http://www.easternmotorwerks.com/products.htm
It's option 2, includes an oil distribution block so you don't have to mess with your oil pan drain plug.

Pretty slick setup from what I've read.

Need 10 people to get the $50 discount, more if we get 15.
No substitutions from the #2 kit with black VDO Vision gauges.

Post if you are interested.

If you can get 8 others, count me in.

Chris

Err, dumb question, but whats the difference between an oil distribution block and just having a oil sender, how is the distribution block better? I might be interested, Christmas is coming soon. :D

Originally posted by SI///M3
Err, dumb question, but whats the difference between an oil distribution block and just having a oil sender, how is the distribution block better? I might be interested, Christmas is coming soon. :D
The senders plug into the oil distribution block which plugs into the oil filter canister, as opposed to plugging into the drain plug.
Instead of having to route wires under the car to the plug you simply route wires to the canister under the hood.

can I substitute the volt meter for a water temp? To me, the water temp is more important.

Originally posted by fast4d
can I substitute the volt meter for a water temp? To me, the water temp is more important.

Look to the right of your tach...

The BMW water temp gauge is electronically forced to stay dead center unless drastically over-temp.

PS: The oil distribution block allows multiple ports for pressure sending units as well as temp.

And it was invented by the greatest guy on earth. :)

Originally posted by jsp98m3
The BMW water temp gauge is electronically forced to stay dead center unless drastically over-temp.

I suspect that it was an "idiot gauge" since it has no numbers on it.

Originally posted by fast4d
can I substitute the volt meter for a water temp? To me, the water temp is more important.
I talked to Eastern Motorwerks. They said they could substitute for a water temp gauge, plus a small additional charge for the corresponding sender. The problem is that there is no easy way to mount the water temp sender on an e36, so you would be on your own installing it.

count me in. I'll decide on water or volt when the time comes.

where's the OEM water temp probe?


maybe I can get an aluminum thermostat cover and tap it.

Hey Guys,

I'm definitely interested. My greatest concern is having the installation done. I don't want to damage any part of the electrical system, so my question is whether anyone knows of a reliable installation facility in the SF Bay Area that could do the work?

Jim - How long did it take you to install your guages?

This sounds really good to me, one thing though. Theres no way we can get the autometer gauge set instead? The price is the same, I just like the look of the Autometer gauges better since I have white gauges in my dash...

Also when will this deal be finalized? We have a date or anything, or just when enough people sign up?

Originally posted by SI///M3
This sounds really good to me, one thing though. Theres no way we can get the autometer gauge set instead? The price is the same, I just like the look of the Autometer gauges better since I have white gauges in my dash...

Also when will this deal be finalized? We have a date or anything, or just when enough people sign up?

Eastern Motorwerks was fairly explicit about no substitutions from the black VDO Vision series gauges.

There is no time limit. When we get 10 we can do it.

Ronzer,

You gonna do your own install?

Originally posted by BGM3
Ronzer, You gonna do your own install?
Actually, yes. I'm planning on installing an alarm in my car (already have the parts) and in order to get at the alarm harness you have to remove the glovebox, which you also have to do when installing the gauge kit. Plus I'll already have the center console out while installing the gauges so installing the alarm LED will be easy. The two projects should dovetail nicely. The only thing I'll have to jack up the car for is changing the oil, which I believe you have to do while installing the ODB.

If I were going to get it professionally done I'd take it to Bavarian Professionals in Berkeley, but I enjoy working on my car and I think this project is a good intermediate project for me.

Well I guess I'll give it a shot. I understand that Eastern will provide some sort of instructions with the kit. Jim, has a good write up on his site as well so I figure I can't go wrong attempting this on my own. I'm in for the gauges so please count me and let me know when we're ready to order.

Count me in.

What is the discount if we get up to 15 people?

Originally posted by 99M3OC
Count me in.
What is the discount if we get up to 15 people?
It goes down to $330 + 10 shipping if we get 15, but currently we only have 5:

Ronzer
Cannon
fast4d
BGM3
99M3OC

The only thing I'll have to jack up the car for is changing the oil, which I believe you have to do while installing the ODB.

It is not necessary to drain the oil when installing the ODB. All of the work can be done from the top of the engine bay. If you have a CAI, it may help with access if you remove the heat shield.

You can count me in!

I am interested... Lets hope we get 15!

Yeah, I'm definitely interested. Sounds like we'll get ten soon -- let's hold off and see if we can get 15.

Is this the gauge kit with the orange lit dials that match the stock, etc?

I'm interested if we get 15.

Im interested!

When can we do this??

Originally posted by document
Yeah, I'm definitely interested. Sounds like we'll get ten soon -- let's hold off and see if we can get 15.
Is this the gauge kit with the orange lit dials that match the stock, etc?
I'm pretty sure the back-light on the dials matches the stock lighting, yes.

I'm willing to try to hold off for 15 @ $330 + 10 shipping.
Remember, if someone backs out and we drop below the threshold, the price goes back up. So make if you say you are interested, you really are.

So far we have:
Ronzer
Cannon
fast4d
BGM3
99M3OC
318 ti
GSBMW325is
document
XOC (if we get 15)
scottycs

So we need 5 more to get $330 + $10.

Only thing guys, does this set have the useless 180# oil pressure guage? E36 M's only have maybe 60#'s hot anyway, so a 180# gauge is pretty useless. The 90# gauge is much better for the application.


Rich

Originally posted by RRSperry
Only thing guys, does this set have the useless 180# oil pressure guage? E36 M's only have maybe 60#'s hot anyway, so a 180# gauge is pretty useless. The 90# gauge is much better for the application.
Rich

No, it comes with the 80 psi model.

I recently seen the gauges that we're after on a fellow M3 owners car. I would say it is SLIIIGGGGHHHHTTTLY more red than the stock amber gauge color. I'm all for keeping a factory appearance, especially in the salon so I would say the color is extremely close to stock. Best way to compare it is the same color output as the lighted M shift knob.

Ronzer- How many people do we have now?

