I'm putting this in this section not so much because I want to discuss the product itself as much as an alternative for gauges for mini owners in general.

Like many, I've modded my car engine-wise... tune, etc, etc.

While I love the dash of the R56 (and first generations) I would like the ability to check certain functions once in a while. The lack of gauges makes this difficult.

I've seen different options and locations to install mechanical gauges. They look great but as I get older, I like the clean, stock'ish look like the cockpit of a Boeing 747.

I looked for some small LED gauges but couldn't find anything I liked so I decided to try the scangaugeII.

I bought it from Way at Way Motor Works. The price was the cheapest I had seen anywhere. In fact, it was only like 14 dollars higher than the cheapest price I had seen on a group buy on a car forum. (unfortunately the post was 3 years old.... lol, that shows you how inexpensive Way is selling them)

The biggest PIA when installing gauges are two-fold.

a) where to run the lines, cables or hoses through the firewall.
b) where to mount the gauges.

This becomes a chore if you were to buy all the gauges that the scan gauge is capable of representing.

The scangauge II eliminates all the issues. For those that are not mechanically inclined, you simply plug the scangauge II into the OBDII port under the dash. It's THAT simple.... less than 3 seconds.

You'll have to find a place to mount the gauge but for me, I don't even plan on leaving it in the car, I merely want to be able to check things like boost if I'm going to the dyno for instance.

The scangauge II has over 30 gauges you can choose from, I pick and choose the more common ones I want.

Anyway, I just wanted to leave a review for anyone thinking they'd like to have the ability to have gauges, simple to install and the ability to clear codes as necc.

I bought it from Way Motor Works for 159.00

Delivery was fast and simple and if you've ever dealt with them, you'd know all transactions with them are that.... fast and simple.


Mark

 

Nice write up. I have one of these as well and it sure was easy to install. Besides not having to run tubes and wires, no sending units had to be drilled and bolted in either

I was even able to change the SG II's background display color to what ever color I wanted. Sweeet unit.

Moved this to General MINI talk to give it the sorta exposure you were looking for.

 

Yep, great tool for any vehicle if that does not provide you the proper gauges.

 

Gray,

Thank you. I wanted to let everyone know (obviously since it applies to more than one model) for anyone that may be looking for an easy alternative to gauges.


Thanks,

Mark

 

I've had one for sometime. It is the easiest way to get a coolant temp readout. I'm using CravenSpeed's mount.

The ScanGaugeII displays four readouts you choose from all available in the onboard computer. I usually display coolant temp, mpg, mph, and MAP. This way I can have the tach read out outside temp, and time, but still watch mpg, and have a digital speedo.

The styling of the ScanGaugeII is the very latest in 1980 digital readouts. Otherwise, it is a pretty good device.

 

This is the only reason I haven't bought one yet. It just looks too antiquated a display for me. It was like going into the now gone Circuit City, which is supposed to be an electronics store, and see the cashiers using monochrome monitors. WTH?!?!

 

I've had the ScanGaugeII in my other car for a couple years. It's a very handy tool. It's going in the MINI as soon as the mount for it arrives. It may not be as cool as a stack of round gauges on the dash, but it'll do just fine for me.

 

Please tell me I'm reading this wrong!!

The little mount for the scangaugeII is 55.00 bucks??? And that doesn't include the arm?

Maybe I misread... somebody clarify this for me.

And what's the difference between this and this other than 45 bucks.


Mark

 

I purchased a ScanGauge II several years ago for my 2004 MCS. When I sold my 2004 and purchsed a 2009 JCW, I kept the SGII and mounted it in the JCW. A month or so back I ran across the DashHawk ( http://www.dashhawk.com/ ). It has several more features than the SGII, including number of displays and Data Logging capability that can be uploaded to a PC via the USB connection for review and evaluation. I actually have it mounted on the CravenSpeed mount with velcro so I can easily remove it to hook up to my PC. The only problem I've had with it is that it would "ping" the CAN about every 3-4 hours with the engine off and it would reset my trip and clock. I found a guy that makes a cable for the DashHawk that has an on-off button so I now turn it off for overnight or when I'm going to be away from the car for several hours. It is fun to play with the various setups on the PC and review all the data logs. It will even let you add your own splash screen (I've added the MINI logo to mine". Again, this is just an option to the SGII with a few more bells and whistles. If you get one, make sure you upgrade it with the latest software to pick up all the changes, some of which are MINI related.

 

About 44 dollars.....

I used 3M tape to left side of dash by A pillar up close to windshield.....wire runs hidden to port from there and is an easy run.

 

I'm looking at this too, can anyone say if this puts the gauge in a more visible spot?

The description for the $99 kit says it includes the Bracket R (for R55, R56). There is also another kit for the R53 for those looking.