering wheel? just throwing ideas. how much is the hardware?

10-07-2009, 06:58 PM	#19
wp326 Private First Class Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 153 iTrader: (0)	any other colors? what's the hardware cost vs the bmw performance steering wheel? the wheel is like ~$1000

10-07-2009, 07:05 PM	#20
Jason@Renn-Spec Major Drives: A POS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: La Puente, CA Posts: 1,312 iTrader: (3)	Looking to get a stack gauge myself.

10-07-2009, 09:54 PM	#22
wp326 Private First Class Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 153 iTrader: (0)	pm pricing to 94555

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