I have the kit and it is great. The install pretty straight forward. I took my time and and it was about 3-4 hours to do it. The illumination is slightly red with the little bulb condoms that they supply. I picked up some amber/orange bulbs from Autozone and now it matches perfectly to the factory illumination. Very worthwhile upgrade.

Originally posted by BGM3
I recently seen the gauges that we're after on a fellow M3 owners car. I would say it is SLIIIGGGGHHHHTTTLY more red than the stock amber gauge color. I'm all for keeping a factory appearance, especially in the salon so I would say the color is extremely close to stock. Best way to compare it is the same color output as the lighted M shift knob.

Ronzer- How many people do we have now?

9 + 1 who is in if we get 15.

So, we still need 1 to get $349, and 5 to get $330.

Lets do 10 people I guess. 15 is stretching it!

Yeah since we need 1 more we might as well leave the thread open a little longer to see if we can get 15, is anybody in that much of a hurry?

I'm still very interested, but in no big rush. I wouldn't be able to get to the install for a couple of weeks, and extra time to save up $ is always a plus!
I wouldn't mind if the thread stays open a week or so to try and attract 15 people. Just keep bumping it so it stays near the top.

I agree.

So next week?? I would like them pretty soon before I spend it!!:D

Can you put the gauges where the radio is and move the radio to the lower storage area? I think this might help, because then you wouldn't have to look so far down to see the gauges.

BGM3, I have this kit and love it. I will be replacing the voltmeter with a water temp guage at some point.

I can do the install for you for the right price, or help you do it, takes about 3 hours, give or take.

Has anyone posted this gb on any of the other M3 boards? Might be worth a shot for getting 15.

Originally posted by document
Has anyone posted this gb on any of the other M3 boards? Might be worth a shot for getting 15.
I just posted to dtmpower.net and roadfly.org telling people to come here if they are interested. If we don't get 15 soon, I'm inclined to just go with 10.

No, you can not. The Area behind the lower storage area is not deep enough to house a stereo ( I wanted to do it). The AC Ducts are directly behind the storage area/OBC. I have my OBC in my cupholder, So I have room for 6 guages :D or other goodies
Originally posted by gato
Can you put the gauges where the radio is and move the radio to the lower storage area? I think this might help, because then you wouldn't have to look so far down to see the gauges.

95 MPWR - Thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it! Would it be possible to meet up sometime to hear your UUC exhaust. I was looking to get an AA exhaust (anyone selling theirs?) but I would like to see how loud the UUC one is.

Any of you Bay Area guys going to the Bimmerz Pizza get together on Nov 3?

scottycs - How the heck did you put the OBC where the cup holder is? Have any pics of that, it would be cool to see that mod.

I'm interested as well. If I do go with this GB, I would like to substitute the voltmeter for the water temp gauge.


I already have a JTD ODB so it would be redundant for me to go with the full gauge set. Perhaps I can order the full kit minus the ODB and count for the kit to be one order towards the GB. Could you confirm this for me? Thanks.

jpaek421@attbi.com

btw, which ODB does the kit come with? JTD or their own design?

Pics suck, but here it goes. I had a screen in the dash before, so I had to move it. If anyone is interested, I will trade it for a stock cupholder.

Originally posted by BGM3
scottycs - How the heck did you put the OBC where the cup holder is? Have any pics of that, it would be cool to see that mod.

That's pritty nifty. Never thought of moving the unit there. Is it hard to access from the drivers seat?

Ronzer - Are we at least at 10 yet?

Originally posted by BiMaW
I'm interested as well. If I do go with this GB, I would like to substitute the voltmeter for the water temp gauge.
I already have a JTD ODB so it would be redundant for me to go with the full gauge set. Perhaps I can order the full kit minus the ODB and count for the kit to be one order towards the GB. Could you confirm this for me? Thanks.
jpaek421@attbi.com
btw, which ODB does the kit come with? JTD or their own design?

The water temp gauge you can substitue for a small fee, but you will be on your own installing it. I don't think deleteing the ODB would still count towards the GB, they were pretty specific about not deviating from kit #2 and without a ODB it's pretty much a kit #1.

Still interested?

Originally posted by BGM3
That's pritty nifty. Never thought of moving the unit there. Is it hard to access from the drivers seat?
Ronzer - Are we at least at 10 yet?

Still at 9:
Ronzer
Cannon
fast4d
BGM3
99M3OC
318 ti
GSBMW325is
document
XOC (if we get 15)
scottycs

We just need one more at $349 and we can start moving, I don't think we are going to make 15.

Originally posted by Ronzer


We just need one more at $349 and we can start moving, I don't think we are going to make 15.

Have you tried marketing the GP on any other boards like DTMPower or Bimmer.org? Your not that far away from the magic $$$ 15.

Originally posted by tlp-96M3/2

Have you tried marketing the GP on any other boards like DTMPower or Bimmer.org? Your not that far away from the magic $$$ 15.

I did that yesterday.

hmm..count me in..i'll take my chances of selling the ODB to another member...btw, could you let me know details on the final price with the watertemp gauge and sender? thanks.

Justin

ps, i still say we wait for 5 more people to join.

I am gettin anxious, Also I think 15 people is pushing it. There are many dreamers on the boards, few put their money were their mouth is.

Originally posted by scottycs
I am gettin anxious, Also I think 15 people is pushing it. There are many dreamers on the boards, few put their money were their mouth is.

Should we take another count of the seriously interested people?

Count me in.

Originally posted by BiMaW
hmm..count me in..i'll take my chances of selling the ODB to another member...btw, could you let me know details on the final price with the watertemp gauge and sender? thanks.
Justin
ps, i still say we wait for 5 more people to join.

That makes 10 (plus 1 @ $330)
Ronzer
Cannon
fast4d
BGM3
99M3OC
318 ti
GSBMW325is
document
XOC (if we get 15)
scottycs
BiMaW

At this rate, I say we go with 10.
I've contacted Eatern Motorwerks about starting. I'll let you know what the payment options will be when I hear back.

