Anybody have a P3cars boost gauge?

[MB38]

I'm toying with the idea of installing a boost gauge in my car... I feel naked without it. I find boost to be immensely valuable [if not mandatory] driver feedback. I hope that BMW starts putting boost gauges in their new cars now that they rely so heavily on turbochargers... perhaps starting with the new M3.

Anyways, I'm fairly impressed by how clean the design seems to be.

It also seems that no wiring is required if you use the OBD-II CANBUS model... the gauge draws power and data from the OBD-II connector under the dash.

http://www.p3cars.com/catalog/135/

Anybody have any experience?


[img]http://www.**********s.com/images/Products/Burger%20MS/mini-135i_boost_gauge_3.jpg[/img][img]http://www.**********s.com/images/Products/Burger%20MS/mini-135i_boost_gauge_1.jpg[/img]

I love the idea of a noninvasive installation. No running hoses, no wiring, no bastardizing any parts, no cutting. Just pop out the original vent, pop in the new vent and plug in the OBD-II connector. It's pricey [$409 for the OBD-II version plus $50 to have it preinstalled in an OEM vent] but a clean install and no damage to the car is priceless to me.

[jkoral]

Lots of folks here have them (as well as on e90 post), the owner of P3, RiXst3r, is active on the forums as well.

I've never heard a single negative thing about them, everyone that has them loves them. I have a v1 in my car now and a v2.1 canbus version sitting on my shelf waiting to be installed. (Note you have a v1 pictured above, v2 has two buttons).

Since you have an N54 1M, my understanding is that you would want to run the vacuum line because it is more accurate since it's actual manifold boost. N55s must get it from the canbus. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will confirm.

It's well made, well supported and looks factory -- nothing else compares. Unfortunately you just missed the group buy, but hey, it's made in the USA.

[ESC OFF]

I had the vacuum connect version on my 135i. I can't speak of the new version but the previous version was a great piece that looked actory installed and had a great variety of monitoring settings, it was a great piece.

[MB38]

Originally Posted by jkoral

Since you have an N54 1M, my understanding is that you would want to run the vacuum line because it is more accurate since it's actual manifold boost. N55s must get it from the canbus. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will confirm.

[facepalm]

Good point, I didn't think of the N54/N55 difference, I only saw the "2008+" and squealed with glee.

I shot them a message through the site, I'll report back when I hear.

[RaihaX]

i got the new one - you will definitely need to tap the boost line. Still not a big deal 30 min install tops.

[///M1]

I have it, took it off my 135i and now it's on the 1///M. Install is pretty easy as are the directions (the second time around was 1/2 the time as compared to the first go around, which is what you would expect).

It is amazingly accurate, I was comparing it to the reading through the OBD port reading, and it was within 0.1 psi exact (and I'd trust it more as it is getting a physical reading).

[EINSER M]

B, we missed you at the meet sunday what was your excuse? I wanted one of those for my car too...let me know how it goes with yours and then you can install mine for me

[MB38]

Originally Posted by EINSER M

B, we missed you at the meet sunday what was your excuse? I wanted one of those for my car too...let me know how it goes with yours and then you can install mine for me

Recovering from jet lag from Sydney! I was a zombie... definitely in no shape to drive.

I'll keep you guys posted if I end up ordering one of these puppies!

[EINSER M]

Originally Posted by MB38

Recovering from jet lag from Sydney! I was a zombie... definitely in no shape to drive.

I'll keep you guys posted if I end up ordering one of these puppies!

good enough excuse then, i became a zombie coming home from malibu!
keep on modding buddy!

[MB38]

Originally Posted by EINSER M

good enough excuse then, i became a zombie coming home from malibu!
keep on modding buddy!

Modding is for the Supra! I bought the 1M so I *wouldn't* mod my DD!

Heh.

[BMW Gator]

I've got the V2 and love it. Looks like factory - even the dimming works - I am one of those people who wants to see the cars IAT,boost, water temp, etc. and without it I feel naked. Definitely a great product - just be prepaired for a long wait - possibly 2 months or so - I did the group buy and I still think it was at least 6 or 7 weeks.

[jkoral]

Good demo video of the v2 gauge, this sold me into upgrading from v1.

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by BMW Gator

I've got the V2 and love it. Looks like factory - even the dimming works - I am one of those people who wants to see the cars IAT,boost, water temp, etc. and without it I feel naked. Definitely a great product - just be prepaired for a long wait - possibly 2 months or so - I did the group buy and I still think it was at least 6 or 7 weeks.

Same here. Great investment.

Neil

[robertm]

Great, one more thing I need to buy now. If you don't want to spend a few hundred more dollars on your car DO NOT watch the video. Very cool

[Sheil]

Originally Posted by BMW Gator

I've got the V2 and love it. Looks like factory - even the dimming works - I am one of those people who wants to see the cars IAT,boost, water temp, etc. and without it I feel naked. Definitely a great product - just be prepaired for a long wait - possibly 2 months or so - I did the group buy and I still think it was at least 6 or 7 weeks.

How much did you pay with the group buy? do you have the enhanced CANBUS version?

[RnmEvo9]

Originally Posted by Sheil

How much did you pay with the group buy? do you have the enhanced CANBUS version?

I paid about $400 for the enhanced canbus version but I got the one that came preinstalled in the vent, so if you don't want that, you save another 50 bucks.

One of the best mods I've done by far.

[///M1]

The v1 was worth the purchase, but the v2 is absolutely worth the purchase. I wish I could do a 'trade-in' to V2, but at least I'll get some of these features on the BMW Performance steering wheel, so for now will stay put with my old V1 version. But those on the fence, just go for it, one of the better mods you can add to the 1///M

[BMW Gator]

Originally Posted by Sheil

How much did you pay with the group buy? do you have the enhanced CANBUS version?

Yep - $ 400 and yes the CANBUS version. You will love it.

[Just1]

I want one, without group buy is around $500 so may just wait for another group buy come around

[-cj-]

In for another group buy. Who do we need to contact?

[Drillslinger]

Is the CANBUS version really just plug and play (with a direst boost feed of course)? Seems too easy, lol. I see there are options for 3 analog inputs... but what functionality do we get out of the box?

Thx

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by Drillslinger

Is the CANBUS version really just plug and play (with a direst boost feed of course)? Seems too easy, lol. I see there are options for 3 analog inputs... but what functionality do we get out of the box?

Yes, I just installed my v2.1 version yesterday.

All the functionality out of the box is detailed here: http://www.p3cars.com/install/bmw/

Boost
Battery Voltage
Coolant temp
Air intake temp
Ignition timing
Exhaust Gas temp
Throttle plate position
Actual road speed
0-60 performance timer
Display and (optionally) clear any codes
Peak recall and 15 second record/playback


Highly recommended.


Note, the v1 gauge with the plug and play harness, which was optional, was just as simple to install. There was no cutting of wires, or T-tap connectors, everything just plugged in. I just removed it yesterday and sold it here in 10 minutes. I wasn't the person who originally installed it, but now that I've installed one, I can see how RiXst3r can do these in 10 minutes.