I know lots of people would love to get rid of the thing. so has anyone else tried what this guy did? I'd would love to get an oil pressure gauge in there.
also does anyone know will the car give error codes if the openmeter is yanked out from the tach wiring?

http://www.minitorque.com/forum/f845...r-shell-14196/

 

From what I read in your link, this guy is using an R57 tach shell to house the existing tach and module components from his R55 or R56 with an aftermarket gauge.
If I understand you correctly, you have an R57 that you want to delete the Openometer and add a gauge. I think you will run into electronic/programming issues when trying to delete Openometer as that is a programmable module in both cars.

 

That and isn't the circuit board in-between the tach and the openometer just one shared piece? I seem to recall seeing that somewhere. If that's the case then would it be possible to keep the R57 outer shell but use R56 innards?

 

The circuit board doesn't appear to be a single piece, from this photo:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post2750833


You should open up your gauge and look at how the openometer is electrically connected (I'd look but I don't have an R57).

That's exactly what the guy on the minitorque forum did. He obtained a complete openometer from somewhere, tossed out the gauges and transferred his existing tach into the housing. A rather expensive way to do it because the openometer housing isn't sold separately.

BTW, in Europe/UK the openometer is actually something like a $250 option on the R57! I can't imagine anybody wanting to pay extra to add it to their car.

 

I specifically asked if I there was an option to TAKE IT OUT and was told "no, but that's not an uncommon request." Go figure!

 

The only way you should have an issue with deleting it is if the computer is actually looking for a signal to come back from the gauge. Otherwise you should just be able to unplug it. I would say unplug it and turn the car on to see if the top opens and closes. Check for idiot lights also. It if does you should be fine. If it is an issue and the wiring harness is long enough, you may be able to find a place behind the dash to hide it. All ideas as I don't know exactly what everything looks like behind the gauges.

 

I removed mine with no issues. first get a normal tach housing. you can talk nice to a parts guy or eBay a one, we don't care about the guts we just want the shell. remove and open your tac/open-o-meter unplug the open-o-meter. place the guts of your tac in the new housing and reinstall.. you cant just swap the tac's they are unique to each transmission and model.

 

I did this with the Always Open Meter housing and a PLX DM-200 multigauge.


PLX DM-200


Always Open Thing that I bought second hand.


Took 4 screws out and removed the back.


Removed the internals. Note both gauges are on the same plastic mounting plate.


My original tachometer just before removing it from my car.


PLX fitted into the Always Open housing, fixed with some duc tape. For now this is good enough, later I will put some bonding sealant or so to fixate it better.
On the right the original tachometer with removed back cover.


Mounted the internals of the original tachometer next to the PLX.


Looks pretty cool :-)
Screwed the back cover back on. Had to shave some plastic off from the cover to fit it over the PLX.


Back in the car. Nice OEM look, just what I was after.


The PLX is configured to show the water temp at start up. It's powered through the cigar lighter so it shuts down with the engine.


It can also show the values as an analogue gauge. You can download a dial facia to match the Mini style gauges.

Easy and quick project, which fixes the fault of Mini not mounting a temp gauge in the car.
No particular skills involved except some patience and some basic tools.

Downside of the PLX is that is doesn't show all OBD values which for instance Torque can. If you would like to see boost pressure, you have to buy an extra module.

 

I concur, open it up, disconnect the ribbon cable and carefully cut the plastic support to get rid of the openometer. Either fill it with a guage of your choice or use a second hand casing. As said, you must retain your original tachometer as it is coded to the ECU.
Happy days. I got rid of mine as it blocked the air vent and served no purpose at all.

 

Wow thats cool.

 

that looks outstanding ... I've installed a P3 multi gauge, but would love to ditch that open-o-meter jawn with an digital oil pressure gauge .. showing the internals is making this look super possibly and almost easy to do ... Thank you for the awesome photos guys.

 

For the guys who have done the openometer delete, does the housing hold a standard 2 1/16 inch gauge size? Would be nice to take out the openometer and put a boost gauge there instead

 

The PLX that I fitted has a diameter of 60mm (2 3/8").