▀▄ eas | Macht Schnell Ashtray Gauge Panels

tom @ eas · 06-03-2009, 01:00 AM

Some of you may have already seen this on display at Bimmerfest 09.

These are rapid-prototype pre-production photos of upcoming ashtray gauge panels for e9x 3-series/M3 BMW. Gauge panels will allow three 52mm gauges and replace your factory ashtray using the factory mounting locations, with finished production units made from injection molded ABS plastic and an estimated arrival date of July ‘09.

Gauge Selection:

I'm interested to what opinions are out there for your top 3 gauge choices in your M3 (boosted or normally aspirated) given the following choices:

Boost
Vacuum
Boost/Vacuum (combo)
Intake Pressure
Water Temp
Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT)
Oil temp
Oil Pressure
Fuel Pressure
Voltmeter

Feel free to write in your own selection and reasoning if needed.

Let's discuss.

06.24.09 - Official pictures released today:

Official pictures released today:

We should be seeing these arriving in stock in approximately a couple of weeks.

Pricing to follow.

sparkyg · 06-03-2009, 07:30 AM

Whose gauges do you plan on using, Autometer?

J08M3 · 06-03-2009, 07:38 AM

Isn't oil temp already on the dash?? any of the boost/vacuum would be cool if you go FI otherwise it's kinda dumb to have. Volts could be cool if you're interested in another gauge.

The panel looks kinda cool though, are the gauges angled towards the driver?

foosh · 06-03-2009, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

Isn't oil temp already on the dash?? any of the boost/vacuum would be cool if you go FI otherwise it's kinda dumb to have. Volts could be cool if you're interested in another gauge.

The panel looks kinda cool though, are the gauges angled towards the driver?

There was a lengthy discussion of this on this forum recently, and I don't think the answer is really clear. The so-called "oil temp" gauge on the cluster seems to display an extrapolated value of some sort of composite water and and oil temp reading.

It doesn't make sense to me that it is displaying a pure oil-temp reading, because it reaches operating temp so quickly. In other cars I've owned which have both water and oil temp gauges, the former comes up fairly quickly, and oil temp lags way behind. In the M3, that gauge comes up to temp much more quickly than I've ever seen for oil temps.

tom @ eas · 06-03-2009, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foosh

There was a lengthy discussion of this on this forum recently, and I don't think the answer is really clear. The so-called "oil temp" gauge on the cluster seems to display an extrapolated value of some sort of composite water and and oil temp reading.

It doesn't make sense to me that it is displaying a pure oil-temp reading, because it reaches operating temp so quickly. In other cars I've owned which have both water and oil temp gauges, the former comes up fairly quickly, and oil temp lags way behind. In the M3, that gauge comes up to temp much more quickly than I've ever seen for oil temps.

PSW has a digital indicator which has a combo H20/Oil temp gauge, but not everyone is equipped with the wheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J08M3

Isn't oil temp already on the dash?? any of the boost/vacuum would be cool if you go FI otherwise it's kinda dumb to have. Volts could be cool if you're interested in another gauge.

The panel looks kinda cool though, are the gauges angled towards the driver?

Gauges are in clear driver's view. Vacuum is a bit more useful than you think.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkyg

Whose gauges do you plan on using, Autometer?

IMHO - the Autometer gauges are more suited for american iron and in no way match the stock BMW cluster.

MyKmYk · 06-03-2009, 12:41 PM

I realize you can check to oil level through the check control on the dash, but because of the missing dipstick could you do oil level?

J08M3 · 06-03-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Gauges are in clear driver's view. Vacuum is a bit more useful than you think.

Really? do tell.... I can't think of a single time I ever needed it in a NA car.

Born2Panic · 06-03-2009, 03:34 PM

IMHO, that is just plain ugly. It looks cluttered.

Born2Panic · 06-03-2009, 03:35 PM

Also it is very inconvenient to read...when will you look down at those gauges?

dvn · 06-03-2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Born2Panic

Also it is very inconvenient to read...when will you look down at those gauges?

Maybe you could design something better then mass produce it? Or perhaps even just suggest ways to improve?

FStop7 · 06-03-2009, 04:00 PM

They are in a bad position but if they are memory gauges then they'd be useful.

adc · 06-03-2009, 05:29 PM

Oil temp and pressure, volts, water temp - these are not values that one needs to check very often in normal driving conditions. So it's better to not have them in the direct field of view for regular driving.