Originally posted by Ronzer


That makes 10 (plus 1 @ $330)
Ronzer
Cannon
fast4d
BGM3
99M3OC
318 ti
GSBMW325is
document
XOC (if we get 15)
scottycs
BiMaW

At this rate, I say we go with 10.
I've contacted Eatern Motorwerks about starting. I'll let you know what the payment options will be when I hear back.


actually...it's 11 folks

i posted again on roadfly.com, bimmermods.com, bmwplanet.com

check out the GB pricing for E46 VDO gauges.

http://bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=168102#post168102

5-9 buyers: $320 plus shipping

10-14 buyers: $300 plus shipping

15-19 buyers: $285 plus shipping

I'm in - I haven't finished reading the entire
thread, but if it is the Option 2 package
in nice stock looking black guages
with the 80psi oil pressure + oil temp +
volt, then add me to the list

pas
'95 M3

On another note - Eastern is in business to
make money. Don't feel rushed into doing it
with 10 because you are afraid they aren't
going to take our money if we wait a reasonable
amount of time to get 15. FWIW, I just saw
this whole thread from the post on roadfly
this morning.

pas
'95 M3

I feel that finding 15 people, let alone who will still be in the group buy after a couple of weeks is hard. I would love to have 15 people, as everyone else, but I just do not think it is possible.

Originally posted by pas
On another note - Eastern is in business to
make money. Don't feel rushed into doing it
with 10 because you are afraid they aren't
going to take our money if we wait a reasonable
amount of time to get 15. FWIW, I just saw
this whole thread from the post on roadfly
this morning. pas
'95 M3
It's not Eastern Motorwerks that I'm concerned about, it's lining up the people who agreed to do it to actually do it. I'm doing another group buy for a shortshifter kit and 3 people backed out after they agreed to do it, and I was only trying to get 10. It's like herding cats. I would love to get 15 people on this and save some money, but it's been 12 days and we still only have 12 people. The longer we wait the more likely people will back out.

Update:
Payment is going to be through Eastern Motorwerk's website. They are going to setup a special link with the discount that will stay up for a week.

It will be $20 extra to swap the voltmeter for a water temp gague/sender, but again you will be on your own installing it and you can't return it based on problems encountered trying to install it. So buyer beware for the water temp swap.

I'll post the link when they put it up.

Understood. Keep us posted. The only thing
that would give me pause on this is something
like a requirement that I drop cash off
behind a dumpster somewhere :)

I'm in for the buy, substitute coolant for volt gauge.


-John

That's 13.

Does this mean its a bitch to install? Shouldn't be to hard. Also are you saying if I get the water temp guage it will come with no instructions.
Thanks
CHris

Originally posted by Ronzer
It will be $20 extra to swap the voltmeter for a water temp gague/sender, but again you will be on your own installing it and you can't return it based on problems encountered trying to install it. So buyer beware for the water temp swap.

2 more? !:clap: I'm still in :)

Originally posted by scottycs
Does this mean its a bitch to install? Shouldn't be to hard. Also are you saying if I get the water temp guage it will come with no instructions.
Thanks
CHris


I have no idea how hard it is to install the water-temp sender, but it's unsupported by Eastern Motorwerks and the instructions you get will be for installing the regular kit only. You are basically on your own if you decide to do it.

I'm still in if (when!) we get 15 ... as promised. I'd also like to sub a coolant temp for the volt meter, but I'm concerned about the install. How many are doing this sub? Think we can band together and help each other get it installed kind-of-thing?

That would be nice to have someone to help out if the install gets tough.

perhaps we should have wrench day. anyone up for this?

I'm in with 15. (I find it sad that I have these gauges in a 12 year old Audi, my winter car, but not in the M3).

Adam makes 14 buyers. (well, 12 + 2 if it hits 15)

When it the buy happening?

Can someone just please explain why the heck the price for this "kit" is so outrageous?

I mean, the gauge "holder" is just the stock plastic piece that has been drilled out & "retrofitted" to accept the VDO gauges. The VDO gauges themselves are normally in the price range of only $35-$50 each.... in which one could wire the guages up without a "kit"...

Is it so expensive because it's for a "BMW"? If so, that is really crazy.

I mean, even Auto Meter gauges can be used if one wanted to. If you are a do it yourself type of individual, you can certainly buy and hook up gauges without having to go broke.

My opinion anyway. I've seen others create the same setup on their webpages and it works just as well as this kit. I've hooked up gauges in my prior cars without headaches and it was easy, as long as you have a wiring diagram to know which wires to tap into for illumination and for the "hot" wire... the ground wire hookup is easy...

I can't see or justify myself spending $359 for (3) guages, the "modified gauge pod" and some wires. I'll use my ingenuity and save myself some $$ by buying the guages separate and modifying the factory part, it's really not that hard to do.

Good luck with the GP though.

Where are you going to get the oil distribution block? That's 100.
Then your looking at the gauges and sensors? That's 150-200
Then a custom wiring harness and full set of instructions.

Yes, you can ghetto rig it with your own panel, but no one likes that. This is the whole new panel and it looks very clean. If you want be cheap and save 50 bucks and have it look ghetto, go ahead.

Also, if you came to criticize the group buy, your input was not needed.

I was not criticizing the group buy Chris, take it for what it is worth and stop reading into the post...

Since you purposefully had to make a statment towards me, here are my answers to your statements:

You don't necessarily *need* the oil distribution block - that block makes the install easier, of course, no doubt about that. And along with using this block, you can still utilize the stock oil sender so everything remains the same before the mod.

Sensors? What sensors are needed with VDO gauges? You can install the same VDO gauges into a Dodge Caravan, they are universal gauges, not "BMW specific". They only "look" close enough to the factory BMW gauge style, this is why they are so popular as the "gauge of choice" for BMW's.

Custom wiring harness? Come on now - that's for people who can't fabricate their own wires (or harness for that matter) out of a spool of colored wire and know how to connect it properly to the specific factory wires.... Again, it's not really necessary to *have* that harness - of course, it DOES make it easier to do the install.

