REVIEW - Rixster (vent integrated) Boost Gauge (version 2 with CANbus)

Alpina_B3_Lux · 10-22-2011, 01:02 PM

23. REVIEW - Rixster Boost Gauge (version 2)

This is part of my extended review thread that you can find in its entirety here: 335i E90 LCI - Experiences and review of various modifications (long!) but that I reposted here separately in order to make this part easier to find.

• Why?

I believe that anyone who is modifying his car considerably - as many here are doing -, a tool to watch some of the most important parameters of the engine is a must-have. I have owned the Bavarian Technic tool for quite some time, and is has been very helpful to diagnose and datalog. However, it's always a hassle to connect it to the OBD port, take out the laptop, connect it to the laptop etc. - and you can't really watch the data while you're driving, so either you have a passenger doing that or you save it for later analysis.

What I really wanted was a tool that let me watch some of the parameters in real time while driving. Of course I knew that there were boost gauges already on the market, but most of them either looked too much out of style with the interior of my car, and also simply being able to watch the boost didn't really appeal to me.

However, at the end of 2010 I saw that P3Cars was in the process of developing an upgrade to their existing boost gauge, which included CANbus integration and therefor the possibility to display a considerable number of parameters such as intake air temperature, water coolant temperature or throttle plate. I really liked the seamless integration of this gauge into the OEM driver side vent, which along with the orange colour of the digital readout looked very much stock (see also here: P3 Cars - Vent Gauge v2). I didn't want my car look too much like a boyracer car, and therefor the OEM looks that this particular gauge had appealed to me quite a lot. An additional feature that I liked was that the gauge had two additional analogue inputs (besides one that is already used for the boost sensor), which I intend to use at a later point for measuring the flow of my methanol kit.

It then took some time until the development of the gauge was finalised, and a few months later it was possible to subscribe for the first batch of it for 399 USD, IIRC. That's certainly not cheap, but the looks and multitude of features distinguished it from anything else in the market, so I went for it.

• How?

I received it some time after ordering it, and it came well packaged and with everything needed for the install. I had opted for the version that was already integrated into an OEM vent, so that the installation was mostly plug & play. The only difficulty was to find some space for the module itself, as behind the covers of the footwell there were already quite a few cables from my methanol kit and Bilstein B16 Ride Control suspension. It worked out quite well, however, and my garage said that they had no trouble at all installing it.

Here are a few photos:

Boost gauge installed (1):

Boost gauge installed (2) - OBD port:

Display option - Intake Air Temperature:

Display option - Rounds Per Minute:

• Improvements?

In my opinion this gadget looks really great. If you didn't know it, you could easily believe that the car had this display when coming out of the factory. The possibility to use metric measurements but displaying the boost in psi is eminently practical; and it's simply fun watching the boost go up as you floor it.

Also, this enabled me to watch the efficiency of my methanol kit in real time - you could see the air intake temperatures decreasing each time the methanol started being sprayed. Very useful! Also, the feature to display and delete codes is very helpful as well, even though for properly diagnosing and datalogging an additional tool such as the BT tool is indispensable.

The vent itself still works, of course, although it's not possible any more to direct the air stream - but which is not really a problem.

The OBD port can still be used as well - for this the cable of the gauge that is plugged into it simply needs to be unplugged. That was important for me as I would not be able to use the BT tool or the GIAC mapswitcher without this feature. A more permanent install option for those for who this isn't necessary can also be bought, so I am told.

Here's another link with an overview over all features of it: Overview - features of P3 Cars - Vent Gauge v2.

• Problems?

None of any importance, really. It has performed flawlessly since I installed it, and has made it possible for me to keep an eye on some of the most important engine parameters while driving.

As I use the GIAC mapswitcher from time to time, as well as the BT tool, some fumbling is always necessary to get the gauge unplugged, but that is really a very minor gripe.

All in all I'm very happy with this product and can recommend it without any reservation.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Alpina_B3_Lux · 11-15-2011, 10:04 AM

Update for those who are interested in the boost gauge - here's what Rixster posted in the N54tech forum:

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiXst3r

Hey guys, as Terry mentioned we are making a new gauge that will have all the extra features of the v2 gauge (multiple inputs, etc) but without the canbus. The hardware is done and we are planning on being ready to ship by Christmas. It's bascially the v2 gauge with the canbus chips not installed.

