E90Post
 


Studio RSR
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Powertrain and Drivetrain Discussions > N54 Turbo Engine / Drivetrain / Exhaust Modifications - 335i > AEM analog A/F UEGO gauge Review....LOOKS STOCK!!



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-02-2009, 05:21 PM   #1
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

AEM analog A/F UEGO gauge Review....LOOKS STOCK!!

AEM – Analog Wideband Air/Fuel Gauge
Part Number: 30-5130


Project car: 2007 BMW 335i
Author: Eric Gaudi of AMS performance






Recently we had the opportunity to try out AEM’s new wideband Air/Fuel Gauge in our shop BMW 335i. Having searched around we wanted to find the best balance between functionality, reliability, cost and aesthetics. Our search landed us right to AEM’s new analog wideband Air/Fuel gauge. The benefits of a quality wideband gauge in a car are many but for those that are a little new to this particular instrument let me answer a few questions:



What is a wideband air/fuel gauge?
A wideband Air/Fuel Gauge is an instrument that accurately displays the ratio of air to fuel in your engine. It typically reads how many parts of air to one part of fuel. For example a reading of 14.7 would translate into 14.7 parts of air to one part of fuel. It does this by using an additional oxygen sensor that samples the mixture.

Why do I need one?
Well the reasons are many but in short this sensor will accurately display how your car is running in regards to fuel mixture. You have heard people comment on if their car is running lean or rich...this is a tool used to find that out. The higher the number reads the leaner your car is running. The lower the number the richer your car is running. Tuners have been using these for years to help dial in a cars fuel mixture to optimize performance while retaining reliability and safety.

Why can’t I simply use a cheaper non wideband air fuel gauge?
The term wideband comes from the sensors sampling range. Standard air fuel ratio gauges piggyback the factory O2 sensor and translate it into a rough reading. The problem is that translation is done in the form of a vague colored light range. No actual number is given. Not to mention that factory sensor is a narrow band sensor. The factory sensor has a sampling range of 0-1 volts whereas a wideband sensor has a sampling range of 0-5 volts allowing it to be MUCH more precise. This would be like comparing a cup and a string to an actual telephone…night and day. The AEM system features a Bosch sensor with an accuracy of .1 AFR, making it among the fastest and most accurate widebands available.


Review:

What first drew us to the AEM line is there track record. We have been using AEM UEGO wideband digital gauges for years and its quite possibly the best all around wideband gauge. Easy installation, precise readings, quality construction all packed in a very aesthetically pleasing part. We knew this analog model would be just as accurate and well made.


Installation:
Installing an AEM UEGO Gauge could not really be much simpler. As far as gauges go this is pretty straight forward. The hardest part is routing the O2 sensor but even that is very basic. Wiring again is very simple. You have power, Ground and signal. There is also an optional output wire but we will get to that later.


I won’t get into the specific wire to wire details on where to mount this gauge because for each user that will vary. Because you only have to pick up a power and a ground this gauge can really be mounted wherever you see fit. I chose to remove the factory ashtray and cigarette lighter and mount my AEM UEGO gauge there. In order to do this I had to build a custom carbon fiber panel. Obviously this is one of the more labor intensive areas to put this gauge in a 335i but I wanted something that looked very clean and factory like.


Wiring was a breeze! I simply tapped into the power, ground and dimmer wires already going to my cigarette lighter. Being that the gauge was only about 6” from the factory wiring it allowed for a clean easy install. One of the really nice features are the integrated output wires on the gauge. Should you choose to use them you can have the AEM output that same 0-5v signal to any form of logging device you might be using. This is very convenient for those using the UEGO for tuning as you can actually see point by point on your logging software your fuel mixture.


Routing the wideband sensor through the firewall was a little more difficult than the wiring of the gauge. Even this was not really difficult. Most cars have either rubber grommets on the firewall near the pedal assembly. In addition the steering column usually passes through the firewall with a rubber boot. Robber grommets were in an awkward place on the 335i so I chose to make a small incision in the rubber boot on the steering column. I then simply passed the harness through and routed it below the car using existing factory brackets and ties already holding in factory wiring. So far the install was going pretty easy. Now comes the only 'hard" part of the install. In order for the sensor to work it has to be in the exhaust stream. In order to achieve this a bung needs to be welded in the exhaust. AEM recommends about 2-3 feet from the turbo. On the BMW there are two dedicated exhaust pipes so you just need to install it in one of the two pipes. VERY IMPORTANT: if you have catalytic converters in the car the sensor MUST be installed BEFORE the cat in order to get a proper reading.


Performance:
With the gauge installed and the sensor hooked up its time to see how she works. The first thing that stands out if the color range, instead of choosing a predetermined color AEM actually has a fine dial on the back of the gauge. This allows you to dial in the color of the gauge to match your factory instruments. I was able to match the factory BMW instrument cluster EXACTLY! It literally looks STOCK! This was a huge plus for me as I am very particular about how gauges match in a car. To top if off AEM even gives you two different bezel options (gloss black and silver) I chose black as it seemed to look the most OEM.



