Review: P3 Vent gauge V2 (pics and videos!)

Kalud · 04-08-2011, 03:06 PM

I received my new V2 gauge from P3 Cars two days ago and I took the time to make a longer review. I am one of the firsts to receive the new version and all I can say is that the wait is well worth it!

Install was pretty easy, took at most 15min using the included obd connection. I'm really impressed by the build quality and overall product. I ordered the PLUS version that includes the gauge already installed in a new oem vent. All you need to do is to pop the vent out of the trim piece and install the new vent. Then connect the obd cable: super easy. Just follow the instructions, basically on a 335i the easiest way to remove the trim piece from the dash is to pull on the right of the trim piece, there is some room between the trim and the steering wheel for your fingers. Simply pull straight and the right clip will release. So if you want to remove it for dealer visit its not a problem at all, very fast and easy steps.

Config is easy, when car is off there is a menu with half a dozen settings for motor type (n54, n55), units (English or metric), Methanol flow (on/off), permanent display off and settings for sensor input that you can add. As being one of the beta testers I asked Rick if it was possible to add Metric unit for all values except boost and he agreed to add this a a third option (English only, Metric only and English for Boost only). Great news for us Canadian that wants Celsius and PSI

That new feature will be included in the shipping version.

Customer support is fast and effective I had a couple emails with Rick and its a very nice guy to deal with.

Well it looks like a very positive review... Lets see if I can find something to say against... Hum... Well, check the video. I need more boost

I just can't imagine the step it would be from 8.5 psi (the max I've seen so far) to 12 (or 15) psi...

Configuration menu (when engine is off):

n54 / n55 selection:

Idle n55 motor doesn't make much vacuum

On boost (stock):

Then I went for a ride, made some video for you guys. Sorry if it shakes a bit, I did my best while trying to drive at WOT

Full 2nd gear pull (Boost display)

3rd gear pull + max boost recall (Boost display)

2x 6th gear quick pull (Boost display)

6th gear pull (IAT display)

6rd gear pull (Ignition timing display)

6th gear pull Throttle display. No throttle closure seen, its hard to loose traction in a awd car with stock tune AND holding the camera steady

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do right now. To those still waiting all I can say is that you will love it. It it reminds me the wait to get the car when it was shipped from Germany

In case someone care, its bamboo anthracite trim on coral red, I really like it and it was hard to get pictures of it when I ordered my car, so now it should be easy to find if someone search... But... Do people really use the search button ?!

ren · 04-08-2011, 03:12 PM

Thanks for the review. Mine should be shipping soon.

KyLu II · 04-08-2011, 03:14 PM

good stuff, ill probably pick one up when they are more available

forza1976 · 04-08-2011, 03:16 PM

Very cool, that gauge is sick!

skim7x · 04-08-2011, 03:46 PM

Did it come with instructions? I couldn't find a DIY on the install of this gauge...

Willizm · 04-08-2011, 04:19 PM

Have fun with your gauges guys. I got the first gen gauge and it still impresses my friends as to how OEM it feels and looks. I still hit peak recall on my car all the time so it's definitely not one of those novelty type features.

cn555ic · 04-08-2011, 05:15 PM

Best gauge on the market and this new generation looks awesome! Wish I had the newer one!

How does it hook up to the OBDII?

madmanhiker · 04-08-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

How does it hook up to the OBDII?

I had the same question... I have a catless dp... so my OBDII port is currently used with the CANtool. Hmm...

skim7x · 04-08-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willizm

Have fun with your gauges guys. I got the first gen gauge and it still impresses my friends as to how OEM it feels and looks. I still hit peak recall on my car all the time so it's definitely not one of those novelty type features.

Yup, I have the first gen as well -- the VEI boost gauge with the molded pod =P But I think once Rick catches up on these orders I'll upgrade to this one... it's just so sleek! I really really REALLY don't like paying for something and waiting >2 weeks...

Hellboy76 · 04-08-2011, 08:52 PM

very cool, thanks for the info

Kalud · 04-11-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cn555ic

Best gauge on the market and this new generation looks awesome! Wish I had the newer one!

How does it hook up to the OBDII?

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmanhiker

I had the same question... I have a catless dp... so my OBDII port is currently used with the CANtool. Hmm...

Sorry guys, I managed to miss your replies.

It hook up on the obd2 connector, like the can tool. I would confirm with Rick first about the compatibility with the can tool to use both at the same time, but as it works with the Procede it should I guess.