Ghetto rig the panel? That's EXACTLY what Eastern does or has done - it's a STOCK panel that was modified, have doubts? Take pics of the factory parts and Eastern's and post them here for all to see.

As for the automatic "bust or flame" - hey, if it makes you feel more like a man to take cheap shots at a fellow BMW enthusiast, so be it - it's still an M3 and gauges are a necessary mod to monitor the engine dynamics.

All I was doing is stating an opinion - and was not directing it towards YOU or ANYONE for that matter.

Ok, Price a kit together with everything needed. Oil distribution block is the only way to go, the rest in cheesy. You MUST purchase senders.

Its really a decent price for a plug an play system. I think it will be hard for you to fabricate. Their panels look far from ghetto.

It is a lot of money, but I feel it is a good buy. I will soon will be out of this group buy if it doesn't start moving soon.

Guys,

No point in arguing. Fact is we're getting a kit that's ready to go! No need to fabricate, no need to do measurements, buy parts, time is money(for me), etc. We're paying money for the time it took someone else to design and well it is a business and they need to make a living. Lets be realistic!!! I've already priced out the pieces seperately many times over. Yes, I can do it for less, but I rather have a ready to go kit. I was concerned about doing this install by myself anyhow, but with the instructions and fellow BMW owners nearby installing the same kit, I figured I can't go wrong.

Peace

Exactly BGM3, the extra dough is in the convenience of the packaging. I regularly fabricate stuff, have built wiring harnesses, etc., and frankly am willing to pay the few extra bucks for a clean, oem appearing gauge panel and slick oil distribution block. I for one just don't have the time right now to fab anything, gather parts and supplies.

Can we set a deadline for the GB? Say Friday, Nov. 1st? I just went back and read from the beginning of the thread, it seems a few folks may be inclined to back out if it doesn't go soon.

My .02

-John

Sorry to start any type of bickering, I was just questioning the fact as to why a kit like this has to be so expensive, even with a group buy.

I was not questioning the fact that it is a "plug & play" kit, which of course it is.

Chris - sorry if you read the original post the wrong way, it was not the intention of it.

Ok, carry on, move along, nothing to see here... keep moving... :D

Good luck to those that do get in on the deal.

Hello Everyone, Here are the details of the E36 gauge package group purchase. If you have any questions please email me directly.

Once I receive 10 or more confirmed orders I will begin buying the parts and shipping kits. Please allow up to 2 weeks for shipping, it can take a while to get this many parts made. I will compile an email list from the order forms and keep everyone posted via email. Please be sure to put your correct email address in the order form. You will not be spammed by us, I promise.

The link to the specially priced kit is here: http://va.eftsecure.net/eftcart/additem.asp?M_id=109191876324&P_id=30674

Please click on the link, make sure there is 1 kit in your cart, and press checkout to continue. You will be asked for billing information. Please enter your correct credit card statement address where it asks for billing address or the verification will fail. Also we will only ship to the billing address so please don't enter a seperate shipping address.

If you want to replace the voltmeter with a water temp gauge please say so in the special instructions section. You will be charged $369 instead of $349.

If you prefer to pay using Paypal please send me an email containing all of your information and I will help you with the payment process.

Thank you very much and let me know if you have any questions.

Phil,

You causing trouble around here? :nono :) How are those wheels working out? :wave:

Good, so the 349 is with shipping?
Thanks

Originally posted by Eastern M-werks
Hello Everyone, Here are the details of the E36 gauge package group purchase. If you have any questions please email me directly.
...


This is it. I just sent my payment.
Lets get moving on this everyone.

Sorry for the mixup but since I quoted a price of $10.00 shipping per kit I had to change the price of the item to $347.00. Our system automatically calculates the shipping to be $12.00 for a kit. I simply took the extra $2.00 out of the price.

So will you adjust the price if we get 15 (we're at 14 currently).

Thanks Jamie.

All, FWIW, I've been exchanging emails with Jamie
and found him to be very helpful as responsive.

Concerning CobraJet's question of the price,
I can understand the question and I think it
is an honest one. It is possible to piece the
kit together for less money, however as someone
else noted, the harness (and to some extent
the instructions) are often worth a bit extra
cost. I've done this exact kit piecemeal in
my VW GTi-16v when I was younger and had
more time/energy. I am more than happy to give
a company a bit of profit and not have
to hassle with constructing yet another wiring
harness. The other thing is that Eastern
has been producing this kit for a while
and I think that they've worked out any
bugs in both the kit and the instructions.

pas
'95 M3
GTi-16v (with VDO kit and military standard
wiring harness)

Originally posted by Adam_ArticM3
So will you adjust the price if we get 15 (we're at 14 currently).

The price will go down to $330 if 15 people sign up. 14 people have expressed interest.

Ronzer,

So if I pay $347 now and we actually get 15 people buying then Eastern M-werks will refund the difference?
I was under the impression that we would be supplied a special link to go and place the GB order.

We have been supplied a special link - it is
on page 2 of this thread, placed by Jamie
of Eastern Motorworks.

I'm done with mine - all aboard who's coming
aboard.

Well someone let me know if we're down for 15 or not. If so, I'll purchase asap.

Originally posted by BGM3
Ronzer,
So if I pay $347 now and we actually get 15 people buying then Eastern M-werks will refund the difference?
I was under the impression that we would be supplied a special link to go and place the GB order.

Correct, if 15 people sign up the charge will be reduced, otherwise it stays as is.

Again, the link is:

http://va.eftsecure.net/eftcart/add...6324&P_id=30674

Linkie no workie,

I'll look on page 2

Originally posted by BGM3
Linkie no workie,
I'll look on page 2

You are correct, try:
http://va.eftsecure.net/eftcart/additem.asp?M_id=109191876324&P_id=30674

Whats the price if I join in for this kit with the carbon fiber faceplate? Let me know ASAP =)

-Brett

Ronzer,

For those of us who would like to substitute the Water Temp gauge for the voltmeter, how do we do this?

