The 2nd Generation Minis seem to have adopted the BMW "feature" and left off a temperature gauge - we just traded in a 2004 MCS for a 2008 MCS and the only gauge is for the gas tank. There are warning lights (Yellow/Red) that would alert you to overheating - but I like to watch the temperature gauge when starting up in the morning to know when the car is fully warmed up and I can start driving more aggressively. Seems like a silly omission as it can't cost that much for a gauge. (After the new BMW 3-Series came out a couple of years ago, I got a test drive, and had to point out to the salesman that there was no temp gauge - he went hunting through the computer trying to find one!) At least we have an oil dipstick to use - the BMWs have removed those too. The aftermarket gauges are expensive to install. Does this bother anyone else?

 

Yeah it bothers a lot of us. I put a Scangauge II in since it required no modification to the car. There are some threads on gauges for the R56, but none are from the factory.

 

I thought with this being 2008 and all and technology where it is, that this was a myth.

At least is was back in 1994 with my Camero.... According to all the mechanics I've been too.

Perhaps BMW tech isn't as far along as I thought

 

I also went for the ScanGaugeII. It gives you a digital readout of your choice of various data from the OBC. I usually run it on coolant temp (usually 222-225F), manifold absolute pressure, mpg, and mph. I wish it had oil pressure and temp, but they don't seem to be in the OBC.

Easy to install -- plugs into the OBDII port.

 

Actually, the oil temperature gauge would be a better indication of when the engine's fully warmed up.

Oh, I forgot - you don't have one of those either...

(grinning, ducking and running).

 

I, too, have always used the oil temp as my indicator of a car ready to be driven hard. Wish we had one. This car needs one, big time.

 

Another vote for ScanGaugeII -- coolant temp, MAP, intake air temp, mph.

But after driving with it for a while, I think you can get an idea why there isn't a coolant temp gauge -- coolant temp starts out low, climbs rapidly into the operating range, and stays there. So looking at it, when things are good, it just confirms that things are good. And when things go bad, it's going to confirm that as well!

cheers--

 

Being at work... where exactly is the OBDII port and how does it connect to the ScanGuageII? Where are you mounting the ScanGuageII?

Thanks,
Mark

 

Search posts on NAM for ScanGaugeII and you'll see a number of mounting options. A lot of folks put the display in the middle cubby ahead of the shifter.

The connector is by your left knee as you're sitting in the car, a small capped connector on the lower dash trim by the door. It's easy to route the cable around from there.

cheers--

 

The OBDII port is under the dash just to the left of the steering column. You remove the cover and plug the ScanGaugeII cable into it. I mounted mine on top of the dash with Velcro. That way I can remove it when I take the car in for service.

 

There are a couple pictures of the OBDII port and the Scangauge II in my gallery. I use coolant temp, voltage, intake temp, and mpg on mine most of the time.