From one of my favorite web sites, Gizmodo:

Sometime next year, Garmin nuvi GPS devices will have the option of displaying information on your car's inner workings using EcoRoutes ESP—a module that taps into your car's onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) port.
The module relays this information to your GPS unit via Bluetooth where you will be able to view a set of customizable gauges that provide details on things like fuel economy, RPMs, throttle position, intake manifold pressure, coolant temperature, intake air temperature, and emissions.

 

Sound very interesting. Will have to see how it works when it comes out.

 

probably looks alot better than the ol scangauge too!

sounds piimp

 

Adam's right. It's very cool looking and runs off blue tooth so no wires from OBDII. It will be a very cool mod. I wonder if it will read codes and clear them too? I wonder how it will interact with GPS driving commands? I'll be in line for one next year.

 

Antuin Goodwin of CNET Reviews says that it will.

 

Just saw this.... Nice! So I guess it would be the wrong time to buy a Nuvi now? There are some great used buys on these and since my new MCSC has no navigation I was going to take the plunge. On the other hand I was thinking, "you know, how often do I really use the nav in the lexus anyway? hmmm..." The prospect of getting a full set of gauges and stats makes having one compelling though.

Do any of the current Nuvi's have bluetooth built in where this might be a firmware upgrade, for free or for a fee?

 

You should check out the Garmin website. I think you have to buy a bluetooth piece besides the Garmin GPS that fits into the OBD for around 140-150 bucks. Then that connects to the Garmin GPs and shows the gauges.
I`m also waiting for this. I was deciding whether to get a Scan Gauge or real gauges for my Clubman S. The Scan Gauge definitely can do a lot, and is priced great but not too great on the looks. Real gauges look great, but are costly not only for the gauges themselves, but also the install. PLX makes nice looking gauges that plug into the OBD port, but they`re also really expensive.
I searched to see when the Scan Gauge 3 would come out hoping the looks would be a bit sharper, but its not for another year and I don`t want to go this summer without a temp gauge!

 

Per Garmin:

EcoRoute hd will be compatible with many current and future nüvi models, including 1260, 1370, 1390, 1490 and 1690.

They seem to be looking at March 2010.

 

But it's not compatible with the 3XX series or 6XX series units that people already own, even tho they have Bluetooth capability....FYI

My Garmin 660 is about 4 years old now and has been perfect, I use it daily, a lot because the speedo in the MINI is inaccurate and I like to know how fast I'm REALLY going, not an estimate +/- 3 mph.....

However, it now needs a new battery (although it still works fine when plugged into the car) and the maps are 4 years old too and could use an update - between those two costs I can just about pay for a new one, so I think I'll wait till the OBD module is available and get both a new unit and the module.

I like this add on, I think it's a great device and they'll sell a bunch of them!

 

Yes, any of the bluetooth models in the 1xxx lines. The expensive units of course! I thought I was going to get away with buying a cheap used nuvi, like a 200 or something for under $100 and then I see this thread and my budget has now quadrupled!

Anyone know where the diag port is under the bonnet? I mean, is the EcoRoutes ESP bluetooth module something I will be able to plug in myself?

 

Dang, that looks good. I'll now have to delay any thoughts of GPS updates...

The OBD-II port is in the cabin, under the dash to the left of the steering column. Very accessible.

 

Anyone heard anything new on the availability of the Garmin ESP enabled devices?

I'm at the point where I want to add a couple of monitoring gauges to my Mini and the Garmin would be a good one to consider from what I've read.

 

Just got mine through Amazon, they are available now although mine was on order since the end of February. $133.00

 

Would you be so kind as to post the model number and a picture of the unit?

I'm still having trouble finding it.

 

Herleman, just go to Amazon, type in Garmin ecoRoute HD and all the info will be there for you.

 

Here's another seller that has part numbers listed..

http://www.paper.com/Paper-1069664-B...municator.html

 

Thanks much -- shoulda thought of that. I'm old, what can I say.

 

Any feedback from MINI users?

 

This is most depressing. I was following this device since this thread started, but thought that it would work with any Nuvi with bluetooth. My 760 has bluetooth and is in perfect condition, so I have no plans to buy a new one at present. Garmin shot themselves in the foot with this deal, so I shall place my order for a Scan Guage II. I'll come back to this down the road when I need a new GPS.

Jim

 

Sorry about that. My 260WT is compatible, but I needed a firmware upgrade online... Placed the order.

Here is the list of compatible GPS:

https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?...ATURE_ECOROUTE

 

Wait a minute, that could change things. Where did you find out you needed an upgrade? I searched around and did not come across that.

Jim

 

Jim, in the directions for the ecoRoute it says to go to Garmin.com and click support>Updates & Downloads and follow the on screen instructions to update the software for your gps. Actually needed software updates for all of my gps's....is free.

 

Thank you very much. I will go check that out.

Jim

 

The one thing I can't seem to figure out from the various web sites is whether or not the ecoRoute HD provides power and charging to the unit or just data. Since the ecoRoute connects through the GPS miniUSB port, I would presume that it has power available and does not cause the GPS to revert back to its internal battery. Am I correct in my presumption?

 

Herleman, the ecoRoute HD gets it's power from the OBDII connection. Whenever your GPS turns on, it will then link to it, does not connect to the GPS other than through the bluetooth connection. You will leave it plugged into the OBDII as long as you want it to send information to the GPS. Hope that helps you understand it better.