I realize this only applies to S models, but since it was across all S models I figured I would post it here. Coming from the diesel world (and still highly involved in that) the first mod we recommend for anyone is a good set of high quality gauges to monitor what the truck is doing. In most cases it is EGT, Boost and depending on your model, fuel pressure, or rail pressure. I see alot of people modding MINI's but no mention of keeping track of the engines vitals.

Is everyone just relying on the ECU to keep their motors out of trouble? One of my biggest issues with the MINI is the lack of instrumentation. I am used to knowing what is going on with my vehicles by watching oil pressure, water temps, trans temps, fuel pressure, inlet air temps and a host of other items I can monitor in my truck. Figured I would reach out to the masses and see what they thought about keeping track of what is going on with their cars.

 

A set of gauges is definitely on my list of mods to get for the car. Specifically boost, oil temp, and a wideband A/F meter.

 

You'll find alot of folks here on the forums HAVE scangauges or similar (I have an Ultragauge) that monitor everything you listed and then some.

 

I googled those items thanks for the info. I noticed the only thing available from Ultra was for an R60, but I guess it would work for any of them. The price sounds somewhat suspicious compared to the price of scan gauge. You don't have any issues and it works as advertised?

 

I've had Ultragauges on other vehicles before & read here on forums about a "battery draw" problem. I spoke w/Ultragauge and had to wait til they came out w/ vers.1.2. It works great! No battery issues and works as advertised.

Re: price - yea I was skeptical a couple of years ago when I purchased my first one, but since then it's almost mandatory on every vehicle I own. I also like the design of the UG vs the scan gauge. The UG dislays 6 different gauges/functions per page x 7 pages.

 

Garmin has a line of Nuvi GPS units that will take a Bluetooth dongle and will give you a set of gauges depending on the type of vehicle one has...


Plus you'll have a GPS if needed.




http://gbr.garmin.com/ecoroute-hd/fa...questions.html

 

I really like the idea of the Garmin and Scangauge, but I absolutely hate the slow refresh rate.