Originally posted by Brett
Whats the price if I join in for this kit with the carbon fiber faceplate? Let me know ASAP =)

-Brett

Add $34 *i think* might want to confirm with Ronzer of Jamie from Easternmotorwerks.com

Originally posted by 99M3OC
Ronzer,
For those of us who would like to substitute the Water Temp gauge for the voltmeter, how do we do this?

From post #80:
If you want to replace the voltmeter with a water temp gauge please say so in the special instructions section. You will be charged $369 instead of $349.

can we get a poll on who ordered already.

I placed my order. Is that officially 15, or just those who have actually ordered and those who are still "interested"?

I just ordered mine.

Chris

im placing my order on friday at the latest. Waiting for fund transfer to my bank card so that i can give them a CC number.

My order has been placed.

I placed mine yesterday (10/29)

I just place my order w/ water temp a minute ago.

:mad: I moved recently, bank "has no record" of my billing address change. Eastern Motorworks won't ship to address other than billing address. :mad: Bank says it could be two weeks before billing addy is corrected :mad:

Originally posted by badmonkey
:mad: I moved recently, bank "has no record" of my billing address change. Eastern Motorworks won't ship to address other than billing address. :mad: Bank says it could be two weeks before billing addy is corrected :mad:

If you have a paypal account you can pay Jamie with that. I'm sure you can work something out. His e-mail address is:
emotorwerks@yahoo.com

I sent Jamie an email, hopefully we can get it worked out. His shipping policy is understandable, just not happy with my credit card issuer right now.


///badmonkey

you could also see if he would just
bill you directly and send you an invoice.
You could pay by check in snail mail
(can't remember the last time I paid for
something in that manner!)

Ok just paid. Anyone know when they will ship or kits out?

Originally posted by Brett
Whats the price if I join in for this kit with the carbon fiber faceplate? Let me know ASAP =)
-Brett

I asked Jamie about this. You can add the carbon fiber upgrade to your kit for $35 more. Mention you want to do this in the special instructions.

According to Jamie, 6 people have ordered with 1 on the way.
So we need at least 3 more, hopefully 8 more.

Mine is ordered, thanks Jamie :)


-John

please count me in...
email me with when you will approximate do this
alex

Originally posted by turbom395
please count me in...
email me with when you will approximate do this
alex


The group purchase is in progress. Click below and order!


http://va.eftsecure.net/eftcart/additem.asp?M_id=109191876324&P_id=30674


(not my group purchase, just a participant)

The full URL is

http://va.eftsecure.net/eftcart/additem.asp?M_id=109191876324&P_id=30674

The purchase is on-going.

How many have purchased so far?

I just placed an order.

i might place an order in the next day or 2 .. just waiting to see if some funds free up

Status? Have we 10 orders yet?


-John

Hello everyone, we hit 10 gauge kit orders today so the GP is on. I will leave it open for the rest of this week to see if we get to 15. If that happens I will adjust the price accordingly. I will email everybody who ordered to let them know when they can expect their kit. It looks like they will begin shipping in the next few days.

Thank you very much,

Originally posted by Eastern M-werks
Hello everyone, we hit 10 gauge kit orders today so the GP is on. I will leave it open for the rest of this week to see if we get to 15. If that happens I will adjust the price accordingly. I will email everybody who ordered to let them know when they can expect their kit. It looks like they will begin shipping in the next few days.

Thank you very much,

:clap: Woo-hoo!

The more I think about it, the more useful this purchase will be. Very justifiable expense.
C'mon, 5 more people order!

I will be ordering tonight so that will make 11.

yeah im thinking bout ordering it .. how long will this go on for ?

E\/O,

Get off the fence and order. The kids can survive without food till next payday.

Originally posted by E\/O
yeah im thinking bout ordering it .. how long will this go on for ?

previous reply from Eastern M-werks:
Hello everyone, we hit 10 gauge kit orders today so the GP is on. I will leave it open for the rest of this week to see if we get to 15. If that happens I will adjust the price accordingly. I will email everybody who ordered to let them know when they can expect their kit. It looks like they will begin shipping in the next few days.

k so i have till friday

Just ordered!!!:clap: :alright

:clap: :clap:

Update on # of orders?

We are still at 10 orders confirmed. Parts are flying into our shop and kits will begin to ship next week. I have had a few people say that if we get 15 they will buy. If those guys can get together we will definately get 15. I think i'll leave the GP open until the end of the day on Monday just to see if we get any orders this weekend. Thanks and as always let me know if you have any questions.

Jamie,

Good stuff!!! Thanks for the update.

Hey you procrastinators ya'll better get on this deal and save some $$$ for other mods.

Ok guys, post up if you are 100% down for a 15-person group buy. If there are 5 of us, let's do it!

I can't believe you guys are willing to let this slip by for a measly $19.

I mentioned to Jamie I am a definate go at the 15 person price if we can get 4 more besides me. I just joined the forum after having bought the car itself two weeks ago so funds are tight. I may join anyway but am posting to encourage the other holdouts to do so.

Thanx !

1997 M3 Sedan
Boston Green
Dinan Eng/Trans chips
Cold Air intake

Well I'm another one so WE ONLY NEED THREE MORE!!! Cmon guys ....

I believe there are 3 of you holding out for the 15 pricing: XOC, egbultmann, and EVO (riding the fence). Look back through the thread, you may be able to find a couple others waiting for 15 pricing. PM and email them.

///badmonkey (already purchased)

I make another, I think that means we only need 2 more for the 15.

I went ahead and ordered so count me in. Any more holdouts-looks like we only need a couple now !

:boink

Ok c'mon we have til COB Monday. All aboard who's coming aboard.

I placed my order. Are we there yet? Are we there yet? :D

Hello folks, we are currently at 12 confirmed purchasers. We still have time to get those last 3 in.

Thanks,

There's been some threads on the JTD distribution blocks not fitting properly on some heads because of casting differences/tolerances. Can someone clarify if the JTD has been revised to account for these variations, or does this problem still exist. That's the main reason I haven't order this kit yet.