Now the real reason to buy a wideband A/F gauge is functionality. AEM does not disappoint! Most wideband A/F gauges on the market read primarily numerical. This is hard to read during real time as a series of numbers will rush by until it levels off. With an analog or needle based gauge you can watch the needs as it sweeps. This gives you a much better way of monitoring how A/F is changing in real time. With the needle you can see how fast the needle sweeps and if it dips or spikes. AEM actually developed this just for tuners so they can not only log and review A/F from the 0-5v output but also monitor it in real time. The needle is VERY responsive and smooth, so much it actually had me questioning the countless other needle based gauges that I have used in my car career. AEM got it PERFECT!

In summary we are very impressed with the AEM UEGO analog wideband air/fuel gauge. AEM never seems to disappoint with quality products that don’t break the bank. We plan on using other AEM gauges for our project 335i and we will continue to report back on them in the future. For more information or to pick up one of these for yourself visit AMS HERE! or at any AEM distributor.

Eric
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2009, 06:19 PM   #2
MACH V
MEFAKED
MACH V's Avatar
3
Rep
51
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: FT. Lauderdale, FL

iTrader: (0)

Nice review! Gauge looks sick!
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2009, 06:41 PM   #3
roozie2001
Just some guy
roozie2001's Avatar
United_States
49
Rep
1,531
Posts

Drives: 2008 White 335i sedan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (4)

kinda JDM looking
__________________
2008 BMW 335i/Sedan/Alpine White/Terra/Steptronic/Premium Package/Sports package/Comfort Access/USB/Sirius
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2009, 06:43 PM   #4
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

Really? How so? just curious...I think it looks really clean. The pictures really do not do it justice at night. The lighting is near perfect

Eric
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2009, 06:53 PM   #5
N54MPower
First Lieutenant
United_States
282
Rep
385
Posts

Drives: Fast Cars
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Global

iTrader: (3)

Great review Eric, I wouldn't expect anything less from the guys at AMS.

I have the older digital style in one of my other cars, I wish they had the analog version available at the time I bought mine.
Appreciate 0
      07-02-2009, 08:55 PM   #6
roozie2001
Just some guy
roozie2001's Avatar
United_States
49
Rep
1,531
Posts

Drives: 2008 White 335i sedan
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (4)

the dial looks okkk but the housing looks kinda jdm to me. Its doesnt flow. Its too cylindrical rather than the dome-ish type look that a few other gauges have. The quality is second to none because AEM has been around a long time. But i personally dont dig the look. but to each his own.
__________________
2008 BMW 335i/Sedan/Alpine White/Terra/Steptronic/Premium Package/Sports package/Comfort Access/USB/Sirius
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 10:45 AM   #7
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by N54MPower View Post
Great review Eric, I wouldn't expect anything less from the guys at AMS.

I have the older digital style in one of my other cars, I wish they had the analog version available at the time I bought mine.
Thanks!! It was easy to write as its a quality product

Quote:
Originally Posted by roozie2001 View Post
the dial looks okkk but the housing looks kinda jdm to me. Its doesnt flow. Its too cylindrical rather than the dome-ish type look that a few other gauges have. The quality is second to none because AEM has been around a long time. But i personally dont dig the look. but to each his own.
Fair enough. to each his own
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 01:55 PM   #8
TurboSid
Brigadier General
TurboSid's Avatar
1083
Rep
3,256
Posts

Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Florida

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
2008 335i  [0.00]
i'd prefer the digital gauge honestly. but pretty cool.
__________________


2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive
2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 04:07 PM   #9
Chefcg1
Major
Chefcg1's Avatar
United_States
67
Rep
1,137
Posts

Drives: 2008 BMW 335i
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Mount Airy, NC

iTrader: (6)

i had the digital one in my GTO and loved it, but realy couldn't see it in my new bmw so I sold it last week
__________________
2008 335i coupe AW 6AT, RB Turbos, PROcede 2.5 V5, Alpina Flash, Injen Intake, VK MW DP . Helix IC, Vishnu PnP Meth(M10 nozzel), M3 sides, OEM Aero Lip, VMR V710 Midnight Blue, LUX H8, HID Fogs, M3 front bits, D2 Coilovers, Whiteline Rear Bushing inserts, Custom M3 Steering Wheel, Cyba scoops, M2 Performance Exhaust
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 04:19 PM   #10
1clean335i
Perf BMW mag issue 147, 159
1clean335i's Avatar
Vietnam
413
Rep
6,803
Posts

Drives: Project Estoril
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (31)

