E30 M3 instrument cluster

[redcar]

Hello, after some advice regarding the following:

Going to be using my car on track so need an oil temp gauge. The car is a 316i with an M52. It has the stock instrument cluster and fuel tank.

Just wanted to ask what the best/cheapest way to stick the e30 m3 rev counter and oil temp gauge in would be. Would I need the whole e30 m3 cluster?

Would I need the e30 m3 oil temperature gauge? How exactly does the wiring from the temp gauge reach the rev counter. Confused

Thanks.

[penton08]

Just the m3 rev counter fitted into your existing clocks would be the easiest way, its 3 wires with simple spade connectors to get the oil temp gauge working.

[redcar]

Just the m3 rev counter fitted into your existing clocks would be the easiest way, its 3 wires with simple spade connectors to get the oil temp gauge working.

Ok great.

Do the 3 wires alongside the engine loom through the bulkhead?

Thanks for the help.

[penton08]

Only 1 wire needs to come through from the engine bay with the loom, I picked my power and earth from behind the dash.

[redcar]

Only 1 wire needs to come through from the engine bay with the loom, I picked my power and earth from behind the dash.

great. Thanks.

[DanThe]

The VAG gauges are ok, range is a bit 'all or nothing' but you will know if its getting too hot -

[redcar]

The VAG gauges are ok, range is a bit 'all or nothing' but you will know if its getting too hot -

i think this may be a better option actually

That oil temp gauge is interesting. I've sat in many sr20 track cars and they're normally around 80-100C. What's a safe range for an m52 on track?

Do you trust the stock water temp gauge? Many people say you shouldn't trust it but tbh I think that it's quite good!

Cheers for the help.

[DanThe]

Mines about the same temps now, before I fitted the S50 oil cooler it did get to not far off 130 a couple of times which is a bit too hot IMO, the E30 gauge is fine IMO, much better than the E36 gauge, although if I did buy new gauges I would probably fit a coolant temp too

[redcar]

Mines about the same temps now, before I fitted the S50 oil cooler it did get to not far off 130 a couple of times which is a bit too hot IMO, the E30 gauge is fine IMO, much better than the E36 gauge, although if I did buy new gauges I would probably fit a coolant temp too

Ok cheers.

I'll be using edge 10w60 so hopefully temps of around 110 should be alright. 130 does sound a bit too hot tbh. After seeing lots of m52 track cars e36 or e30, I always thought that it would be ok to run without a cooler.

The water temp gauge may prove to be more valuable than the voltage gauge.

What range of oil pressure do you experience?

Thanks for the help!

[DanThe]

The above pic is at idle, goes up to 4+ when on the throttle, doesnt drop much when hot either

[redcar]

The above pic is at idle, goes up to 4+ when on the throttle, doesnt drop much when hot either

ok thanks. Quite a low oil pressure at idle compared to the jap engines then. Maybe because these engines idle so low.

Thanks for the help.