ZPOST
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Go Back   ZPOST > BMW Z4 Roadster and Coupe > General BMW Z4 Forum
  TireRack

SUPPORT ZPOST BY DOING YOUR TIRERACK SHOPPING FROM THIS BANNER, THANKS!
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-22-2011, 04:12 PM   #1
boondocksaint
Penfold, shush!
boondocksaint's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
132
Posts

Drives: 07 Z4MC
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Z4 Coupe gauge pod in the sunglasses holder idea - procrastination begins

Since I started this little laugh riot in another thread, I thought I should move it to a thread of its own.

This is a bit long, as I am going to include some images swiped from the internet.

I come from the Subaru community where the center dash pod was most popular but I have nav there now. I was sitting in the car this weekend trying to figure out where to put some sort of monitoring device and the sunglasses holder - which is actually quite useless (I put business cards in it at the moment), kind of called out to me.

Side note: I hate A-Pillar pods.

After looking at and measuring it, I think some sort of angled faceplate would work nicely. Ideally, you'd have a daisy-chain system so you weren't running a zillion wires through the a-pillar to the gauges. I'll reference the Defi Link series as I have experience with them.

Because you can daisy chain these, they're super easy to install.


Those are 52mm. I think two 52mm traditional gauges would, in fact, fit, as the space behind the plate is about 2 inches deep, which is much more generous than I thought it would be.

The PLX multi-gauges are tempting, as you could conceivably get two of them and however many sending units you wanted to use for whatever things you wanted to monitor. Defi has similar solutions, such as the the ZD.





The holder is further forward than I thought, too. A flat display might actually work well, and there's little chance anyone will see them from outside the car, so it may be okay to leave them all visible.

Sooooo...

Located a guy in this area who does carbon fabrication. I went through a local speed shop, and in case this was secret, Charlotte and NC in general is full of go-fast businesses what with NASCAR and everything. I was told that this guy - whom I have not met - worked for Penske Racing. He works in carbon fiber. I figure, what the Hell.

I've got to decide a few things before I involve him in my little sunglasses holder turned gauge pod project.

1) What kind of gauges - the shape is important here, obviously. Do I use two 52mm round gauges for water temp and oil pressure? Or do I go for a flat LCD panel display like the Defi Link Advanced ZD? Avantage of the round ones is that I can have them angled toward me. A flat panel would look a bit odd if it were angled. Advantage of the panel is that I can monitor more things, like oil temp (a number rather than that numb needle in the cluster) and voltage (yes, it's important).

2) Do I want them to be concealable? I'm thinking no for the circular option, but for the flat panel, that might be advisable.

Thoughts? Any comments/criticism, etc., welcome. This is one of those projects that's going to drag for a while before I get the money to execute it, but it will go quicker if I have a plan in place. If you know something that I should be considering either in the solution, install, etc., chime in. Looking for the community participation, etc.
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 04:21 PM   #2
HOG4DNR
Second Lieutenant
HOG4DNR's Avatar
United_States
36
Rep
243
Posts

Drives: 2014 M235i
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Pompano Beach, FL

iTrader: (5)

This IMHO, is an awesome idea. I would love to see a DIY on this.
__________________
2008 Z4MC #1786/1815 "The Last IB w/ Extended Leather Made" Gone but Not Forgotten

2014 M235i E.Blue Mods in Progress
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 04:25 PM   #3
Shipkiller
Colonel
Shipkiller's Avatar
United_States
187
Rep
2,138
Posts

Drives: Me
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Virginia Beach

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
A thought.

Instead of normal gauges, how about a small LCD (touch optional) and have it driven by software.


I've done a lot of research in carputers and their software.

Just an idea.

disregard, just re-read the original post.
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 04:53 PM   #4
boondocksaint
Penfold, shush!
boondocksaint's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
132
Posts

Drives: 07 Z4MC
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by HOG4DNR View Post
This IMHO, is an awesome idea. I would love to see a DIY on this.
Thanks, man. Gauge installs are pretty straightforward, and if I move forward with this, I'll be having a pod custom made.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shipkiller View Post
A thought.

Instead of normal gauges, how about a small LCD (touch optional) and have it driven by software.


I've done a lot of research in carputers and their software.

Just an idea.

disregard, just re-read the original post.
No worries. I'm a member of mp3car forums and have done a number of searches there for various things.

What I think I really need to know is if the car ALREADY monitors water temp and oil pressure. If it does, and I can find out where to ascertain the info short of the OBD port, this will be easier and cheaper to do.

