I really don't like not having a coolant temperature gauge.
A lot of the aftermarket gauge clusters/pods look kind of just stuck on or tacky.
Is there an elegant way to get more gauges added or someway to get the read out of the temp?

 

I just ordered some of these.

http://www.marshallinstruments.com/c...per_gauges.cfm

They are the only ones that match the style of the MINI's speedometer.

I want to try and fabricate my own gage mounts, but here is what I'd get if I didn't.

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2.../InvDetail.cfm

Dave

 

Those look really good. Thats what Im looking for also.

 

I was also looking for a Temp Guage.

I went with a Garmin GPS with the Eco Route HD Adaptor.

It is a easy install just plugs into the OBDII connection.

Rodney

 

Take a look at a scan gague. it will give you 4 readouts at one time and can be programed for many more.

 

Look in the JCW accessories catalog. Installed it in my R56, along with the relative power meter. It was do-able, but somewhat tedious to self-install; the wiring requires you to modify a couple of connectors at the pin level, including the key under steering wheel one that ties into all the instruments, lighting, turn signals, wipers, etc.

A nice clean look when done. Saw some installed on two JCW's on the floor at the SF Mini dealer the other day, so you can look around at dealers to try to see them. Or look on line floor picks w/ the accessories stuff. Gauge faces are dark, but it does work well as a contrast to the light Tach face, and the round shaping all looks right. Bracket and wiring is all well concealed/hidden by the trim and gauges themselves.

I bought mine at somewhat of a discount via Morristown Mini.

 

I just ordered one tonight for Molly and Smaug, they play nice together so I don't think they'll mind sharing!!

76TR6TB, how do you like yours??

 

I like it a lot. I used the Cravenspeed mount and hard wired it. It is a clean install. I like the idea of having all the OBDII and performance data that the GPS gives me. The bonus is its also a GPS.

I also found and installed the mini car graphic for the GPS .

 

I use an Aeroforce Interceptor OBDII gauge. It has a couple LEDs you can program to alert you if the temp gets too high or for just about any other condition it monitors. You can also use them as shift lights.

http://www.aeroforcetech.com/products_interceptor.html

 

This sounds like a good integrated solution. Do you have the unit mounted on the left of your TACH? Which Garmin GPS unit did you buy? Any issue with running the cable from the GPS to the OBDII port?

Post up a picture if you can.

Thanks!

 

This is one of the coolest and most functional things I have ever seen to add to your car. I am in need of a GPS as it happens.

 

Im sure you've already grouped these into your "stuck on/tacky" category, but dont even consider the Alta packages... Not worth the plastic theyre made of.

 

I used the Garmin navi 1490, It it mounted to the left just above the steering wheel. I ran the power behind the dash and used The Cravenspeed hidden power adapter that came GPS mounting kit.

The Eco Route HD Adapter is a blue tooth connection to the GPS. I attached it under the dash with velcro out of the way.

Rodney

 

you can also go with a scan gauge II

 

The Scangauge is your cheapest option, and will give you so much more than just coolant temp.

 

The Garmin gives more than coolant temp, and looks better than the scan guage II.

Check out the link

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-ecoRout...6044990&sr=8-1

Rodney

 

Rodney,

Does the HD device stay paired to the GPS all the time or do you have to do some manual connection every time you fire up the Mini?

PS .. I see we live quite close

 

I had to connect the first time, after that it is automatic. Since we live close if you would like to see the set up PM me and we can try to get together, I work in West Knoxville.

 

There is an OEM MINI coolant temp gauge you can get. They also have a lateral-g force and engine torque. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...11&hg=62&fg=95

 

Ways suggestion of a Scan Guage is spot on. I use it to track Air Temp, Water Temp, Boost, ect.

 

+1 on the scangauge.

 

I'd get a Scangauge if they were round. I don't like the square styling.

Dave

 

I was sold on the Garmin ecoRoute HD as soon as I learned that it would talk to my 1390LMT, I bought the 1490LMT for my Husband for Christmas, it is a bit too big for Molly at 5.4"W x 3.4"H x .6"D. Once I saw what his could do I had to have one just like it only MINI Size!! My previous 265T got me to AZ and back, but not without almost getting me lost (I'm Directionaly Challenged). I also bought each of us different mounts than what comes in the box, for my Husband (2010 Kia Soul Shadow Dragon SE3) I got him the Portable Friction Mount (Bean Bag), I also bought a Portable Friction Moun for Molly, but it molds to her dash very nicely.
Has anyone tried to use one ecoRoute unit for 2 vehicles??

 

Just picked up an ELM 327 wireless OBDII dongle off ebay($25 w/shipping). Then downloaded "Torque" off the android market (>$5) for my EVO yesterday.
I'm looking forward to seeing all that it can do. Coolant temp is one of the gauges. I also hear it will do some sort of data logging.

Craven Speed offers it too, as well as a package with mounts for different phones. Craven is a good company and will back up their sales. China/Ebay can be an iffy proposition. I guess many come in bad or fail quickly.

 

let us know how that works out on your droid.

I have iPhone and I don't think iphone will talk to any bluetooth device other than a headset. Not a 100% sure though.