DIY info for center console gauge cluster

[ktteoh]

i have seen a few pictures of this but i'm not sure what the detailed steps involved are & complete parts list.

has someone documented this on the net or is there some place where i can buy it complete off the shelf?

thanks for your help here.

[shogun]

What do you mean exactly by center console gauge cluster?
There is no cluster in the console??
If you want to add items, that is up to you, oil temperature, oil pressure, and so on.
There is no ready made package.

[ktteoh]

in some pictures, i see folks putting a gauge cluster (usually 3 meters (vdo i think) can't see what they are - ammeter, voltmeter or oil temp/pressure etc).

it is usually put under the ashtray on ahead of the gearshift console.

[Espen]

Take a look at this one, im sure this is what you are looking for:

http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/gauges/gauges.eht

[shogun]

Installing the cluster sis not that difficult, but to connect them that you get real good results
http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/gauges/gauges.eht
http://www.cscoupe.org/tech/gauges/gauges.html

Search more and you will find some info where to connect.

[ktteoh]

the vaxxine link is great - mine is right hand drive so i probably need to mirror reflect his diagram.

however i'm still clueless where is the right place to tap the signals for gauges if i'm interested in:
1. ammeter (+/- to monitor alternator charging)
2. engine/manual gearbox oil temperature
3. voltmeter (battery voltage)

btw where is the best (cheapest) place to get the gauges that's in amber red to match the bmw dash lighting?



Installing the cluster sis not that difficult, but to connect them that you get real good results
http://vaxxine.com/gblawson/gauges/gauges.eht
http://www.cscoupe.org/tech/gauges/gauges.html

Search more and you will find some info where to connect.

[Jon K]

the vaxxine link is great - mine is right hand drive so i probably need to mirror reflect his diagram.

however i'm still clueless where is the right place to tap the signals for gauges if i'm interested in:
1. ammeter (+/- to monitor alternator charging)
2. engine/manual gearbox oil temperature
3. voltmeter (battery voltage)

btw where is the best (cheapest) place to get the gauges that's in amber red to match the bmw dash lighting?

That's kind of a waste of gauge space... who cares about charging/voltage? Your OBC can display your voltage.

[ktteoh]

jon, i live in malaysia where it is hot & humid all year round (battery lifetime suffers) and the bmw sold here (520i M50 model doesn't have an OBC - an analog clock display instead; which i like for the old world charm :)

[shogun]

Maybe this gives you an idea
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=23266&highlight=oil+temperature+gauge

This I found in archives, by just using
oil+temperature+gauge
there is more info.