Ideas?
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 10:27 PM   #5
O-cha
Brigadier General
O-cha's Avatar
215
Rep
4,726
Posts

Drives: Mcoupe
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: In front of you

iTrader: (2)

__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 09:25 AM   #6
Incompatible
Major
United_States
55
Rep
1,224
Posts

Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

O-cha's gauge mount does look good, conventional or electronic. This is something that I've wanted to do for a while and just haven't gotten around to it. I even acquired an extra ashtray to mod.

Maybe if enough people got in on a group buy, O-cha could do a large enough run to bring the price down. How bout it O-cha?
__________________
If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 09:43 AM   #7
inTgr8r
Lieutenant General
inTgr8r's Avatar
Canada
2422
Rep
11,664
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (10)

^the only thing that keeps me from going the ashtray route is having the gauges low & out of the line of vision.
...they do look good though.
__________________
'21 M2C Hockenheim Silver
'18 718 Cayman S Lava Orange (sold)
'13 E92 M3 Santorini Blue (sold)
'07 Z4 M Coupe Alpine White (sold)

Last edited by inTgr8r; 05-24-2011 at 11:53 AM..
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 11:51 AM   #8
Incompatible
Major
United_States
55
Rep
1,224
Posts

Drives: 07 AW Z4C 3.0Si
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by inTgr8r View Post
^the only think that keeps me from going the ashtray route is having the gauges low & out of the line of vision.
...they do look good though.
I'm certainly not adverse to a sunglass holder mount, or a sit on the dash mount if it didn't damage the dash (although the wiring could be difficult).
__________________
If you can't take the time to teach a kid something good, someone will take the time to teach them something bad.
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 12:14 PM   #9
marinb
First Lieutenant
marinb's Avatar
United_States
16
Rep
331
Posts

Drives: 2017 911 GTS
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: NorCal

iTrader: (4)

If you search around maybe you can find something like this, steering column mounts or vent mounts
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 12:27 PM   #10
Beedub
Major General
United Kingdom
423
Rep
5,327
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

i went all out here and went for stack professional stepper gauges, and the 3d design gauge pod, this setup was painfully expensive BUT in the interior it just has to be right,

the 3d design pod was shipped from japan, and is designed with the stack gauges in mind, the way the bezel lines up with the stack unit's out rim is just PERFECTion..
note the stack units have peak recall which mean i can pull up at any time press the peak button and recall my highest and lowest values, i can however easily read these units on the move, they look absolutly fabulous, very very pleased with this setup.

i went with Boost, Wideband AFR, oil pressure, i love the way the gauges change colour as the needly rises to my preset high value, this looks so cool at night i find myself watching the gauges instead of the road!!!!





__________________
Z4MR VT2 - Clubsport build.
Multi award winning Detailing | Wrap | PPF specialists UK based - www.topwrapz.com
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 12:33 PM   #11
ZStig
instagram 997turbotom
279
Rep
7,376
Posts

Drives: Interlagos Z4MR
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Delray Beach, FL

iTrader: (4)

looks great, matches the air conditioner controllers because they're also in a set of 3
__________________
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 04:47 PM   #12
boondocksaint
Penfold, shush!
boondocksaint's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
132
Posts

Drives: 07 Z4MC
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by O-cha View Post
What gauges are those? Inquiring mind with little time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by inTgr8r View Post
^the only thing that keeps me from going the ashtray route is having the gauges low & out of the line of vision.
...they do look good though.
That's my thought as well. I sat in the car when I began considering this modification, and in my seating position, with my vision, the more visible location is the sunglasses holder.

I know it hasn't been done and is likely to be a pain in the ass to wire, but it makes more sense to me location wise. I've seen a lot of very nice gauge setups in the tray. No qualms with them, I'm jut not as happy with that location.

Vent pods...I rather like the interior to look stock at a glance. The steering column top "Mickey Mouse" pods...I've seen a number of them. They all look rather cheap and never quite fit right. At least, in my experience. Don't like the look of them. Not stealth enough. The ashtray pods look stock, which I like.

And before you guys kill me with "and the sunglasses holder looks stock?" It's not something people will notice at a glance, and it could look pretty stock if done correctly.