Refer to this post for a way to connect both at the same time: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...8&postcount=86

joehoang · 04-11-2011, 11:43 AM

nice review! Can't wait for mine to ship

Alpina_B3_Lux · 04-11-2011, 11:49 AM

Thanks for the review! Doesn't make the wait much easier, but at least I know what I receive will be really good stuff!

Alpina_B3_Lux

D335NUTZ · 04-11-2011, 08:42 PM

Damn. Looks like this is next on my mod list.

Kalvin · 01-20-2014, 03:24 PM

Sorry for bumpping the old post. I turned off the gauge and I can turn it back on. Do you guys know how to do it?

Torgus · 01-20-2014, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalvin

Sorry for bumpping the old post. I turned off the gauge and I can turn it back on. Do you guys know how to do it?

contact the manufacturer? way to bump an ancient thread.

Give_Em_The_DD · 01-20-2014, 04:51 PM

Nice! I've got the v2 for the n54, think I have to do a boost gauge tap, but shouldn't be too tough, thanks for the review!

Torgus · 01-20-2014, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Give_Em_The_DD

Nice! I've got the v2 for the n54, think I have to do a boost gauge tap, but shouldn't be too tough, thanks for the review!

You want to do a 'boost tap' it is more accurate than what you would get out of the ODBII port.

BTW this review is old.

tc535i · 01-20-2014, 05:06 PM

anybody with one of these wanna sell me their stock vent on the cheap? my clip broke and apparently I can't buy a replacement piece

ren · 01-20-2014, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kalvin

Sorry for bumpping the old post. I turned off the gauge and I can turn it back on. Do you guys know how to do it?

Start with the ignition off. Hold the the right button on the gauge and turn the ignition on (try the left button if that doesn't work).

Kalvin · 01-20-2014, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ren

Start with the ignition off. Hold the the right button on the gauge and turn the ignition on (try the left button if that doesn't work).

Got it, turned the display back on. I had to hold 2 button at the same time with the ignition off. Thanks so much!

