[addicted2drums]

I tried searching and I have not found anything on this yet. Also not sure if this is the right spot, but I figured i would start here.

Can you guys, BMW, Vishnu, JB, Dinan, etc...fix it so that one of the options in the dash is a boost gauge? I don't need to look at my boost / vac all the time and it can be a little distracting with clients in the car.

I have seen some stealth options, using the ash tray area and the vent option is nice too, but i think it should simple to add an option beside my fuel economy, boost / vacuum. I don't need the bar read out just the numbers like the active fuel economy gauge. The set-up could be in the same section that I adjust the blinkers and door locks. From here the "max" boost read, read-out increments can be changed, etc... just like all the other boost / vac gauges have. This way even if i have it visible my passengers don't get distracted and there is nothing suspicious for the cops to see either.

Here is a photoshop version of what i am talking about. Actual verbiage shown is up to you, it is late and I am at a loss on the specifics at this point.

[creaminz]

brilliant idea...if it's something that can be done...

[lpphreakx06]

I'd imagine it would be hard to implement.

[Rotary Rasp]

I don't think it can be done. Nice idea though.

[enrita]

you can ask BMW to fix that :-) Guess would be really hard and needs tempering of the ECU area which means warranty voided. Would be great of course and i really dont understand why bmw didnt put one from the start. i have the Rixster one and think is the best option out there. I dont want to have something sticking out that looks not OEM.

[joec500]

Actually, they did something like this with the B5 Audi S4.... they somehow tapped into the cluster to display everything from Boost to oil temp etc....It can be done, but it's a matter of how much time and money you want to spend.

[sd390r]

I think it'd be cool to have another gauge like the oil temp/mpg one, that reads boost

would be real nice, but of course would never happen!

[addicted2drums]

all things are possible, it is just a computer read out. the computer has to have a boost sensor or it would not know when to retard the engine in cases of over boost and data logging for warranty issues. just gotta tap into that and make a read out for it that goes to the dash.

or maybe it could be a tiny "hud" style readout that reflected off the area where the cruise control lights are at. this way it is still out of the way, but it would need an off button for my tastes.

[dmurray14]

I was thinking about this the other day. I bet its possible. It really depends on how the messages are sent to the "Kombi" or instrument cluster over the bus to get messages up on there (warnings etc.). If there is a way to send actual custom messages and not just pull up pre-stored ones, it is certainly possible. I'm trying to get a hold of an interface to play with.

BTW - this would have been a lot easier on the e46 with the iBus. I think they even successfully did this with a V1 interface.

Just my 2c.

Dan

[Dan335i]

This would be a great idea.BMW should have thought about this before you.As far as i am concerned,every single turbocharged car should have a boost gauge from the factory.

[Sniz]

+1, no boost gauge on a turbo'd car is just plain stupid to enthusiasts. However the average Joe will wonder why that little number keeps changing and probably take his car in.

[addicted2drums]

i agree, i just cant settle on any that i like. the vent options are the closest to what i am looking for but still not discrete enough. maybe if they had a flap to hide it when i am not using it.

[mr_graphite]

That's a really freakin cool idea. So convenient.

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by dmurray14

I was thinking about this the other day. I bet its possible. It really depends on how the messages are sent to the "Kombi" or instrument cluster over the bus to get messages up on there (warnings etc.). If there is a way to send actual custom messages and not just pull up pre-stored ones, it is certainly possible. I'm trying to get a hold of an interface to play with.

BTW - this would have been a lot easier on the e46 with the iBus. I think they even successfully did this with a V1 interface.

Just my 2c.

Dan

The interface is over KCAN on the E9x. It may or may not be possible as you indicated, however it is definately possible to interface to the RDS (Radio display), as that it fully progammable.


The StealthOne V1 interface though the iBus (kBus for 3series) could not do that for the E46 though, it was the E39 and E38 onto the MID, but for the E46 it was able to display data (arrows, signal, etc) on the RDS.

[RiXst3r]

Originally Posted by addicted2drums

i agree, i just cant settle on any that i like. the vent options are the closest to what i am looking for but still not discrete enough. maybe if they had a flap to hide it when i am not using it.

Or maybe if the gauge could be disabled and locked out via a button press combo while not in use

[addicted2drums]

that sounds good too.

[OpenFlash]

We're already on it. Looking at various options right now. No promises though

[jpsimon]

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

We're already on it.

oh man, get your Australian to hurry up!

[addicted2drums]

nice.