I have the nav system, so my pod won't accept the extra guages from Promini. A pillar mounted system with boost/water/oil would be nice, especially with similar silver/white trim to match

 

None yet. But you might be able to get creative and rig something up. IMO, place 'em in the gauge cluster---above, below, on the sides... Might have to drill some holes but the end result would definently be worth it.

 

Agreed. I've got the NAV and I really want the extra gauges. Frankly, I think we ought to get them standard, but that belongs in a different thread. I feel that we really need oil pressure and water temp at the very least. I don't really care about boost, although it does look neat.

Is there an option out there amongst the gauges on the market for an oil pressure and water temp combo?

 

>>I have the nav system, so my pod won't accept the extra guages from Promini. A pillar mounted system with boost/water/oil would be nice, especially with similar silver/white trim to match

If you mean the window pillar, you forgot we have an air bag there.

 

>>>>I have the nav system, so my pod won't accept the extra guages from Promini. A pillar mounted system with boost/water/oil would be nice, especially with similar silver/white trim to match
>>
>>If you mean the window pillar, you forgot we have an air bag there.

Bingo!
It would really hurt getting hit in the head with a boost guage! I actually held off on putting my radar detector up on the top of the winshield until i figured how to hard wire around that air bag pillar (the weather stripping is the key)!

 

Here's where I put some auxilliary gauges:




http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...digital+gauges

 

Bingo. Them's the two gauges I want. I would prefer analog to digital, but frankly, I just want the information!

 

Pardon me if I'm wrong, but...I've never seen an air bag application in the A-pillar. I'm thinking that the label is there for notice that there are air bags in the upper rail curtain area. There is no reason for an A-pillar airbag and the trim is hard without any partition for anything to come out.

I've been in the car design business for 18 years...but what do I know. Just my 2 cents.

 

I bought an electronic Autometer boost gauge and mounted it to my steering column. I think it turned out pretty well and far less money than the other gauge packages yet available.

http://www.welchco.net/minicrunch/DSC02332.JPG

http://www.welchco.net/minicrunch/DSC02333.JPG

 

>>Pardon me if I'm wrong, but...I've never seen an air bag application in the A-pillar. I'm thinking that the label is there for notice that there are air bags in the upper rail curtain area.

You are correct, sir. The side curtain airbags are NOT in the A-Pillars on our MINI's. They run the length of the headliner. I believe that some vehicles DO have them in the A-Pillars though, as my 2001 VW GTI had them in the A-Pillars and it was an issue for those that wanted to install gauges there.

So go right ahead and install gauges in the A-Pillar if you want to.

 

You are correct that the airbags are not in the pillar but the covers do fly off in a collision. One of the anchors for the airbag is in the pillar.

So.. don't put them there

 

Looks I'm half wrong

 

I can personally vouch for the side curtain anchor at the base of the A-pillar. What happens is the A-pillar plastic gets ripped off in the inflation, so if you put gauges there, you'll probley get bashed in the nose by your oil pressure gauge if the side curtains pop

I'd find another location; A-pillar mounts in the MINI aren't safe.

 

BMP / Promini DOES offer a version of their pod gauge package for the NAV system equipped MINIs:



contact Promini for details.

M.

 

>>BMP / Promini DOES offer a version of their pod gauge package for the NAV system equipped MINIs:
>>
>> I don't see it on their site. Where did you get the pic from?

_________________

 

>>Hey, thanks a bunch MG-BGT I don't see it on their site. Where did you get the pic from?
>>


from their main site:
BMP Promini Site

it's the pic they use to link to the gauge pod.
The gauge pod page itself does not show the option for the NAV system, but the main page does, that's why I think they have it. Call them.
I'd assume it's the same kit, but that the mounting bracket differs, the only difference that would be needed.

You could also check with Alta:
Alta gauge pod

they do not list one for NAV, but you can see the mounting bracket, and they may have one for the NAV if you ask, or you could try to modify it yourself.

M.

 

Rye, did you get bopped in the face with the A pillar trim? If not, why would the gauges mounted to them hit you then?


>>I can personally vouch for the side curtain anchor at the base of the A-pillar. What happens is the A-pillar plastic gets ripped off in the inflation, so if you put gauges there, you'll probley get bashed in the nose by your oil pressure gauge if the side curtains pop
>>
>>I'd find another location; A-pillar mounts in the MINI aren't safe.

 

I had been worrying about enough space to fit the gauges that I wanted (in the space below the heater controls) until I found SPA gauges. These units are slick! Each digital gauge has two displays and two senders/wiring. You can get twice the instrumentation in the same space! They are available with black or white faces, with green or red backlighting. I think the red looks kind of orangy, and goes pretty well with the interrior. Downside, expense. These are racing gauges, like in formula one cars, so they aint cheap. Here's a link... http://www.bimmerworld.com/html/spa-...out-gauges.htm

 

WOW!

Those are genius gauges. They're digital, but still a pretty classy look, and the dual function readouts would mean four gauges worth of info but it wouldn't end up looking junky. Very cool. I'm just trying to figure out the size and whether or not they would fit into Alta/BMP/Other mounts...

 

They fit any pod/cluster made to accept 52mm gauges. Prices range from $209 for a water temp/voltage unit to around $270 for a oil pressure/oil temp. I think the boost/temp gauge is around $250.

I have a pod unit in development right now that these gauges look phenomenal in. I don't want to give too much away right now, but it seamlessly intergrates with the interrior in a way that no current product does. I'll post pictures, and a link to ordering information/pricing asap (probably about a month or two)

-joe

 

Just wanna revive an old thread. I'm outta room on my Alta pod and looking for clean ways to mount gauges in my sight line. Although I generally abhor seeing pillar mounted guages in cars, this is really the only clean spot to mount them and still be visible while motoring (keeping eyes on road).

Anyone come up with something yet for the MINI's pillar?

 

Why don't you mount them side by side, angled towards you, on the grille on the dash above the speedo? I saw an Aussie car that did that, and you can cheaply replace that grille.

 

Maybe not in the line of site but Promini has a set that fits car with and without the Navi/Chrono. I just ordered a set for my car with Navi

 

I already have used up the space each side of the tach with an Alta guage pod.

 

Very interesting idea. You're right, that grille probably doesn't cost too much. Run the wires under the dash, cut hole in vent tube and run them thru there. I'll look into it.