Garage List
Nice! I had a digital one in my old car.
__________________
'13 Estoril Blue 335i M-sport
*Don't PM me!* Message me here- http://www.facebook.com/ProjectEstoril
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 05:14 PM   #11
MarkE92
Second Lieutenant
MarkE92's Avatar
31
Rep
209
Posts

Drives: E92 335
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Netherlands

iTrader: (0)

try to make the plate at an angel so you can read the gauges better while driving.....
Attached Images
 
__________________
Custom leather interieur, custom gauges, performance steering wheel with DCT paddles, performance exhaust, original 19 inch CSL wheels, M- bumperkit, VDO Nav...... many more mods on the way
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2009, 05:27 PM   #12
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, thats a good idea. I was actually thinking of making a wedge spacer to get the same effect.
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 12:10 PM   #13
Digital.James
Colonel
Digital.James's Avatar
119
Rep
2,703
Posts

Drives: GT4, Raptor.2, Tuono 1100F
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: NC

iTrader: (7)

I too like dials over digital numbers. I think they look hokey and scramble way too much.

Ill be picking one of these up too
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 01:49 PM   #14
midlife
ocasionally in crisis
midlife's Avatar
52
Rep
2,358
Posts

Drives: '08 335i cabrio
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ..........

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkE92 View Post
try to make the plate at an angel so you can read the gauges better while driving.....
i like this idea of angling the gauges a bit for easier viewing....
also i think that pairing the A/F ratio gauge with a matching water temp guage would be the ultimate.

lastly, i think an easier sell (and less hassle for the customer) is to supply the carbon fiber insert that covers the ashtray.

my 2 cents
__________________
If your car isn't scary - it's just not fast enough !
RPI IC / UR catless DPs / JB3 2.0 beta / UR CAI / Quaife LSD / Snow Methanol Injection / VK oil cooler upgrade / Forge DVs /
M3 rear sway / Riss catch can / Paddle shifting 6AT / M Sport steering wheel / Logic 7 / Dunlop Direzza Z1 255/235 /
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2009, 08:20 PM   #15
midlife
ocasionally in crisis
midlife's Avatar
52
Rep
2,358
Posts

Drives: '08 335i cabrio
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: ..........

iTrader: (0)

...just a thought. can the A/F gauge have a peak recal ??

also, i assume you are going to put another gauge in that location so there will be at least 2 gauges correct ??

.
__________________
If your car isn't scary - it's just not fast enough !
RPI IC / UR catless DPs / JB3 2.0 beta / UR CAI / Quaife LSD / Snow Methanol Injection / VK oil cooler upgrade / Forge DVs /
M3 rear sway / Riss catch can / Paddle shifting 6AT / M Sport steering wheel / Logic 7 / Dunlop Direzza Z1 255/235 /
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2009, 03:04 PM   #16
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

The problem with peak recall on an A/F gauge is that when you get off the throttle the car will go very lean as the TB has closed and Fuel has been cut. Every time you do this it will register very lean and honestly be worthless. It could potentially work the other way but then it would only be showing you how rich you were at one point.

yes I will be adding more AEM digital gauges (2 actually) in that same panel and reviewing each one as I go

Eric
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2009, 03:44 PM   #17
RiXst3r
RiXst3r's Avatar
271
Rep
6,510
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (14)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital.James View Post
I too like dials over digital numbers. I think they look hokey and scramble way too much.

Ill be picking one of these up too
Not all digital gauges are created equal...
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2009, 03:45 PM   #18
RiXst3r
RiXst3r's Avatar
271
Rep
6,510
Posts

Drives: M235i
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (14)

Your car is looking good Eric, can't wait to see how it turns out!
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2009, 06:09 PM   #19
Eric@AMS
Captain
71
Rep
726
Posts

Drives: 2007 335i
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

Thanks!!!!

Eric
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2017, 05:43 PM   #20
ihernandez7910
Banned
101
Rep
229
Posts

Drives: 08 E90 335i 6 spd MT
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Everett, WA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW 335  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric@AMS View Post
Thanks!!!!

Eric
I know this is an old thread. ERIC are you still active on here?
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2017, 06:03 PM   #21
CanadianTSi
Captain
CanadianTSi's Avatar
Canada
207
Rep
602
Posts

Drives: 2014 535 xDrive Diesel
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Alberta

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ihernandez7910 View Post
I know this is an old thread. ERIC are you still active on here?
He no longer works for AMS and was last online over 5 years ago.
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2017, 08:58 PM   #22
ihernandez7910
Banned
101
Rep
229
Posts

Drives: 08 E90 335i 6 spd MT
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Everett, WA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2008 BMW 335  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by CanadianTSi View Post
He no longer works for AMS and was last online over 5 years ago.
Damm. I need to know if our 02 sensors are LSU4. 9 sensors

Last edited by ihernandez7910; 07-07-2017 at 06:43 AM..
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

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 12:13 PM.




e90post
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