Are KPH Gauges an MOT Failure?

[NoTurbo]

If I install a set on Euro M3 Gauges will my car fail MOT as the speedo will be in KPH?

Also is the Odo on this cluster kilo or miles?

I have a separate digital MPH gauge and was tinging of fitting both together. Or modifying the M3 cluster for my UK Speedo and odo.

[Speedtouch]

I think it will pass an MOT (I don't think they test the gauge works anyway!), but it is apparently illegal to use them on the roads, unless you have MPH markings - but you can always add these with simple stickers if need be.

[Simon13]

My bi turbo has kmh only markings being lhd and our MOT tester didn't say anything about it.

[bss325i]

Nope it's not a fail, when you input the mileage into the vosa computer when doing an mot, there is a choice of units, miles or kilometres.

[Brianmoooore]

As long as the bulb that lights up the speedo works, it'll pass.

[Demlotcrew]

I have heard of M3 owners getting producers for KPH only clocks, I dont think they are strictly legal!

[Brianmoooore]

I have heard of M3 owners getting producers for KPH only clocks, I dont think they are strictly legal!

They're not legal - the question was "will it pass a MOT test".

[Cypriotgeeza]

As long as the bulb that lights up the speedo works, it'll pass.

+1

[Demlotcrew]

I have heard of M3 owners getting producers for KPH only clocks, I dont think they are strictly legal!

They're not legal - the question was "will it pass a MOT test".

I know what the question was, my reply was to also make the OP aware of the legality and possible repercussions, no harm done eh?

[Brianmoooore]

As long as he doesn't try "sorry officer, I didn't realise how fast I was going - my speedo. isn't marked in miles per hour" as an excuse, I doubt if it would ever be picked up.
Wonder how many points around the dial you'd have to mark the MPH equivalent to be legal?

[pukar]

agree, i got nabbed in my 850, which was in KMH.....

officer - do you know how fast you were going
me - about 70
officer - what do you mean "about" 70?
me - my speedo is in KPH only as my car is an import
officer - firstly that's an MOT fail and secondly you were going 84!
me - sorry, i didn;t realise, it passed last week!!
(officer scratches head....calls station)
officer - apparently it will pass an MOT but is still illegal!....grrr!..........hmm...... nice car BTW......i have an old 5 series myself that i am restoring.....

(long chat.....)

officer - ok, make sure you keep to the speed limit in future (writes producer)

i got a white lettraset sheet with numbers on and used that to add in the MPH. looked a lot neater than stickers....i just went up to 70 as it is the limit ;)

[Demlotcrew]

That's what I though till I spoke with two M3 owners at last years Gaydon event who both got tugged for non speed related issues and were given producers and rectification notices for the KPH speedos.

[Demlotcrew]

Tbh I wouldn't hold it past a rat having a bad day to impound the car as not being road worthy, all it takes is a bulb or the wrong stance to attract un wanted attention.

[Simon13]

/\ or you giving them attitude!

[Demlotcrew]

/\ or a front calliper coming off!

[Simon13]

and you've never made a mistake.............

[Demlotcrew]

Loads!

[Simon13]

shut up then. Night.

[Demlotcrew]

Charming!

[satan16v]

If its a problem you can always use a Road Angel or TomTom to display MPH

[pacerpete]

Charming!

Mega GGRRRRRRs !

[Demlotcrew]

I swear Simon13 is getting bitter and twisted as the years go on, he's making 'us' look normal!

[Speedtouch]

Wonder how many points around the dial you'd have to mark the MPH equivalent to be legal?

I would have thought that markers at 30, 50 and 70 mph would suffice.

[Brianmoooore]

Wonder how many points around the dial you'd have to mark the MPH equivalent to be legal?

I would have thought that markers at 30, 50 and 70 mph would suffice.

Since the vast majority of roads in the UK have a 60 MPH limit, I'd probably include that as well.
There must be something buried in 'construction and use' somewhere.

[NoTurbo]

Thanks for the responses guys. Very helpful.

What's the best way to mark up the gauges then?

I have a speedview HUD that projects the speed onto the windscreen.
Would that be enough to satisfy the Police?

[Speedtouch]

You could just opt for simple self-adhesive dots, or take the cover off the speedo and use paint or marker pen, etc. for a 'proper job'.

I don't see why a HUD unit wouldn't be acceptable, provided it's accurate.

[kieran325]

My M3 has the speedo in MPH but the odomoter is KM.

[NoTurbo]

My M3 has the speedo in MPH but the odomoter is KM.

wow, i bet thats confusing! How do you quote mileage on the MOT?

[Brianmoooore]

[ How do you quote mileage on the MOT?

MOT test computer gives the option for entering 'mileage' in Km or miles.