The target price is $319, with a lower price for group buys, etc... that should get it under $300.

Features include:
-3 analog inputs, one is always boost, other 2 are universal (meth, AFR, fuel pressure, etc)
-15 second record/playback
-Peak recall
-Auto dimmer input
-Batt voltage display(reads its own supply voltage, no input needed)

And a few other features too... should make for a kickass boost gauge+

As for the v2 gauge WITH canbus, we have a large batch showing up this december.

-Rick

Alpina_B3_Lux

onebadmofo · 11-15-2011, 10:12 AM

What about update to 2007 cars? I still can't read my EGR, voltage and few other things.
Also every time I start the car it shows me that I have a "code" and the code is bunch of gibberish. Other than that it works great.

CPWINCH · 11-15-2011, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CWO

Not sure what this boost guage has to do with Canibus, but that stuff is illegal.

"Marijuana, whose botanical name is cannabis, has been used by humans for thousands of years. It was classified as an illegal drug by many countries in the 20th century. But over the past two decades, there has been a growing movement to legalize it, primarily for medical purposes."

You find out more here:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/refere...ana/index.html

your so gay

nice review op, looking to get one soon

BlueLion · 11-15-2011, 11:14 AM

im waiting on the 07 fix too before i purcahse

bigdaddycane · 11-15-2011, 12:20 PM

I love my V1 Vent Boost Gauge, but this one has more functionality. Nice write up....

Krazy3281 · 11-15-2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPWINCH

your so gay

nice review op, looking to get one soon

Daya · 11-16-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

I love my V1 Vent Boost Gauge, but this one has more functionality. Nice write up....

+1

Papajim · 11-16-2011, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadmofo

What about update to 2007 cars? I still can't read my EGR, voltage and few other things.
Also every time I start the car it shows me that I have a "code" and the code is bunch of gibberish. Other than that it works great.

I second that...

vasillalov · 11-16-2011, 03:47 PM

I've been using mine for a few months now and I have been very satisfied with it. The LED color matches the stock cluster colors very well and the gauge vent piece looks very OEM-like. The installation is simple and the gauge works very well.

As a negative: I do not like the way the data cable has to go through the back of the vent. The cable could have been routed differently in my opinion. I've been wanting to modify my stock vent for a while to route the data cable differently, but I've been slacking on that...

My advise to anyone who is wanting to purchase this: get it! It is a great product. Just make sure you align the grills inside the vent in the direction you want before you put the vent piece in the dash.

datbimmerdoe · 11-16-2011, 04:40 PM

great review

enrita · 11-16-2011, 05:11 PM

great review as usual! using V1 and still very happy with it. would not mind be able to see meth flow on it though. I integrated the leds of meth inside the gauge though but actual flow would be awesome.

Alpina_B3_Lux · 11-18-2011, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPWINCH

nice review op, looking to get one soon

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdaddycane

I love my V1 Vent Boost Gauge, but this one has more functionality. Nice write up....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daya

+1

Quote:

Originally Posted by the infamous...

great review

Quote:

Originally Posted by enrita

great review as usual! using V1 and still very happy with it. would not mind be able to see meth flow on it though. I integrated the leds of meth inside the gauge though but actual flow would be awesome.

Thanks for your positive comments! Very much appreciated.

Alpina_B3_Lux

klepikovp · 11-18-2011, 10:17 AM

sorry for the noob question but where did you order it from? P3CARS website don't have one listed for BMW's...
Thanks in advance!

onebadmofo · 11-18-2011, 10:21 AM

They don't make them right now.

Alpina_B3_Lux · 11-18-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klepikovp

sorry for the noob question but where did you order it from? P3CARS website don't have one listed for BMW's...
Thanks in advance!

As indicated in my update post above, they will be available again in December.

I would suggest to contact P3Cars either through their website or here (website is probably more efficient). Or just call them.

Alpina_B3_Lux

klepikovp · 11-18-2011, 10:39 AM

Thanks guys! Gauge looks really neat! Thanks for the review OP. I'll be getting one come December for sure

Alpina_B3_Lux · 11-27-2011, 01:48 PM

I'm glad the information in my review and this thread helped you.