What's the low-down? :dunno

I asked Jamie about this as I believe some
people noted some fitment problems with
early 1995's because the OBD senders could
interfere with the banjo bolt attaching
the ODB.

Jamie may want to weigh in, but he indicated
that if there were any fitment problems it would
be possible to return the kit. That would assume
that the first thing you tried was to fit the
Oil Distribution Block - if it doesn't work,
you return it. Again, I leave it to him
to weigh in on this.

I believe Rich Dorffer pointed this out
on the MDigest:

"Yes, you can look at your oil filter housing to determine what is going on and what problems may lie ahead. My oil filter housing where the stock idiot pressure sender threads into the oil housing is basically flush with the housing. Most of the 1996 E36s and beyond where the stock idiot pressure sender threads into the oil housing actually protrudes outward from the housing.

See picture here of Jim Powell's 1997 M3:

http://www.apexcone.com/Gauges/oct12_07.jpg
http://www.apexcone.com/Gauges/oct12_08.jpg

Anyway, see where the JTD Block attaches and the lower sending unit threads into the bottom of the block, since mine is flush (like most E36s from 1995 and before), the lower sending unit will interfere with the housing and you are unable to properly tighten the banjo bolt to the housing causing it to leak severely.

Check your housing and see if it is like the one in Jim's pictures or not.

Thanks...I'll check mine tonight. Seems like it would be a simple matter, though, for JTD to have modified the block to avoid this possible interference....

I heard it was a complete pain in the ass to install.. is this true?

I don't think the JTD block will fit my car (early build '95 M3) :mad:

Here is a photo (sorry about the quality).....doesn't look like Jim's:

How long are we going to wait for 3 more people to sign up?

RogRacer, that's a bummer. What is the build
date on your car. Mine is a 9/94, and I
_think_ it is ok. I looked last night, but
I want to recheck with your picture in
front of me.

I had two thoughts: (1) is the housing
that we are looking at just bolted onto the
block, in which case you could just get
the updated one from the dealer. (2) it
might not be a big deal to get some kind of
piece that would basicall protrude from
the housing. I don't know if they make
them, but I'm thinking of a mechanical
version of electrical connectors that I've
used at work. It would have a threaded
male end to fit the housing and a threaded
female port for the oil distribution block.

It would also be worth a call to Jamie to
see if they ever did a work-around for this.
All that is necessary is a small bump out on
the ODB.

PAS...the build date on my car is 7/94...a couple of months before you. I would *guess* your car is the same as mine, but I dunno.

You're right that there should be some work-arounds. The first thing I want to explore, though, is an alternative distribution block from another source...there have been rumors that one exists or is in development, and I'm trying to chase them down...

I'll report if I find anything out.

OK...I've tracked the rumor. There is, in fact, an alternative oil distribution block that is about to hit the market. Brett Anderson at http://www.koalamotorsport.com is testing prototypes and it should be available in a few weeks. I'm gonna wait for that. It would be great if eastermotorwerkes would work with Brett to come up with a complete kit...I think there is even an extra port that allows for a low-pressure alarm switch.

I wanted to chime in on this. There are obviously differences in the castings for the oil filter housings on some E36 models. I noticed this 4 years ago when I started developing the complete gauge kits. One thing that sets the Eastern Motorwerks ODB apart from the others is the fact that is was designed to compensate for the casting differences. Our block will work on vehicles that have a shorter protrusion on the casting or a completely flush mounting area. I have sold them to people all over the world and have not had one returned yet for fitment issues. Well, maybe one but he had an E36 320i in Finland or someplace like that.

I cannot make a garantee that our ODB will fit every single E36 in the world but as far as I know it fits most of them. Please be assured that I will work with you on fitment issues and allow you to return the kit if the ODB just won't work. That said, please try the ODB first because you cannot return a kit if the gauges have been opened and the harness has been tampered with.

In PAS's case I offered to send him a prototype ODB to test before he ordered the kit because he has a Euro oil cooler kit.

Please email me directly if you have questions.

Thanks,

Originally posted by Eastern M-werks


In PAS's case I offered to send him a prototype ODB to test before he ordered the kit because he has a Euro oil cooler kit.

Please email me directly if you have questions.

Thanks,



Pas or Jamie, please post if the ODB fits the euro filter housing. I've located one for a reasonable price.

Thanks - John

Is this GB still open? I see ppl in other forums asking where to buy gauges.

Jamie- I appreciate you post about the fitment issue. But I have one question...are you saying your Oil Distribution Block is different from the JTD block or has been modified in some way? It seems like you are implying that it is. Otherwise, you must be saying the JTD block only has fitment issues with a very, very small number of people. If it is the second case, I fear I might be one of them based on my earlier photo. :dunno

Are we still waiting for 15 people? I already had the funds taken out off my account so I don't see as I'll be benefiting by waiting for more to get aboard to drop the price. Unless I'm getting a refund (not likely)
What's up?:dunno

I agree with subpilot. I don't see a reason to wait around any longer for an additional 2-3 people and a $19.00 discount. Lets get this show on the road!

I received this email from Jamie on Thursday (11/14):

Hello, thanks for your patience. We expected to have your order shipped by now
but had some issues getting our parts shipped to us on time. We will be boxing
up your kit this weekend and most likely shipping it on Monday or Tuesday next
week. I will email you when it ships and send you the tracking number. Thanks
again and please let me know if you have any questions.



Hope this doesn't drag on much longer.

Thanks John,

Hey I called you about the RSM but you didn't answer. I didn't leave a message thou.

In response to RogRacer's questions: Our ODB is not the same as JTD's. It performs the same functions but it was designed to account for differences in oil filter housings. I see no reason why our ODB won't fit your car. You have the same casting as a car that I used for prototyping. Like I said before, If there are fitment issues with our ODB I will work with you to resolve them.

As for the update, the GP is now closed. All orders have been processed and we have a stack of gauge kits in our shop as high as the ceiling. The first few kits are shipping today. When another shipment of parts comes in this afternoon some more of the kits will be packed up and ship tomorrow. The last 2 orders will have to wait a few more days but I expect all kits to ship this week. Everyone will receive an email with your tracking number when your kit ships.

