DIY - Gauges Installation in front ashtray

[GtiGyver]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had instructions on how and where to tap power for the gauges that can be installed in the front ashtray on a 1-series.

I bought the panel from Leatherz but they don't supply any instructions unless you purchase a package including the gauges.

I don't want to tear into the dash until I know what I'm doing.

Thanks

[Das Ein]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had instructions on how and where to tap power for the gauges that can be installed in the front ashtray on a 1-series.

I bought the panel from Leatherz but they don't supply any instructions unless you purchase a package including the gauges.

I don't want to tear into the dash until I know what I'm doing.

Thanks

Not everyone at once!!! I would like to know as well.

[AndyM]

Fuse 7. You can also follow any of the radar detector hardwire threads to get it.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

Hi, I was wondering if anyone had instructions on how and where to tap power for the gauges that can be installed in the front ashtray on a 1-series.

I bought the panel from Leatherz but they don't supply any instructions unless you purchase a package including the gauges.

I don't want to tear into the dash until I know what I'm doing.

Thanks

You can always use the cigarette lighter power since this will be replaced anyway with the new gauge panel.

[Das Ein]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

You can always use the cigarette lighter power since this will be replaced anyway with the new gauge panel.

Thanks, that is what I was wondering if possible.

[ulrichd]

Originally Posted by Das Ein

Thanks, that is what I was wondering if possible.

BTW, "Das Ein", you are slaughtering the German language. It's Der Einser.

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

You can always use the cigarette lighter power since this will be replaced anyway with the new gauge panel.

There's just one problem. The many of the 2009+ models didn't come with the ashtray option and BMW in their infinite wisdom didn't provide any wiring for such an eventual upgrade.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

There's just one problem. The many of the 2009+ models didn't come with the ashtray option and BMW in their infinite wisdom didn't provide any wiring for such an eventual upgrade.

There's a few options, as a relay can be used to trigger a +12V signal with the ignition on, even tapping power from the back of the radio bulkhead connector.

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

There's a few options, as a relay can be used to trigger a +12V signal with the ignition on, even tapping power from the back of the radio bulkhead connector.

I thought of that too, instead I'll tap into the wire going to the armrest area cigarette lighter, BUT now the issue is, what do I tap for the lighting?

Not sure about the radio, but it seems that the integral lighting of most devices on the car are not driven by a simple wire with varying voltage, but through the data bus somehow. At least on the climate controls...

[AndyM]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

I thought of that too, instead I’ll tap into the wire going to the armrest area cigarette lighter, BUT now the issue is, what do I tap for the lighting?

Not sure about the radio, but it seems that the integral lighting of most devices on the car are not driven by a simple wire with varying voltage, but through the data bus somehow. At least on the climate controls...

Did your car have the ashtray power outlet? You can pull dimmed power from the socket.

[GtiGyver]

Originally Posted by AndyM

Did your car have the ashtray power outlet? You can pull dimmed power from the socket.

NO

The socket isn't backlit.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

I thought of that too, instead I'll tap into the wire going to the armrest area cigarette lighter, BUT now the issue is, what do I tap for the lighting?

Not sure about the radio, but it seems that the integral lighting of most devices on the car are not driven by a simple wire with varying voltage, but through the data bus somehow. At least on the climate controls...

It depends on what type of gauges you are running, we chose to have the STRI models remain lit at all times. Otherwise, a multimeter will show what wire is 12V illumination.

If the light is too bright, a 1 ohm resistor will dim it down a bit to your liking.

[Das Ein]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

BTW, "Das Ein", you are slaughtering the German language. It's Der Einser.

I figured. But most people who speak German know what it means. Besides, DAS EIN was all I could fit on my license plate.

[GtiGyver]

Thanks Tom, Andy. Got everything in and wired up. I'll take some pics, have to admit though, it looks awesome, so awesome in fact it looks OEM.

Just wished the Auto Meter ES series matched the BMW internal lighting better.

Had to use a 120ohm resistor on the gauges, their LED lighting is mighty bright.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by GtiGyver

Thanks Tom, Andy. Got everything in and wired up. I'll take some pics, have to admit though, it looks awesome, so awesome in fact it looks OEM.

Just wished the Auto Meter ES series matched the BMW internal lighting better.

Had to use a 120ohm resistor on the gauges, their LED lighting is mighty bright.

Glad you are up and running - pictures would be great.

[GtiGyver]

Here they are...
Boost, A/F and Water Temp (metric)

[GtiGyver]

...and before it was put together...

[tom @ eas]

Those 1-series consoles can be a bit of a pain to remove, the 3-series is much easier. The end result looks good!

[dorkdog]

Egads! If I ever made my car look like the pictures I'd never get it all back together again.