04-08-2011, 03:06 PM	#1
Kalud Lieutenant 30 Rep 582 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Review: P3 Vent gauge V2 (pics and videos!) I received my new V2 gauge from P3 Cars two days ago and I took the time to make a longer review. I am one of the firsts to receive the new version and all I can say is that the wait is well worth it! Install was pretty easy, took at most 15min using the included obd connection. I'm really impressed by the build quality and overall product. I ordered the PLUS version that includes the gauge already installed in a new oem vent. All you need to do is to pop the vent out of the trim piece and install the new vent. Then connect the obd cable: super easy. Just follow the instructions, basically on a 335i the easiest way to remove the trim piece from the dash is to pull on the right of the trim piece, there is some room between the trim and the steering wheel for your fingers. Simply pull straight and the right clip will release. So if you want to remove it for dealer visit its not a problem at all, very fast and easy steps. Config is easy, when car is off there is a menu with half a dozen settings for motor type (n54, n55), units (English or metric), Methanol flow (on/off), permanent display off and settings for sensor input that you can add. As being one of the beta testers I asked Rick if it was possible to add Metric unit for all values except boost and he agreed to add this a a third option (English only, Metric only and English for Boost only). Great news for us Canadian that wants Celsius and PSI That new feature will be included in the shipping version. Customer support is fast and effective I had a couple emails with Rick and its a very nice guy to deal with. Well it looks like a very positive review... Lets see if I can find something to say against... Hum... Well, check the video. I need more boost I just can't imagine the step it would be from 8.5 psi (the max I've seen so far) to 12 (or 15) psi... Configuration menu (when engine is off): n54 / n55 selection: Idle n55 motor doesn't make much vacuum On boost (stock): Then I went for a ride, made some video for you guys. Sorry if it shakes a bit, I did my best while trying to drive at WOT Full 2nd gear pull (Boost display) 3rd gear pull + max boost recall (Boost display) 2x 6th gear quick pull (Boost display) 6th gear pull (IAT display) 6rd gear pull (Ignition timing display) 6th gear pull Throttle display. No throttle closure seen, its hard to loose traction in a awd car with stock tune AND holding the camera steady I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do right now. To those still waiting all I can say is that you will love it. It it reminds me the wait to get the car when it was shipped from Germany In case someone care, its bamboo anthracite trim on coral red, I really like it and it was hard to get pictures of it when I ordered my car, so now it should be easy to find if someone search... But... Do people really use the search button ?! Last edited by Kalud; 04-08-2011 at 04:00 PM..
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04-08-2011, 03:12 PM	#2
ren Captain 62 Rep 840 Posts Drives: 2024 X7 M60i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: U.S. iTrader: (8)	Thanks for the review. Mine should be shipping soon.
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04-08-2011, 03:14 PM	#3
KyLu II FREE DREAMK 168 Rep 9,321 Posts Drives: the shiiit! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Vineland, NJ iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 Lexus LFA [3.76]	good stuff, ill probably pick one up when they are more available __________________
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04-08-2011, 03:16 PM	#4
forza1976 Major General 3530 Rep 6,627 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: 49456 iTrader: (13) Garage List 2022 BMW M3X [9.50]	Very cool, that gauge is sick!
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04-08-2011, 03:46 PM	#5
skim7x Colonel 218 Rep 2,558 Posts Drives: 335i, C63 AMG Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	Did it come with instructions? I couldn't find a DIY on the install of this gauge... __________________ '07 Space Gray 335i coupe - R.I.P. COBB ProTuned \| AMS \| CP-e \| BMS \| Quaife
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04-08-2011, 04:19 PM	#6
Willizm Captain 26 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2009 335Xi and 01 Trans Am WS6 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Joliet, Il iTrader: (0)	Have fun with your gauges guys. I got the first gen gauge and it still impresses my friends as to how OEM it feels and looks. I still hit peak recall on my car all the time so it's definitely not one of those novelty type features.
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04-08-2011, 05:15 PM	#7
cn555ic 485 Rep 18,331 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: US iTrader: (6)	Best gauge on the market and this new generation looks awesome! Wish I had the newer one! How does it hook up to the OBDII?
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04-08-2011, 08:52 PM	#10
Hellboy76 New Member 3 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Troy, MI iTrader: (0)	very cool, thanks for the info
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04-11-2011, 11:43 AM	#12
joehoang First Lieutenant 45 Rep 390 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Houston, TX / Hayward, CA iTrader: (3)	nice review! Can't wait for mine to ship __________________ Morr MS8/ HPF FMIC anodized/ Cobb AP/ ar Catless Dp/ Quaife LSD/ M3 control arms/ STETT CAI/ STETT Chargepipe w. Synapse BOV/ ar OCC/ Bilstein b16/ OEM Front Lip/ M3 Lip Spoiler/ P3 Vent gauge V2/ Black Kidney grille/ Ls3/ Mtech rear/ LCI Euro Tail lights/ 3d design quad diffuser/ BMW performance exhaust w/quad tips/ BMW performance front splitter/ Huper Optik Drei
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04-11-2011, 11:49 AM	#13
Alpina_B3_Lux Colonel 268 Rep 2,563 Posts Drives: Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 335i [8.90]	Thanks for the review! Doesn't make the wait much easier, but at least I know what I receive will be really good stuff! Alpina_B3_Lux __________________ Audi R8 LMX, BMW M550i xDrive (G30 LCI); gone: Alpina B3 3,3 (E46), BMW 335i, Audi R8 V10 manual, Audi R8 V10, BMW M235i, BMW 550i F10
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04-11-2011, 08:42 PM	#14
D335NUTZ Major General 174 Rep 5,713 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 m40i Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Queens, New York iTrader: (8)	Damn. Looks like this is next on my mod list. __________________ Cobb AP Stage 2+ \| BMS DCI \| UR Catless DP \| UR Chargepipe \| Tial BV 50mm \| BSH OCC \| ETS FMIC \| Eisenmann Race Exhaust \| KWv1 Coilovers \| Volk TE37 TC Kline Ed.
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01-20-2014, 03:24 PM	#15
Kalvin Slow driver 25 Rep 186 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 335i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: WA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW E90 335i [0.00]	Sorry for bumpping the old post. I turned off the gauge and I can turn it back on. Do you guys know how to do it?
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01-20-2014, 04:51 PM	#17
Give_Em_The_DD Banned 260 Rep 1,084 Posts Drives: 2010 black 335xi coupe Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: IL iTrader: (2)	Nice! I've got the v2 for the n54, think I have to do a boost gauge tap, but shouldn't be too tough, thanks for the review!
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01-20-2014, 05:06 PM	#19
tc535i Lieutenant Colonel 222 Rep 1,818 Posts Drives: 2007 335i, 2001 330i, 1995 M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: West Los Angeles iTrader: (1)	anybody with one of these wanna sell me their stock vent on the cheap? my clip broke and apparently I can't buy a replacement piece
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