CANchecked LCD Data Vent Gauge - E9X 3-series, E9X M3

E9X performance meter… check
Data logger… check
Fault Code reader/reset… check
CAN data stream… check
Analog data inputs… check
Alarms & warnings… check
Customizable display… check

The CANchecked digital vent gauge is way more than just a performance meter in your dash. The German company has found a way to tap into the CAN-Bus data stream running throughout the car. Everything the BMW ECU sees is now available on your LCD touchscreen.

The vent gauge takes the place of one of your A/C-heater vents. It has a pre-installed 2.8" LCD touchscreen with bright, vivid colors and multiple pages just like a smartphone app. Some advanced-level wiring knowledge is required for installation (see below) but the result is full CAN data at real-time speeds (much better and faster than plugging into the OBD plug). There's also four analog inputs for external sensors. The exhaust flap can also be controlled through the display.

The amount of data is almost endless. Since almost all of the sensors in the vehicle feed data to the ECU via this CAN-Bus it's all available to you. The screen is customizable in what you show, including colors and graphs and even jpg logos and images. Setup and customization is done via a Windows PC program and USB cable (included). This is like having a standalone racing dash in a convenient and OEM-like installation.

Examples of data available: temperatures, throttle position, brake pressure, air/fuel ratio and Lambda, accelerometer and g-force data, speed, voltages, RPM, gear, and on, and on. It can also read and reset fault codes and measure performance (but not lap times... yet). You can also set alarms for things like temperature or voltage.

The screen comes pre-installed in a new vent. It will take the place of an existing vent but has a small outlet for airflow. While it's more convenient to simply plug into the OBD plug there is less data available and the transfer rate is slower. The best source is from the CAN harness located in the dash. You will need to carefully remove multiple pins from the factory plug and then plug them into new plugs included with your kit. Removing the pins requires a very small screwdriver or de-pinning tools (and patience). Installation is completely reversible.