You check them either when you're debugging a problem, or perhaps when driving in extreme conditions - in which case you want them in the field of view. But this type of driving happens very rarely, less than 10% of the time (less than 1% for me personally).

So on balance, for a fixed set of gauges I'd rather not have them in my field of view all the time.

Of course, ideally the dash display should have a configurable area where you should be able to display anything you want - but in absence of this, I think this gauge pod can still be very useful.

tom @ eas · 06-03-2009, 09:54 PM

Great feedback everyone - keep the comments coming.

TTBear · 06-03-2009, 10:34 PM

IMHO, these look a little bit "tacked on" - like an afterthought. They need to be more recessed, which I think would make them more aesthetically pleasing.

In terms of functionality, I can't see any of the listed options being of use to me, to be honest.

mixja · 06-04-2009, 04:42 AM

When is somebody going to modify the iDrive and put all of those measurements on the screen GT-R style?

Gauges look like Defi - top quality top $$$

man02195 · 06-04-2009, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TTBear

IMHO, these look a little bit "tacked on" - like an afterthought. They need to be more recessed, which I think would make them more aesthetically pleasing.

In terms of functionality, I can't see any of the listed options being of use to me, to be honest.

Yes, I agree on recessing them, I would want them flush with the old ashtray surface.

Volts, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, and/or instantaneous mpg if you can get it off the bus.

tom @ eas · 06-04-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixja

When is somebody going to modify the iDrive and put all of those measurements on the screen GT-R style?

Gauges look like Defi - top quality top $$$

We're looking into this option also.

dillon733 · 06-04-2009, 04:08 PM

where can i buy that carbon leather on the center consol thing

tom @ eas · 06-04-2009, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dillon733

where can i buy that carbon leather on the center consol thing

That's not carbon leather - that's real 1x1 fibre.

tightie · 06-04-2009, 04:20 PM

I would pick AFR over Exhaust Temp.. You never know what's a good number with Exhaust Temp..

Tom, I want this.. I'm calling you now.

dillon733 · 06-06-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

That's not carbon leather - that's real 1x1 fibre.

so its like fabric?

m_parade · 06-07-2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dillon733

so its like fabric?

^+1

More info on those please.

View Poll Results: What 3 gauge options would you choose in your M3?
Boost	10	14.93%
Vacuum	3	4.48%
Boost/Vacuum (combo)	14	20.90%
Intake Pressure	11	16.42%
Water Temperature	33	49.25%
Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT)	11	16.42%
Oil Temperature	36	53.73%
Oil Pressure	49	73.13%
Fuel Pressure	13	19.40%
Voltmeter	18	26.87%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 67. You may not vote on this poll