Alpina_B3_Lux

RiXst3r · 11-27-2011, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

I'm glad the information in my review and this thread helped you.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Awesome review! Thanks for posting!

pits200 · 11-27-2011, 06:53 PM

Do these even exist anymore?

RaihaX · 11-27-2011, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pits200

Do these even exist anymore?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=615836

BrianMN · 11-27-2011, 06:59 PM

Can someone please explain how EGT is calculated and/or what the equation is?

10-22-2011, 01:02 PM	#1
Alpina_B3_Lux Colonel 275 Rep 2,563 Posts Drives: Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i [8.90]	REVIEW - Rixster (vent integrated) Boost Gauge (version 2 with CANbus) 23. REVIEW - Rixster Boost Gauge (version 2) This is part of my extended review thread that you can find in its entirety here: 335i E90 LCI - Experiences and review of various modifications (long!) but that I reposted here separately in order to make this part easier to find. • Why? I believe that anyone who is modifying his car considerably - as many here are doing -, a tool to watch some of the most important parameters of the engine is a must-have. I have owned the Bavarian Technic tool for quite some time, and is has been very helpful to diagnose and datalog. However, it's always a hassle to connect it to the OBD port, take out the laptop, connect it to the laptop etc. - and you can't really watch the data while you're driving, so either you have a passenger doing that or you save it for later analysis. What I really wanted was a tool that let me watch some of the parameters in real time while driving. Of course I knew that there were boost gauges already on the market, but most of them either looked too much out of style with the interior of my car, and also simply being able to watch the boost didn't really appeal to me. However, at the end of 2010 I saw that P3Cars was in the process of developing an upgrade to their existing boost gauge, which included CANbus integration and therefor the possibility to display a considerable number of parameters such as intake air temperature, water coolant temperature or throttle plate. I really liked the seamless integration of this gauge into the OEM driver side vent, which along with the orange colour of the digital readout looked very much stock (see also here: P3 Cars - Vent Gauge v2). I didn't want my car look too much like a boyracer car, and therefor the OEM looks that this particular gauge had appealed to me quite a lot. An additional feature that I liked was that the gauge had two additional analogue inputs (besides one that is already used for the boost sensor), which I intend to use at a later point for measuring the flow of my methanol kit. It then took some time until the development of the gauge was finalised, and a few months later it was possible to subscribe for the first batch of it for 399 USD, IIRC. That's certainly not cheap, but the looks and multitude of features distinguished it from anything else in the market, so I went for it. • How? I received it some time after ordering it, and it came well packaged and with everything needed for the install. I had opted for the version that was already integrated into an OEM vent, so that the installation was mostly plug & play. The only difficulty was to find some space for the module itself, as behind the covers of the footwell there were already quite a few cables from my methanol kit and Bilstein B16 Ride Control suspension. It worked out quite well, however, and my garage said that they had no trouble at all installing it. Here are a few photos: Boost gauge installed (1): Boost gauge installed (2) - OBD port: Display option - Intake Air Temperature: Display option - Rounds Per Minute: • Improvements? In my opinion this gadget looks really great. If you didn't know it, you could easily believe that the car had this display when coming out of the factory. The possibility to use metric measurements but displaying the boost in psi is eminently practical; and it's simply fun watching the boost go up as you floor it. Also, this enabled me to watch the efficiency of my methanol kit in real time - you could see the air intake temperatures decreasing each time the methanol started being sprayed. Very useful! Also, the feature to display and delete codes is very helpful as well, even though for properly diagnosing and datalogging an additional tool such as the BT tool is indispensable. The vent itself still works, of course, although it's not possible any more to direct the air stream - but which is not really a problem. The OBD port can still be used as well - for this the cable of the gauge that is plugged into it simply needs to be unplugged. That was important for me as I would not be able to use the BT tool or the GIAC mapswitcher without this feature. A more permanent install option for those for who this isn't necessary can also be bought, so I am told. Here's another link with an overview over all features of it: Overview - features of P3 Cars - Vent Gauge v2. • Problems? None of any importance, really. It has performed flawlessly since I installed it, and has made it possible for me to keep an eye on some of the most important engine parameters while driving. As I use the GIAC mapswitcher from time to time, as well as the BT tool, some fumbling is always necessary to get the gauge unplugged, but that is really a very minor gripe. All in all I'm very happy with this product and can recommend it without any reservation. Alpina_B3_Lux __________________ Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive (G30 LCI); gone: Alpina B3 3,3 (E46), BMW 335i, Audi R8 V10 manual, Audi R8 V10, BMW M235i, BMW 550i F10 Last edited by Alpina_B3_Lux; 10-22-2011 at 01:31 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-15-2011, 10:12 AM	#3
