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01-06-2014, 08:45 PM | #1 |
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Gauge Cluster design options
So i'm designing a new set of gauge faces for my 135i. I've tried a few tests print just to see how they look in the cluster. Let me know what you guys think. Also, If there is any interest i may consider doing a few custom faces for sale. It's hard to get a good picture with the reflections, but here you go...
Option 1 - 1M style Option 2 - Based on the new BMW digital gauge Option 3 - My own design to try and give the illusion of depth. |
01-06-2014, 09:03 PM | #2 |
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Those are pretty cool. How exactly do you do/install those? I imagine many people may not like putting the 1M cluster look in a non 1M. The second one looks pretty cool, too.
You might also want to consider something similar to what they have on the 335is and z4 35is below with a gray background and then script writing with the model number. Don't know how hard that'd be to do, but I know a lot of people might be interested in buying something like that perhaps. I know I was disappointed after looking at a 135is that it didn't have the gray gauges. Or perhaps it might help spawn some new ideas. |
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01-07-2014, 06:08 AM | #5 |
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I'm from Canada so these are metric gauges with Celsius degrees.
Thats an interesting idea. Do you know the boost range for the JB4? I think it's 0-20 psi. But i'm thinking it may be better to replace to fuel gauge. The oil temp is kind of important and you can use the center display to show how much fuel you have left. |
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01-07-2014, 11:05 AM | #7 |
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What a shame that BMW cheaped out on our gauge clusters....wish we had something that indicated how warmed up the engine was via a moving redline...that would have been a nice touch...oh well....guess theys pent all the money on the motor?
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01-07-2014, 11:41 AM | #9 |
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335IS /z4 IS style would be great. Esp if the 128i can get some attention too
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In-progress: //M front arm, M3 rack, e36M lip Wishlist: Coils, n55 mnts, headers, LSD, e60 finn diff "The 1-series is the last car that BMW engineered before the Germans, as a car-making culture, fell out of love with driving." - R&T 2013 135is |
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01-07-2014, 12:05 PM | #10 | |
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01-07-2014, 10:05 PM | #11 | |
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01-08-2014, 01:09 AM | #12 |
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I'm surprised no one has suggested tii style gauges. Well, if there's a way to nicely overlap/swap the face of the tach + oil temp gauge, it's pretty nice.
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01-08-2014, 01:26 AM | #13 |
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How are you test fitting the gauge overlays? I thought the needles arent supposed to be removed repeatedly - is there a slit in the paper I'm not seeing?
Your designs look great. How does the overlay stay in place? Have you done these printed plastic overlays before? Curious how they look when complete. I'll take a set that are 1M style |
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01-08-2014, 05:21 PM | #16 |
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I love option 3. Would be nice to incorporate an m letter in there or 135i. Great work. Subscribing to this.
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01-08-2014, 08:37 PM | #18 | |
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It would have to be cut perfectly and then attached with thin doublesided tape, I think. : |
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01-08-2014, 09:30 PM | #19 | |
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The overlay just replaces the existing one. it's not glued or taped down, there are tabs on the overlay that are held in place by the gauge frame. Very easy to replace (10 min and a screwdriver). Here is a picture of the stock overlays, you can see the tabs that hold them in place. Mine will have the same tabs. Last edited by mccandless; 01-09-2014 at 05:55 AM.. |
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01-08-2014, 09:41 PM | #20 |
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Would the ink on the plastic leave a shiny surface? Might be able to hit it with a coat of matte clear for a more OEM appearance.
Here is a good thread that shows a cluster breakdown http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=503185 |
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01-09-2014, 02:59 AM | #21 |
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I did this with blue LEDs and white face gauges. I also put the M and 135i in it. Mine are just stickers though. So your saying you can make the plastic insert with all the numbers correctly spaced and everything. I would really like to buy one from you if you are. I would need something custom to go with my blue LEDs. Do you know if the other member you referenced ever finished the LED swap with the radio, sunroof/SOS switch and start button. I'll PM him and ask. Just though if mention it. Those are the only 3 things left and then I have 100% swapped orange interior to blue. Here's a pic of mine. Doesn't look anywhere as good as yours and would like to replace it if you make me something. I had troubles because the tach has that little writing that says x1000. Which would glow if I covered it up. I did the best with what I had 2 summer ago. After seeing yours I need this to happen. Pm me with what I need to do please. Here's a pic of mine. I also made a thread if you search for blue led instrument cluster.
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01-09-2014, 06:10 AM | #22 | |
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There is one limitation with the method I'm using. The text must be white for the backlight to work properly. That means no white face gauges. |
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