Defi Boost Gauge Install

[Kurumi]

You said rear.... and nut...

[mneuman916]

Can I asked how you wire this guage in for power? I have gone over EC's instructions and all I keep seeing is scotch clips. Those things are terrible to use and bad for your wiring. Did I miss something or is there a plug?

Dont know for sure, but maybe the wires can be repinned into the stock connector?

Just a small update guys. The connector pins that are required for a clean install are actually a TYCO/AMP style contact. I stopped by my local BMW dealership today and picked up a pair of these. No special crimper required as these already have a length of wire attached! I'm going to butt splice them into the Defi gauge harness so that I can insert the pins into the factory connector. I'll secure them in the plug with electrical tape once inserted. The BMW part number is 61-13-0-005-198; I paid a whopping $3.86 for the pair. Stay tuned...

[AudiGuy]

Just a small update guys. The connector pins that are required for a clean install are actually a TYCO/AMP style contact. I stopped by my local BMW dealership today and picked up a pair of these. No special crimper required as these already have a length of wire attached! I'm going to butt splice them into the Defi gauge harness so that I can insert the pins into the factory connector. I'll secure them in the plug with electrical tape once inserted. The BMW part number is 61-13-0-005-198; I paid a whopping $3.86 for the pair. Stay tuned...

Sweet!! I knew it could be done. Should be a much cleaner install. Please share pics of the wiring when you do it.

[mneuman916]

Once small detail I wanted to add; I found that the gauge was being drawn in a tad too far by tightening up the rear nut. I added 3 washers between the inner nut and the plastic stand off. This not only spaces the gauge out correctly but also gives the nut something to bear against so that it can be tightened up.





I'll be constructing the wire harness and completing the installation tomorrow. Details to follow!

[mneuman916]

I completed the install today. I spent a good amount of time removing the cowl cover and the lower surround to run the wiring through, attach the pressure sensor and secure everything as needed. Since I was replacing the ATM gauge kit it was all pretty much straight forward. I was able to pull the new wiring through using the harness I was removing. The gauge instructions indicate that you should have the hose connection on the pressure sensor pointing down. Since it's so close to the connection at the manifold I looped the hose around to avoid kinks. I used a dremel tool to remove the lower corner of the plastic surround at the main engine harness to feed the wire through, as instructed. It was easier than it looked; that's a think piece of plastic! Once all the covers are reinstalled all of this is tucked nicely out of plain sight.





I used 2 sealed solder butt splices to attach the pin wires to the gauge harness. I also used some heat shrink tubing around the connectors; it's overkill but I had it handy.





As you can see, you can simply insert the pins into the appropriate female connection in the factory plug. I secured the pins with electrical tape before burying them behind the instrument cluster. I made sure to tape one before the other to isolate them from ever coming in contact with one another.







The final product! The first attraction I had to this kit was the look, and let me tell you, the pictures DO NOT do this gauge justice. It looks even more amazing in person! I'm also really anxious to see my boost readings now that I'm reading it from the proper location. The install process was pretty straight forward and the best advice I can give is to take your time. I hope that my thoughts and experiences along the way might be helpful!

Wait... we're not done! See below!





NOTE: Though by following these instructions you will end up with superb fit and finish of your new Defi boost gauge, I must warn you of the following. While reattaching your wiper arms you will grow increasingly frustrated with trying to line them up not once, not twice, but perhaps 4, 5 and 6 times. As you experience an increase in blood pressure it's probably not a good idea to pull the ratchet out of your pocket in a fit of frustration; you may just drop it on your hood in the process.

I'll be sharing my experience with paintless dent removal soon.

[FTY]

Looks GREAT! I am going to pull the gauge and correct my connections when I have 10 min to myself. I still have to put a DEFI in my white Abarth!

[Tweak]

Looks great, color is about a perfect match and it seems it is well lit and very easy to read.

As for the wipers...I pulled mine last fall and replaced without issue so not sure what happened there but sucks to hear about the dent.

[redred]

Looks awesome! Sorry about your hood though. That kind of sucks!

[mneuman916]

Looks great, color is about a perfect match and it seems it is well lit and very easy to read.

It's about as close as you're going to get to a factory match. I just went out to the garage to check it out in complete darkness with the headlights on. It not too bright either; no more annoying blue LED shining in my face at night!

As for the wipers...I pulled mine last fall and replaced without issue so not sure what happened there but sucks to hear about the dent.

The arms, not the blades you dolt.

[Tweak]

It's about as close as you're going to get to a factory match. I just went out to the garage to check it out in complete darkness with the headlights on. It not too bright either; no more annoying blue LED shining in my face at night!



The arms, not the blades you dolt.

I removed the entire arm AND blade, not just the blades themselves.

Popped them off and back on quick and easy, guess I got lucky.