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    guage install help

    I have oil temp, pressure, and volts guages with a pod mount above the ash tray. I have everything i need but no instructions to do the wiring. I was wondering if anyone had a write up or could run me through how to wire the gauges. I have a slight idea how to do it but help would be greatly appreciated.
    TIA

    Andy

    #2
    It's straightforward! Get your (+) from a switched source. On the M3, I used the power to the instrument cluster by splicing into the oil temp gauge. I also used independent grounds for each of the gauges to get them to be as accurate as possible but you can daisy chain the (+). Use 16-18 gauge wiring and protect the sender wiring with some plastic tubing. As for the dimmer/illumination you can tap into one of the heater control lights or ashtray. Do not use teflon tape on the oil pressure sender and bolt and make sure you use the correct adapter.
    "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

    85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
    88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
    89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
    91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

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      #3
      i may try the daisy chain linking them together it seems easier i dont know how the validity of the guages would be messed but...good thought. Also what did you use for a ground? Not having the M3 what do you suggest i splice to get (+)? Also did you go thought the glove box for wiring through the firewall?

      Thanks Barry

      Andy

      Comment


        #4
        If they are electric gauges/senders the engine acts as the ground for the sending units. If you want the most accurate reading you would need to ground the gauges to the engine block. You can daisy chain the positvies and the grounds at the gauges and then run the "actual/final" ground to the engine block. Each gauge will have three for four wires...One for the senders' signals, one for power (+), one for ground (-), and maybe one for lights (dimmer). I hope this helps.

        Comment


          #5
          Originally posted by EverWiser
          If they are electric gauges/senders the engine acts as the ground for the sending units. If you want the most accurate reading you would need to ground the gauges to the engine block. You can daisy chain the positvies and the grounds at the gauges and then run the "actual/final" ground to the engine block. Each gauge will have three for four wires...One for the senders' signals, one for power (+), one for ground (-), and maybe one for lights (dimmer). I hope this helps.

          That definetly helps! I will give it a go tomorrow and let everyone know how it turned out. Thanks again

          Comment


            #6
            I've heard that grounding the pressure gauge, oil temp to the block is best as well. I am going to do this pretty soon as my Oil pressure gauge isn't consistent.
            "I'd probably take the E30 M3 in this case just because I love that little car, and how tanky that inline 6 is." - thecj

            85 323i M TECH 1 S52 - ALPINEWEISS/SCHWARZE
            88 M3 - LACHSSILBER/SCHWARZE
            89 M3 - ALPINEWEISS II/M TECH CLOTH-ALCANTARA
            91 M TECHNIC CABRIO TURBO - MACAOBLAU/M TECH CLOTH-LEATHER

            Comment

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