Lets VDO gauge my '97 318tis: Part 1
by Ron Stygar
Part 1

Having purchased and installed the BMP / VDO three gauge package in my '96 328is, I wanted to do the same for my '97 318tis. As of yet, no one makes a package for the ti. I wished someone did. I looked into having a three dimensional piece made. The cost is in the thousands. I decided to make my own, not knowing if it was at all (as a project) possible. Turns out that, after much thought and time, it is. The main reason no one makes one, is that the available height, in the console, is not there. To make it work you have to modify the optional VDO U-shaped gauge brackets and lamp holders. You also have to modify the existing cigar lighter / ash tray assembly and construct a panel to accept the gauges. This panel could also be Carbon Fiber. If you want to retain them, you also have to relocate the alarm LED and cigar lighter. This all seems like a monumental task. Taken one step at a time, it is really a piece of cake. You have to be somewhat mechanically and electrically handy. You also need some tools, not common to the homeowners toolbox. The most difficult development and time consuming part (for me) was installing the oil pressure sending unit and relocating the cigar lighter. This is how I did it, based on my knowledge and standards using the tools I happened to have or have access to. Feel free to do it your way. Keep in mind that I had no guide. The look and function is awesome. The look is factory. The look at night is Wow! For a picture of the installation connect to Ken Potters site. For additional pictures related to this project, contact me. Here we go.

Call VDO 540-665-2428 for a free catalog. I purchased the VDO items from BCI Performance Warehouse 404-522-3497. Although there prices are good, there inventory sucks. Ask for Jim Summerville. Be aware, that if you order non-stock items from them you pay incoming and outgoing UPS shipping charges.

VDO Parts: (Gauge part #'s are for their Vision Series)

QTY Description Part # Price

1 Gauge, Oil Pressure 80 PSI 350104 $21.90
1 GaugeOil Temperature 300 DEG F 310106 $21.90
1 Gauge, Voltmeter 12 VOLT 332103 $21.90
3 Adapter U-bracket 600402 $ 2.97 each
1 Sender, Oil Pressure 0 - 80 PSI M10x1K w/ 7PSI Warning Contact 360006 $27.00
1 Sender, Oil Temperature 300 DEG F 323092 $20.82
1 Adapter Pressure Sender 150752 $14.25
1 Adapter Angle Male M12x1.5 / Female M10x1 240043 $23.61

Total $160.29 + shipping / no tax

Tools: 5mm allen wrench
19mm (3/4 inch) combination wrench
24mm combination wrench
T30 torx socket (male)
7/32 inch drill bit
Lenox hole saw 1 1/16 inch part # 17L Tools On Sale 1-800-328-0457 $ 6.98
Lenox hole saw 2 1/16 inch part # 33L Tools On Sale
1-800-328-0457 $11.14 Lenox arbor part # 6L Tools On Sale 1-800-328-0457 $14.44
A couple of long screwdivers
One of those pick up things. (you will definitely drop things) I have two. Tip: I cut off two of the four tangs from one. This let me reinstall the BMW oil pressure switch, when I found out the angle adapter and sending unit would not fit (after three hours total job time). Thats why you also need the VDO pressure sender adapter.

Other stuff:
A dozen or so 4mm 0.7 pitch nuts, flats and lockwashers
14 gauge mtw or thnn or thwn or awm wire for the sending units
20 gauge teflon wire for the gauge panel
Push on blue female 1/4 inch tab connectors
Blue straight side connectors (like the round hole ones with straight sides)
Blue tap-in connectors
Red male/female bullet connectors (If you want to remove the gauge panel )
Other obvious stuff,
ty-wraps ETC.

See part 2:

Ron Stygar


http://www.318ti.org/notebook/vdo/
September 17, 1999