[BarryJI]

Just asking. Revealing myself to be very analog here, I know, but I've never driven a performance car before without driver oversight of engine temps and oil pressure. I am sure the car will report any significant departure from the norm but it is an interesting example of how certain functions have been removed from the driver's direct responsibility in modern cars.

[krhodes1]

Not even a little bit. This is a car that dynamically alters the coolant temperature based on the current driving conditions and load over a pretty wide range. Electronic thermostat and electric water pump lets BMW do all sorts of interesting things with the temperature. What would "normal" be? The gauge would be so damped it would effectively be an idiot light, so that is what BMW provides. The computer monitors the temp, and if it feels like it is out of bounds for the situation, gives the warning messages. I will notice a big yellow or red warning before I notice what a little gauge needle is doing, and unlike old cars you would not get any advance warning due to the wide range that defines normal.

Ultimately, the computer is a better monitor than you ever could be, it is always paying attention. The lack of a dipstick doesn't bother me either. The lack of a spare tire (or a place to put one) on the other hand - Bloody Germans!

What I would not mind having is a simple indicator showing that the car is fully warmed up and ready to play. I think Subaru or maybe Mitsubishi did this? A little blue light that went out once the car was fully warmed up, coolant and oil both up to proper temp. I just figure in 10-15 minutes she is ready to go.

[moldcad]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

Not even a little bit. This is a car that dynamically alters the coolant temperature based on the current driving conditions and load over a pretty wide range. Electronic thermostat and electric water pump lets BMW do all sorts of interesting things with the temperature. What would "normal" be? The gauge would be so damped it would effectively be an idiot light, so that is what BMW provides. .

+1 - I checked it with Dashcommand and Torque Pro. The temperature can be as high as 115 C at cruising, to go down to 90 C at 250 km/h. But that said:

- the 2-er would not be the only car with an "idiot" lamp
- instead of water, they should definitely have put the oil temp. gauge on the dash (just like the F10 - I had it, and I used it).

[ABPReader]

.

[nachob]

Yes. Bothers me tremendously. There is already a big thread on this. Its indefensible yet many try here.

[rwalker]

It bugs me a little

I like to know when it's safe to get on it, but this car warms up so fast it's almost a non- issue. Unlike my N54, which would take 10 minutes or more to get to 160degF, this N55 is warm in about 2 miles.

The times I really want to watch it (track and autox), I just use the hidden menus.

So I've watched it, and it's never been an issue. Unlike my old N54, which would get HOT, this N55 is rock solid with cooling.

So, it only bugs me a little.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by nachob

There is already a big thread on this.

[Icy J]

Not so much of an issue when it's already warmed up but would be nice to know when it's 'safe' to start driving more aggressively :P

[MrBucket]

Yes it did so I got myself a P3 vent gauge.

[semclane]

Although I spent my career working on computer based systems, and generally applaud the proliferation of technology, I'm from the stone age the lack of gauges did bother me. I got a P3Cars vent gauge.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by MrBucket

Yes it did so I got myself a P3 vent gauge.

FWIW, I'm in the glaring-omission camp -- and I've installed a P3 gauge to alleviate the omission as well. Though OEM temp gauges tend to be 'soft' gauges anyway (nonlinear in function and information given), it behooves the intent of this car to have one standard -- particularly the M235. That the 3-series and up come with one, and that the display of temp isn't an option on the Control Display, tells me that the omission is purely a packaging decision by BMW.

What I'm interested in seeing is if the M2 comes with one. If any car in BMW's 2016 lineup should scream out for it, it will be that one.

[Pyewacket69]

I much prefer a gauge displaying oil temperature over one displaying water temperature.

Being able to see the oil temperature gives the driver the information that lets him/her know it is safe to start pushing the drive-train in a performance-oriented way. Since engines are electronically regulated in a number of ways to prevent overheating, the only real information a water temperature gauge tells the driver is that, at some point, the heater has enough resources to provide heat to the cabin.

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Pyewacket69

I much prefer a gauge displaying oil temperature over one displaying water temperature.

Being able to see the oil temperature gives the driver the information that lets him/her know it is safe to start pushing the drive-train in a performance-oriented way. Since engines are electronically regulated in a number of ways to prevent overheating, the only real information a water temperature gauge tells the driver is that, at some point, the heater has enough resources to provide heat to the cabin.

Definitely a good point; I prefer an oil-temp gauge as well. Thankfully the P3 has both.

Based on P3 readings, the N20 tries to keep coolant temps between 220 and 230 degrees F; oil temps are similar. That said, I've seen momentary spikes to close to 240 in warmer weather after accelerating hard out of a low-speed turn. Nothing alarming, though.

[Amessforone]

It bugged me at first. Then I got the dash command and I'm a happy camper. I wasn't sold on the position of the p3 vent gauge considering in most instances, my steering wheel would be blocking it.

[BarryJI]

Dash Command looks interesting. What hardware do you need to buy and install to get it to work with a 2-Series BMW/iPhone 5/Dash Command?

[MJM33067]

I'd really like to see the oil temperature gauge to know when the car is fully warmed up and can be driven aggressively. Without this information does anyone have a rule of thumb for the M235i on either how many minutes or how many miles before the car is warmed up enough.

[MrBucket]

Originally Posted by Amessforone

It bugged me at first. Then I got the dash command and I'm a happy camper. I wasn't sold on the position of the p3 vent gauge considering in most instances, my steering wheel would be blocking it.

Definitely doesn't get blocked for me where I have the seat.

[BarryJI]

I just bought this for use over WiFi in the car with Dash Command. It appears not to impede other data services over the iPhone, which was a concern. My only remaining worry is remembering to unplug the device every time I switch off the engine and leave the car, as I gather it will tax the battery even with engine off. It may be a little bulky too.

Xseries Auto™ WIFI Wireless OBD2 Auto Scanner Adapter Scan Tool to Check Engine Light & Diagnostics for Iphone6, Iphone 5S,5 Ipad IOS PC and Android(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVV60HI..._FU9uvb1484ZXV

[Supernaut]

I installed an OBDII reader and put my old phone in the center tray formerly-known-as-the-ashtray with Torque displaying oil & water temps. Water temps routinely run just under the threshold where the car starts to cut back AC and engine power. That would probably have people freaking out about being close to the red zone if there was a water temp gauge in the car.

[AWheeler]

Originally Posted by Pyewacket69

I much prefer a gauge displaying oil temperature over one displaying water temperature.

Agreed. I can do without a coolant temp gauge. For my own amusement, though, I would love to see coolant and oil temp gauges in the idrive "vehicle status" menu, perhaps.

[BarryJI]

Originally Posted by Supernaut

I installed an OBDII reader and put my old phone in the center tray formerly-known-as-the-ashtray with Torque displaying oil & water temps. Water temps routinely run just under the threshold where the car starts to cut back AC and engine power. That would probably have people freaking out about being close to the red zone if there was a water temp gauge in the car.

Yeah, good point, I have to keep reminding myself to enjoy driving the car rather than treating it as a science project.

I still have to try the Dash Command thing though. Trouble is, I think if you forget to remove the dongle after switching the engine off it will drain your battery.

[Kayevman]

Originally Posted by MJM33067

I'd really like to see the oil temperature gauge to know when the car is fully warmed up and can be driven aggressively. Without this information does anyone have a rule of thumb for the M235i on either how many minutes or how many miles before the car is warmed up enough.

Honestly want to know: in what way would hard driving prior to the oil warming up damage the car and if it did, wouldn't BMW be aware of this and provide some safeguard against it?