I'm thinking of buying a P3 OBD2 multi-gauge for my 2013 S Coupe.

First, does anyone have an opinion of that gauge?

Second, if I do buy one, where would I find the normal values for exhaust gas temp, intake air temp, coolant/oil temps, and so forth? The gauge won't do me any good if I don't know what those values should be when I look at the gauge.

Thanks for the help.

 

Hi, I noticed your post as I don't get here often. I installed a Scan Gauge on my mini's and it gives me all the information that I need except oil pressure. I always like to see my coolant temps and voltage readings. It also comes in handy when you get an check engine light as you can read the codes.

 

Forgot to answer your question.. I believe that the thermostat that comes with your engine is set at 221F. This seems high but I think it has to do with the EPA emissions control and burning as much hot gases as possible. I'd prefer a thermostat with a set-point of 190F.

 

following

 

Normal OBDII cars run anywhere between 195-225 degrees. They are designed to run there.

If you lower the coolant temp by replacing the thermostat with a lower temp unit you will get a check engine light for engine temp too low.

If you manage to get the temp below 185 degrees you will stick the car in open loop fueling which means you will not make the power you could be, your fuel economy will suck, and you can damage other emissions related equipment.

 

I don't know about series one MINIs, but series two MINI's engine temperature is controlled by the Engine Control Unit. The ECU gets a signal from the jacket water temperature sensor and tells the thermostat to open or close to meet a temperature setpoint that is programed in to the ECU. There is no such thing as a hotter of cooler thermostat on these cars.