Any suggestions for gauge makers? I mentioned what I was thinking. Would like to know what O-Cha's are...
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 11:05 PM   #13
HaiDef
Lieutenant
United_States
23
Rep
416
Posts

Drives: M240i
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Houston

iTrader: (2)

Doesnt bmw need to plug their computers with a slot behind the ashtray if they do any diagnosis?
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 11:06 PM   #14
Ferus
Enlisted Member
0
Rep
33
Posts

Drives: Z4
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Lake Geneva

iTrader: (0)

Beedub,

Awesome setup on the guages! Did the company offer any that where aimed at the drivers seat headrest?

Thanks.
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 11:19 PM   #15
onelove
Track Head
onelove's Avatar
United_States
24
Rep
503
Posts

Drives: 07 Z4M
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Orlando,FL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hdoan86 View Post
Doesnt bmw need to plug their computers with a slot behind the ashtray if they do any diagnosis?
The OBD Port is located to the left of the steering wheel under the dash, this is where the diagnostic port is plugged into.
__________________
2004 Porsche GT3 |White
HRE R40 Monoblocks | KW Clubsport Suspension | RSS Lower Control Arms and Suspension Links | GT3RS Wing and Front Bumper | Cup Car Lip | Euro GT3 Seat | GMG Half Cage | Europipe Exhaust | EPL Tuning
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 11:47 PM   #16
Ron Stygar
Lieutenant
9
Rep
421
Posts

Drives: 2006 Z4 M Coupe
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

OBDII

Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 09:30 AM   #17
jragan
Imola Lover
jragan's Avatar
United_States
26
Rep
749
Posts

Drives: 2007 Imola Red M Coupe
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Fort Worth, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Why not put the gauges in the rear view mirror? http://radar-mirror.com/AEM.html
__________________
His: RIP-"Ruby" E86 ///M Coupe: Pics Track Pics Short Vids Long Vids
Hers: 997-1 C4S: Pics
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 09:45 AM   #18
Beedub
Major General
United Kingdom
423
Rep
5,327
Posts

Drives: 2007 Z4 M roadster vt2-500
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

definatly happy with loosing my ash tray, i dont smoke, and ive relocated the power socket, im loosing nothing at all, the only thing i had im my ash tray was coins.....

i feel much better when pushing my motor now as i can see exactly whats happening...
__________________
Z4MR VT2 - Clubsport build.
Multi award winning Detailing | Wrap | PPF specialists UK based - www.topwrapz.com
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 11:38 AM   #19
HaiDef
Lieutenant
United_States
23
Rep
416
Posts

Drives: M240i
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Houston

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by onelove View Post
The OBD Port is located to the left of the steering wheel under the dash, this is where the diagnostic port is plugged into.

Ive guess the techs have just been stealing my quarters then.
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 12:21 PM   #20
Nikki
Major General
Nikki's Avatar
United_States
979
Rep
6,381
Posts

Drives: Sepang Z4MC
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: LA

iTrader: (9)

Looks nice, matches well. Good work!
__________________
Nikki

Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 02:55 PM   #21
boondocksaint
Penfold, shush!
boondocksaint's Avatar
United_States
4
Rep
132
Posts

Drives: 07 Z4MC
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Charlotte

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jragan View Post
Why not put the gauges in the rear view mirror? http://radar-mirror.com/AEM.html
This idea, I like. Does AEM offer gauges that do not have to be routed through their EM system? I only had time to check the pics, so I didn't get a chance (yet) to read the details.

This is the stealthy approach I prefer. Plus, the rearview mirror would be useful.

I'll do some snooping on this setup tonight. Thanks very much for posting it.
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 09:14 PM   #22
jragan
Imola Lover
jragan's Avatar
United_States
26
Rep
749
Posts

Drives: 2007 Imola Red M Coupe
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Fort Worth, Texas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boondocksaint View Post
This idea, I like. Does AEM offer gauges that do not have to be routed through their EM system? I only had time to check the pics, so I didn't get a chance (yet) to read the details.

This is the stealthy approach I prefer. Plus, the rearview mirror would be useful.

I'll do some snooping on this setup tonight. Thanks very much for posting it.
Not sure on the implementation details but you should definitely email him. He's a great guy and the moderator of our local DFW auto club forum. He, himself, has a Horsepower Freaks E46M3, and he builds the mirrors that HPF sells to go with their kits. Also note that he's integrated PLX gauges, too: http://radar-mirror.com/PLX.html .
__________________
His: RIP-"Ruby" E86 ///M Coupe: Pics Track Pics Short Vids Long Vids
Hers: 997-1 C4S: Pics
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
custom, gauge pod, gauges, oil pressure, sunglasses

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:51 AM.




zpost
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST