rodybmw

Hi Hobi,

I've often wondered what it would take to add the oil temp gauge from the 645 to the 545. Since the 645 has the same engine as the 545 I assume that the necessary sensors are on the engine already. The question is how much of the wiring (if any) that takes the signal from the sensor to the instrument cluster (probably VIA the DME computer) is already there, and if it is there how it can be identified and attached to the oil temp gauge. Obviously we would at the very least need to buy the 645's RPM/oil temp. dial, but what else would be required?....and is it even possible to do relatively easily?

Thanks for your input,

rodybmw

Hmmm.....I just checked the ETK and it seems like the instrument panel is only available as a complete unit. The individual dials/components of the instrument panel were not listed separately.......unless I did not look in the right place.

Hobi

Hi Rody

You're right about the instrument cluster. You have to get a totally new cluster with the different gauge in it. Thing is that from what I've been told, the cluster unit needs to be coded into the car, and I don't know how the different guage is going to sit with the software version in the car.

Also, as you said, it is very likely that the signals for the gauge will come from the DME, and maybe that needs to be changed or updated for the functionality you are describing.

I can't locate my Alpina B5 pictures, but I am pretty sure that it has the different gauge under the Rev counter just like the M5. I can ask Alpina how they did it if you want. I'll be calling them next week about my wife's car anyway. Plus, I'm going there in July.

All the Best

Hobi