Please email me privately if you have direct questions.

Thanks,

I've been on travel, just getting back to this thread. I don't actually have the Euro oil cooler, I just have the Euro/GT oil pump/pan. That is why I don't think it is necessary that I take Jamie up on his offer of the prototype to check fitment. I think mine will be ok, but based on the responses I've received from Jamie, I am comfortable that any potential issues will be dealt with.

Hi All, I got my kit yesterday. The quality
is very good.

Thanks Jamie.

Glad to hear its a good quality kit!

Just to update, I got e-mail today alerting me that my kit shipped today (tracking # included). Then received follow-up e-mail where Jamie apologized for forgetting to pack some washers in the kit and that they are in the mail. Thats good service in my book.

Look forward to getting the kit.

Hello everyone, all but the last 3 gauge kits have been shipped and they will go out as soon as we receive a few more parts from our machine shop. Thank you all for being patient and making this a very smooth group purchase. Please email me privately if you have any comments, questions, concerns, problems, etc. I am sure this thread won't go on forever.

Thanks again,

I received this email from Jamie on Thursday (11/14):

Hello, thanks for your patience. We expected to have your order shipped by now
but had some issues getting our parts shipped to us on time. We will be boxing
up your kit this weekend and most likely shipping it on Monday or Tuesday next
week. I will email you when it ships and send you the tracking number. Thanks
again and please let me know if you have any questions.



And still haven't received a confirming email about shipping.... Please don't promise Monday or Tuesday... It's Friday and still no word. I sent you an email directly, no reply. What's the deal?

Mines on its way (On the heads of Egyptians). UPS ground from Phili is 7 days:(

I did receive an e-mail from Jamie indicating my gauges had been shipped and including a UPS tracking number on Wednesday Nov 20th. He also mentions that apparently some copper washers were left out and that they'd be shipped a day or two later. Given the typical UPS timing to Bakersfield I expect the kit will be here Mon or Tuesday of next week.

anyone NOT received their kit yet?

Originally posted by fast4d
anyone NOT received their kit yet?


Me, and I'm getting a little pissed about it. Actually, I am pissed.

Guys,

I received mine yesterday. Just pulled out the instructions to read. Seems like pretty straight forward install. Hope ya'll get your soon too!

Originally posted by badmonkey
Me, and I'm getting a little pissed about it. Actually, I am pissed.


no kit, no email, etc.

Originally posted by fast4d
no kit, no email, etc.

Funds posted 11/8, um, 20 days ago. Disappointing, really.

:az:

Originally posted by fast4d
no kit, no email, etc.

Me neither. Way to be ....

Items arriveed yesterday, everything packed nicely and as expected:clap: :clap:

Thanks Jamie.

I received mine yesterday as well, and the letter with the missing washers in it also arrived yesterday. I'm satisfied. Hope everyone gets theirs Monday (no UPS ground delivery on Friday).

Any pics of these installed?

I installed mine over the weekend. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

I installed mine on Saturday. Pretty straight forward, but make your life easier by trying to obtain a 24mm box end wrench beforehand! Also, I had a bear of a time pulling off the kick panel speaker cover...

This is not my install (its Jim Powell's), but this is what it looks like when done:

http://www.bmw-m.net/TechProc/images/oct12_09.jpg

Looks like a factory job, and the gauges look good at night IMO.

Here are a couple of pics of my gauges installed. Hope the rest of you fellas got your kits. I didn't have a purple/white wire for the hot wire to power the gauges. I had to go to Radio Shack and pick up a voltage meter to find a good source for power. Other than that, the install was pretty easy except for that darn speaker panel.


http://www.maxvelocity.net/m3/gauges/gauges_night.jpg
http://www.maxvelocity.net/m3/gauges/gauges_night2.jpg

here's a pic of my kit.

screwed

:help
Can anybody who has installed this kit tell me how they installed the oil distribution block?

Thanks

Originally posted by 318 ti
:help
Can anybody who has installed this kit tell me how they installed the oil distribution block?

Thanks



Sure, whenever it shows up!!! :complain

318,

Here is a link for ya.

http://jt-designs.com/oil_install.htm

:)
Thanks

So I got the kit mostly installed today, but when I went to test it the oil temp gauge didn't work even after the engine warmed up. Pressure and voltage work fine. First thing I checked was connectivity between the gauge and the sensor, which is fine. So its gotta be either the sender or gauge itself. Any ideas on how to figure out which one it is?

Anyone else have a hard time getting the pressure sender threaded in the ODB? I think the threads on my didn't quite match. The stock and temp senders fit great.

So I got the kit mostly installed today, but when I went to test it the oil temp gauge didn't work even after the engine warmed up. Pressure and voltage work fine. First thing I checked was connectivity between the gauge and the sensor, which is fine. So its gotta be either the sender or gauge itself. Any ideas on how to figure out which one it is?

Anyone else have a hard time getting the pressure sender threaded in the ODB? I think the threads on mine didn't quite match. The stock and temp senders fit great.

Originally posted by Ronzer
So I got the kit mostly installed today, but when I went to test it the oil temp gauge didn't work even after the engine warmed up. Pressure and voltage work fine. First thing I checked was connectivity between the gauge and the sensor, which is fine. So its gotta be either the sender or gauge itself. Any ideas on how to figure out which one it is?

Anyone else have a hard time getting the pressure sender threaded in the ODB? I think the threads on mine didn't quite match. The stock and temp senders fit great.

I thought I had the same problem at first with the oil temp gauge. Turns out it just takes a LONG time for the oil to heat up. This is probably influenced by cold outside temps and oil viscosity. My guage starts moving after 20 minutes or so of driving.

I also had the same problem with the ODB. Mine would thread in about halfway no problem then just stop. I had to get a nut to go on the thread of the sensor to act as a spacer so the washer would be tight. Not ideal, but its working (no leaks). Its like the sensor has a metric thread and the ODB has the closest equivalent SAE thread, or vice versa.

