What do you think of aftermarket gauges? | FerrariChat
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What do you think of aftermarket gauges?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by avalys, Jun 23, 2005.

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  1. avalys

    avalys Karting

    May 26, 2004
    181
    Colorado Springs
    Full Name:
    Alex Valys
    #1 avalys, Jun 23, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    My car is rather pedestrian for this forum, but I figured I'd ask the question anyway.

    I have a 2003 BMW 3-series. It does not come with an oil temperature gauge, and this is a never-ending source of irritation for me, since I never know when the car has warmed up. From a cold start it's easy to judge, but what about when I'm getting back in the car after it's been sitting for an hour or two?

    So, I'm thinking about adding an aftermarket set of gauges. I'm wondering about what people in this forum think about the...aesthetics of this choice. I really don't like the riced-out / aftermarket look, but there's not much I can do about it if I want the gauges.

    These are the gauges I would buy. The kit seems high-quality enough - it comes with lights that match the factory orange illumination, and the panel is covered in black leather to match the rest of the interior. It mounts in place of the factory "oddments" box. The installation seems fairly easy, and if nothing else it should be a fun afternoon project. It comes with an oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and voltmeter.

    So, what do you guys think? Does it look too tacky, or should I go for it? Note that my car does not have that horrendous pink interior...
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  2. Billy10mm

    Billy10mm Formula Junior

    Nov 11, 2003
    664
    Westchester
    Full Name:
    Billy Ng
    #2 Billy10mm, Jun 23, 2005
    I think that looks amazing, much much better than on the pillar. If someone didn't know better, they'd think that was OE.

    Bill in Brooklyn
     
  3. Koby

    Koby Formula 3

    Dec 14, 2003
    2,307
    The Borough, NJ
    Full Name:
    Jason Kobies
    #3 Koby, Jun 23, 2005
    the more OEM it looks the better. I agree, those a pillar set ups are awful, the only thing worse is the monster tech sitting right next to the regular tech.

    However, isn't BMW at little unique with the oil situation, with very long intervals and requirements to use their oil? I'd be very wary of making any changes in this department, especially if you car is still under warranty (another BMW quirk, they will deny a warranty claim in the blink of an eye, and then that same eye begins to water when the repair bill arrives....)
     
  4. avalys

    avalys Karting

    May 26, 2004
    181
    Colorado Springs
    Full Name:
    Alex Valys
    #4 avalys, Jun 23, 2005
    They are not so unique anymore...Porsche, Audi and Mercedes have also switched to "extended-interval" oil services. I change mine every 5000-7500 miles regardless, and I do use their recommended oil. The car has 50,000 miles on it, but I have an extended warranty until 100,000.

    I'm not that worried about it, though. The installation of the senders is quite simple (they bolt on to the oil filter housing), and I haven't heard of anyone having problems with them.

    Besides, BMW would have to prove that it was the oil temp/pressure sender that caused the problem, and I can't think of how they'd manage that. Actual mechanical engine problems with BMWs seem to be quite rare to begin with.
     

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