onebadmofo Colonel 376 Rep 2,394 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (14)	What about update to 2007 cars? I still can't read my EGR, voltage and few other things. Also every time I start the car it shows me that I have a "code" and the code is bunch of gibberish. Other than that it works great.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2011, 11:14 AM	#5
BlueLion Lieutenant Colonel 121 Rep 1,658 Posts Drives: 22 X3M SPY Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bradenton - FL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2022 X3MC [0.00]	im waiting on the 07 fix too before i purcahse __________________ Retired: '07 E92 335 MB, '16 M5COMP SG Current: '22 X3MCOMP SPY
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2011, 12:20 PM	#6
bigdaddycane I even mod my cereal 297 Rep 3,499 Posts Drives: 11 ZCP DCT M3 14 328d 21 GT4 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Northern Va iTrader: (53) Garage List 2021 Porsche GT4 [0.00] 2014 BMW 328d Xdriv ... [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 [0.00]	I love my V1 Vent Boost Gauge, but this one has more functionality. Nice write up.... __________________ 2011 Mineral White M3 ZCP - Opticoat, Ventureshield, some CF, B&B exhaust, AFE Intake Vorsteiner VFF 101s Ohlins 2014 Mineral White 328d Xdrive Wagon - Opticoat, Ventureshield, B8s, H&R, Apex SM-10s Hawk Pads 2021 718 Cayman GT4 - Fire extinguiser, Neodyme GT3 Wheel Color
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2011, 03:47 PM	#10
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose 1237 Rep 5,469 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (5) Garage List 2023 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 335i E90 [8.00]	I've been using mine for a few months now and I have been very satisfied with it. The LED color matches the stock cluster colors very well and the gauge vent piece looks very OEM-like. The installation is simple and the gauge works very well. As a negative: I do not like the way the data cable has to go through the back of the vent. The cable could have been routed differently in my opinion. I've been wanting to modify my stock vent for a while to route the data cable differently, but I've been slacking on that... My advise to anyone who is wanting to purchase this: get it! It is a great product. Just make sure you align the grills inside the vent in the direction you want before you put the vent piece in the dash. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2011, 04:40 PM	#11
datbimmerdoe Lieutenant General 1320 Rep 17,493 Posts Drives: like I'M BOUT THAT LIFE Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: PARADISE aka CANES COUNTRY iTrader: (0)	great review __________________ #datbimmerdoe #thatbimmertho FOLLOW @datbimmerdoe on INSTAGRAM
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-16-2011, 05:11 PM	#12
enrita Major General 167 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	great review as usual! using V1 and still very happy with it. would not mind be able to see meth flow on it though. I integrated the leds of meth inside the gauge though but actual flow would be awesome. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2011, 10:17 AM	#14
klepikovp Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bradenton, FL iTrader: (1)	sorry for the noob question but where did you order it from? P3CARS website don't have one listed for BMW's... Thanks in advance!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2011, 10:21 AM	#15
onebadmofo Colonel 376 Rep 2,394 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (14)	They don't make them right now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2011, 10:39 AM	#17
klepikovp Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 225 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Bradenton, FL iTrader: (1)	Thanks guys! Gauge looks really neat! Thanks for the review OP. I'll be getting one come December for sure
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2011, 01:48 PM	#18
Alpina_B3_Lux Colonel 275 Rep 2,563 Posts Drives: Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i [8.90]	I'm glad the information in my review and this thread helped you. Alpina_B3_Lux __________________ Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive (G30 LCI); gone: Alpina B3 3,3 (E46), BMW 335i, Audi R8 V10 manual, Audi R8 V10, BMW M235i, BMW 550i F10
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2011, 06:53 PM	#20
pits200 Colonel 556 Rep 2,598 Posts Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	Do these even exist anymore?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2011, 06:59 PM	#22
BrianMN Banned 128 Rep 2,428 Posts Drives: 4 Door Family Sedan Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (7)	Can someone please explain how EGT is calculated and/or what the equation is?
	Appreciate 0 Quote