Author Topic: e30 M42 After market Gauges (Read 6644 times)

zed54 · « **on:** October 28, 2009, 10:29:05 PM »

Hi All,

New to this forum.
I would like to Install 1 x Oil pressure Gauge and 1 x Water Temp gauge. I would also like to keep the existing pressure switch and temp gauge working as a back up.
Just wondering where to install the new sender units for temp & water. And also where are the existing factory sender units are located

Many Thanks for your help. Any photos and info would be much appreciated.

Regards
Joe

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 05, 2009, 12:39:03 PM »

Get a t-fitting and screw in the original pressure switch as well as the new pressure sender in the factory location. The car has a factory water temp gauge, so I have no idea why you would want another one.

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #2 on:** November 05, 2009, 09:09:01 PM »

Quote from: gearheadE30;80963

Get a t-fitting and screw in the original pressure switch as well as the new pressure sender in the factory location. The car has a factory water temp gauge, so I have no idea why you would want another one.

You know what specific T fitting screw? OR where to find one.
Where is the factory location?
one thing I saw that is cool is
http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_product/oil_center/html_oil_center/what.htm Has pre-tapped spots for gauges. apparently bolts on to an m42

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2009, 11:02:35 AM »

The factory location is right behind the oil filter housing for the oil press dummy switch. You could just ditch that if you wanted, if that light ever comes on... your motor is shot already.

I agree with gear on the water temp gauge... we already have one from BMW.

zed54 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 07, 2009, 03:22:39 AM »

Thanks for the reply. I found a t-piece for the switch.

Has anyone fitted a sender unit on the front of the oil filter housing?

Water temp gauge. I use the car in a number of rally events throughout the year, sometimes conditions are extremely hot and we may have to drive up to 8hrs in those conditions. I prefer having the VDO temp gauge for a more accurate reading. I find the factory temp gauge sits on half at all times.

Cheers
Joe

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #5 on:** November 07, 2009, 05:25:09 PM »

Quote from: AcSchnitzer318is;80999

The factory location is right behind the oil filter housing for the oil press dummy switch. You could just ditch that if you wanted, if that light ever comes on... your motor is shot already.

I agree with gear on the water temp gauge... we already have one from BMW.

Do you know if the dummy switch will attach to the VDO PRessure sensor?

AcSchnitzer318is · « **Reply #6 on:** November 07, 2009, 10:58:18 PM »

How do you mean? You can run a T-fitting setup to use the stock dummy light sender. But a MUCH better route would be to just buy an aftermarket gauge that comes with a light output... then run that to your dummy light. That way the light comes on at whatever pressure you want. Something useful like 12psi or something for example. Not the stock "you're engine's toast and I'm just coming on to let you know" 5psi (I think-I know it's low).

zed54 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 08, 2009, 03:06:59 AM »

Ok this is what I have done in relation to oil pressure gauge.

I decided to install an after market oil pressure gauge. However, the VDO sender unit diameter was to big and could not replace the factory pressure switch. I had no choice but to install a T piece. The T piece has 2 threaded provisions on it:
1)VDO sender unit, vertical install
2)BMW pressure switch screws on the end.

I do agree though the factory pressure switch when illuminated, would be too late, the engine is toast. I should have done a little more homework.

dbgrubbs · « **Reply #8 on:** November 08, 2009, 06:22:05 PM »

These guys may be able to help:

http://www.parkerperformance.com/

quinn11m20 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 08, 2009, 06:32:38 PM »

Dude. I bought a guage console form BMP Design and it came with no harness. Man! I had a crazy time wiring that whole thing in, If I new about this guy ParkerPerformance. I would of spent some extra money just for some reassurance. I had a hard time getting my Oil Psi guage to work. I went through 2 sending units and guages. So I gave up. I have a coolant temp, oil temp and volt meter. Now I know about this guy, I am going back to the Oil Psi. Thanks for help DBGRUBBS.

fiftytakedowns · « **Reply #10 on:** November 11, 2009, 04:58:31 PM »

will the oil pressure switch sender thing off of an old VW cabrio with vdo's thread into the dummy switch location. That is more or less what I was trying to. Say