Turbo boost gauge

[powers1]

Anyone ever fitted a boost gauge on their 3.0 D?What would be the best place you guys think ,would look more OE and without looking particularly aftermarket?

Some think of a boost gauge as a "boy racer" type of add on ,but in fact its a very useful gauge for any recent turbo diesel car. Once you know what peak boost your 3.0D does (1.1 on a M47 and 1.25 on a M47TU),if you were to suddently notice a drop in performance or MPG and your boost gauge no longer reads the same peak power,then its easier to identify the problem,without connecting your car to INPA for "on the go" boost readout and you will need someone else on the passenger side with the laptop as you drive.
Add to this,the fact that INPA/DIS doesnt record live data , a boost gauge starts to make evenmore sense!

Common culprits,for incorrect boost pressure ,can be leaking vaccum pipes or vaccum reservoir,turbo-intercooler pipes,faulty pressure converter or a MAP or MAF sensor,faulty open egr valve,partially blocked Kat..etc.......

Forget the pillar mounted gauge(Ridiculous and definitely boy racer) or the ventilation vents in the middle (cool but you loose vent control and doesnt look OE),so leaves somewhere else on the car to fit a gauge!
I already fitted mine(pics to follow) but I would love to hear any ideas outthere!

[SMOKEY53]

I think it's a great idea.

I like knowing what my turbo is doing - if it's overboosting/spiking - if it's underboosting, identifying vacc leaks by watching it at idle.

You can get small square guages that you can cut into a trim piece,

Automobile Multimeter Gauge FOR EGT Boost Amber LED | eBay


I have seen some really small digital displays that literally just the panel itself, no housing - they show a number ie. no needles or graphics etc. You could mount one of those somewhere inconspicuous. I have seen them BEHIND dash vents so that they're literally invisible except for when powered up and you just see a number display behind your vent. This guy has also mounted one inside his mirror by cutting out a window in the mirror film from the inside:

[SMOKEY53]

Here is another idea:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=405413

DIY Thread for a similar setup: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...8692&highlight=

[powers1]

Thanks for the input Smokey
Those are great ideas and definitely the best looking ,but more expensive ..I know ECS ,for Audi ,do a boost gauge for the vent pod for nearly $200!
8e0998002 - ECS Vent Pod Boost Gauge Kit - ES#8017

I fitted an analogue boost gauge with no brand name ($30) and the rest is labour.Think it suits the x5s somewhat outdated interior

[SMOKEY53]

Nothing wrong with a budget solution! Does it light up some colour as the factory dials??

I just like the OEM appearance of those two options I posted. I am not a fan of mods that are permanent - hurts your resale. That's why I rate the vent idea - I reckon you could do that for <$50 if you were savvy. Perspex off cut from a local supplier, cheap digital gauge disassembled and a bit of steady work with a Dremel. If you want to return it stock, get a vent assembly from a wrecker and 2 mins later you're back to normal. I reckon I might have a crack at that one day!

[powers1]

Originally Posted by SMOKEY53

Nothing wrong with a budget solution! Does it light up some colour as the factory dials??

I just like the OEM appearance of those two options I posted. I am not a fan of mods that are permanent - hurts your resale. That's why I rate the vent idea - I reckon you could do that for <$50 if you were savvy. Perspex off cut from a local supplier, cheap digital gauge disassembled and a bit of steady work with a Dremel. If you want to return it stock, get a vent assembly from a wrecker and 2 mins later you're back to normal. I reckon I might have a crack at that one day!

Yep,lights up same colour as factory and dims too
Only like budget solutions if it looks "factory" and in my case have no intention to bring it back to stock and dont think it hurts resale vakue ,quite the opposite!