Ronzer,

I didn't have any problems with the ODB but I did think I had a problem with my temp gauge. It didn't move for at least 15 minutes of normal driving. I was really dissapointed at first but it started creeping up slowely. I drove to work (30 minute drive on the HWY) and the maximum reading I got on the temp was 120-12X. Friday I was stuck in traffic because of an accident and my temp got as high as 200. Normal driving yields about 160-180.

Yep, that was it. I figured when my water temp was up that my oil temp would start to go up, but that was wrong. I drove for about 20 min and the oil temp started going up. There you go.

I guess that's why short trips are so hard on engines.

So what is "too hot" as far as engine oil?

I don't know about the engine itself but the amsoil 0-30 that i use is good for (i believe) 500+ degrees. I was stuck in this traffic jam coming from Vallejo to the Carcenez(sp?) bridge on Friday. It was almost dead stop for about an hour and my oil temp never went over 200f.

Found this on the web:

..."Carroll Smith in his excellent series of books on racing sites that 90 C is about the perfect mix between things getting too hot, and things getting hot enough. You don't want much lower, or the oil can get sludgy, and you don't want much hotter or the oil can start to break down. 90 C is 194 F, but I think 180 is about right to allow a little room for getting hot in traffic.

Newer cars almost always run 180-200 for a normal temp. Anything below about 240 is alright, but anything above that is definitely a red light. I've gotten my car as hot as 250, but I melted a distributor doing it(Mallory Unilite module overheated and died while stuck in traffic, couldn't
get out)."

Can someone post how/where to install the water temp sender?

Did any of you get the instructions for
installing the ODB, as opposed to just the instructions entitled "For E36 kit with BMW oil temperature sender"? I want to try the install this Christmas when I have some time, but I don't have the exact instructions for the ODB. I especially want the torque values (though I suppose I can generate them from the thread characteristics, but that is a bit of a hassle).

If you have them, any chance you can scan/email
them?

thanks

I would like a copy also. I bought a used kit.
Thanks

I also didn't receive the instructions for the oil distribution block, but I went ahead and installed it without them. I looked at the set up that is in the link that BGM3 provided above (http://jt-designs.com/oil_install.htm) to put it together correctly. The Bentley manual doesn't give a torque speck on the idiot light sender, so I just went with hand tight and it worked on all three. The oil pressure sender did not go all the way, so I didn't use a washer. No leaks after my 1/2 hour test drive.

I receieved my ODB install instructions from Jamie - he's been swamped and it is a small shop, so no big deal.

The reason the pressure sender doesn't go in all the way is because it is a tapered fitting. Here are the instructions that Jamie provided (I assume
they are "copyright Eastern Motorwerks" but we'll consider this an educational use so copyright doesn't apply :)

--------------

Oil Distribution Block
Installation Instructions

These instructions will help you assemble your Eastern Motorwerks oil distribution block. This is best done in a vice before you install the ODB and senders in the car. Gently clamp the ODB in a bench vice. You can use a shop rag to protect the ODB. Begin by placing a new copper washer onto the stock BMW warning sender and screw it into the hole on the bottom of the ODB (the skinny end). The torque spec for this sender is 15 NM or 11 ft lbs. Next you need to do the same for the oil temperature sender. It goes into the hole in the side of the ODB. The torque spec is the same as the warning sender. Lastly install the oil pressure sender into the top hole. ***This is a tapered pipe thread***. It needs no copper washer. It is very important that you not use any pipe tape or thread sealer on this sender. Both of those things will render it inoperable because a ground connection is needed between the sender and the ODB. The sender will tighten up very quickly since it is a tapered thread. This is normal, you should tighten this to about 21 ft lbs.

Once assembled the ODB and senders need to be installed as shown below. The banjo bolt that was included with your ODB gets installed into the same hole that the stock warning light sender was taken out of. See the pictures below for the correct orientation. It is important to install the oil pressure sender unit within 45 degrees of vertical. Once oriented correctly, install one copper washer on the banjo bolt, insert it into the ODB, install a second copper washer, and screw it into the hole in the oil filter housing. This bolt should be tightened until the copper washers start to collapse. Do not over tighten this bolt. Damage to the oil filter housing could occur. Check to be sure that there is nothing touching the ODB or any of the senders that could cause it not to seat perfectly flat against the oil filter housing.

Once the ODB is installed you can start the engine and check for leaks. There should not be any if all of the senders are properly tightened and the ODB is oriented correctly.

Because I was a little concerned about the ODB install on my early-build '95 M3, I missed out on the GB :95 , but I ended up getting the kit for Christmas anyway :clap: .

I wanted to make a comment about fitting the ODB on early-build cars like mine...it ended up fitting fine, but I could see there might be a problem for some people. Basically, there is a very tight clearance between the 24mm-hex on the stock idiot light sender and the factory casting to which the ODB mounts. In my case, if the 24mm hex was not "clocked" to the optimal position, it would not fit and there would be an interference with the casting. By selecting a crush-washer of "just the right" thickness, the flat of the 24 mm hex ends up parallel to the casting and you end up with perhaps a 0.020 in clearance. So the ODB fits...but just barely. If the hex isn't clocked right, it wouldn't, and there is no garrentee that you'll have a crush washer that will allow this to work.

Another problem I had....I must of screwed-up the butt-splice in the temperature sender pigtail...and I got no temp readings. Maybe I'm stupid :eek: but I couldn't get that splice thing to hold the wires...so I just ended up soldering 'em, and all was well afterward.

The most frustrating thing, to me, was trying to get that damn ground bolt re-installed after the attaching the harness ground to it...that blind-side nut was almost impossible to hold while trying to torque the bolt....

Anyway...it's done...and I'm very happy with the results. All-in-all, a nice kit.




:buttrock

Say, what oil pressure are you guys seeing when the car is at idle and the oil is fully warmed up (say 180 deg F). With Mobile 5W-30, my gauge reads below 10 psi...maybe 7 or 8 psi or so. Just wondering what others are seeing at idle...:dunno