06-03-2009, 01:00 AM	#1
tom @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 8109 Rep 18,799 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (19) Garage List 2018 BMW i3s [0.00] 2010 BMW M3 [6.50] 2015 BMW M4 [5.25]	▀▄ eas \| Macht Schnell Ashtray Gauge Panels - Sneak Peek (and Gauge Poll) Some of you may have already seen this on display at Bimmerfest 09. These are rapid-prototype pre-production photos of upcoming ashtray gauge panels for e9x 3-series/M3 BMW. Gauge panels will allow three 52mm gauges and replace your factory ashtray using the factory mounting locations, with finished production units made from injection molded ABS plastic and an estimated arrival date of July ‘09. Gauge Selection: I'm interested to what opinions are out there for your top 3 gauge choices in your M3 (boosted or normally aspirated) given the following choices: Boost Vacuum Boost/Vacuum (combo) Intake Pressure Water Temp Exhaust Gas Temp (EGT) Oil temp Oil Pressure Fuel Pressure Voltmeter Feel free to write in your own selection and reasoning if needed. Let's discuss. 06.24.09 - Official pictures released today: Official pictures released today: We should be seeing these arriving in stock in approximately a couple of weeks. Pricing to follow. __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM Last edited by tom @ eas; 06-24-2009 at 07:07 PM..
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06-03-2009, 07:30 AM	#2
sparkyg Brigadier General 142 Rep 3,522 Posts Drives: work truck Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Oil Country iTrader: (5)	Whose gauges do you plan on using, Autometer?
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06-03-2009, 07:38 AM	#3
J08M3 Major General 285 Rep 6,007 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 COUPE Join Date: May 2008 Location: NEW YORK iTrader: (8)	Isn't oil temp already on the dash?? any of the boost/vacuum would be cool if you go FI otherwise it's kinda dumb to have. Volts could be cool if you're interested in another gauge. The panel looks kinda cool though, are the gauges angled towards the driver? __________________
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06-03-2009, 12:41 PM	#6
MyKmYk BMW Individual Junkie. 98 Rep 478 Posts Drives: Mora E46, Tanzanite G20 M340i Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	I realize you can check to oil level through the check control on the dash, but because of the missing dipstick could you do oil level? __________________ ///MYKE
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06-03-2009, 03:34 PM	#8
Born2Panic Private First Class 5 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2010 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	IMHO, that is just plain ugly. It looks cluttered.
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06-03-2009, 03:35 PM	#9
Born2Panic Private First Class 5 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 2010 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Also it is very inconvenient to read...when will you look down at those gauges? Last edited by Born2Panic; 06-03-2009 at 03:35 PM.. Reason: spelling
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06-03-2009, 04:00 PM	#11
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	They are in a bad position but if they are memory gauges then they'd be useful.
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06-03-2009, 05:29 PM	#12
adc Major General 2750 Rep 6,759 Posts Drives: 2018 F80 M3 ED Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: MD/DC iTrader: (12)	Oil temp and pressure, volts, water temp - these are not values that one needs to check very often in normal driving conditions. So it's better to not have them in the direct field of view for regular driving. You check them either when you're debugging a problem, or perhaps when driving in extreme conditions - in which case you want them in the field of view. But this type of driving happens very rarely, less than 10% of the time (less than 1% for me personally). So on balance, for a fixed set of gauges I'd rather not have them in my field of view all the time. Of course, ideally the dash display should have a configurable area where you should be able to display anything you want - but in absence of this, I think this gauge pod can still be very useful.
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06-03-2009, 09:54 PM	#13
tom @ eas BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 8109 Rep 18,799 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Anaheim, CA iTrader: (19) Garage List 2018 BMW i3s [0.00] 2010 BMW M3 [6.50] 2015 BMW M4 [5.25]	Great feedback everyone - keep the comments coming. __________________ Tom G. \| european auto source (eas) email: tom@europeanautosource.com · web: https://europeanautosource.com· tel 866.669.0705 · ca: 714.369.8524 x22 GET DAILY UPDATES ON OUR BLOG · FACEBOOK · YOUTUBE · FLICKR · INSTAGRAM
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06-03-2009, 10:34 PM	#14
TTBear Captain 415 Rep 860 Posts Drives: '20 Huracán/'19 M2Comp/'23 X4M Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Canada iTrader: (6)	IMHO, these look a little bit "tacked on" - like an afterthought. They need to be more recessed, which I think would make them more aesthetically pleasing. In terms of functionality, I can't see any of the listed options being of use to me, to be honest. __________________ "Anima sana in corpore sano"
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06-04-2009, 04:42 AM	#15
mixja Captain 50 Rep 783 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 DCT Silverstone Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beverly Hils, CA iTrader: (1)	When is somebody going to modify the iDrive and put all of those measurements on the screen GT-R style? Gauges look like Defi - top quality top $$$
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06-04-2009, 04:08 PM	#18
dillon733 Major 96 Rep 1,196 Posts Drives: Jet Black e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: new york iTrader: (3)	where can i buy that carbon leather on the center consol thing
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06-04-2009, 04:20 PM	#20
tightie JOSH SHOKRI. 523 Rep 5,881 Posts Drives: 991 GT3RS, 964, Raptor Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: los angeles, california. iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [7.90]	I would pick AFR over Exhaust Temp.. You never know what's a good number with Exhaust Temp.. Tom, I want this.. I'm calling you now. __________________ Current: 16 991 GT3RS , 91 964 C2, 17 Raptor \| Past: 2015 991 GT3, 2015 i3,15 YMB F80 M3, 13 E92 M3 DCT, 08 E92 M3 6MT, 07 E60 M5, 02 E46 M3 Instagram: @josh_speeddistrict #SpeedDistrict @SpeedDistrict
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