P3 Gauge vent won’t stay where I aim it!

GrabEmByTheBimmer · 11-02-2023, 07:13 PM

Waited all day for my V3 OBD2 P3 Gauge w with amber lighting and included OEM vent (so I don't have to mess with the arguably annoying install of the gauge into my original vent).

Unfortunately, my new vent won't stay where I aim it vertically. If I aim the vent upwards at all from the halfway position, the vent slingshots up to the very highest aiming angle, aiming air too high.

Can anyone confirm whether this normal behavior for their pre-built P3 gauges that come with the OEM vent? Or for their gauge only products? I noticed on my car, the stock vent does not behave this way and instead has smooth glide, stopping at whatever vertical angle I want. To me, the combination of having a less of a vent (bc gauge is blocking it) AND not being able to precisely aim what remaining vent I do have, is a dealbreaker.

Also, would this have still been an issue if I had ordered just the gauge and installed it into my original vent myself?

Not sure whether I want a replacement pre-built vent/gauge or a gauge-only build with a partial refund for the built in OEM vent they included.

Oksamit78 · 12-08-2023, 09:48 AM

Resolved the issue? What was the cause?

Wires · 12-08-2023, 03:08 PM

The issue is that little 3D connecting piece that links the vent pieces isn't "tight enough" on the bar on the actual vent to hold it, so it flops up like that.

I've just grown to accept it.

cleaver · 12-12-2023, 12:56 PM

I ended up gluing my vanes vertically to level, but they can still move horizontally. BTW, I've had my P3 for 9 years and like it.

11-02-2023, 07:13 PM	#1
GrabEmByTheBimmer Private 16 Rep 89 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	P3 Gauge vent won’t stay where I aim it! Waited all day for my V3 OBD2 P3 Gauge w with amber lighting and included OEM vent (so I don't have to mess with the arguably annoying install of the gauge into my original vent). Unfortunately, my new vent won't stay where I aim it vertically. If I aim the vent upwards at all from the halfway position, the vent slingshots up to the very highest aiming angle, aiming air too high. Can anyone confirm whether this normal behavior for their pre-built P3 gauges that come with the OEM vent? Or for their gauge only products? I noticed on my car, the stock vent does not behave this way and instead has smooth glide, stopping at whatever vertical angle I want. To me, the combination of having a less of a vent (bc gauge is blocking it) AND not being able to precisely aim what remaining vent I do have, is a dealbreaker. Also, would this have still been an issue if I had ordered just the gauge and installed it into my original vent myself? Not sure whether I want a replacement pre-built vent/gauge or a gauge-only build with a partial refund for the built in OEM vent they included.
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12-08-2023, 09:48 AM	#2
Oksamit78 Lieutenant 272 Rep 467 Posts Drives: E39, F30 & F34 Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Mississauga, ON iTrader: (9)	Resolved the issue? What was the cause? __________________ 2003 E39 530i 5-Speed w/ M Spec, Saphire/Black, M54B30, Active Autowerke Performance Tune 2010 Lancer GTS 5-Speed, Black Pearl/Black, 4B12 2015 F30 335i XDrive w/ M Sport Pack, Alpine White/Black, N55B30M0 2017 F34 340i XDrive w/ M Sport Pack, Azure II /Black, B58B30M0, Dinan Stage 1
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12-08-2023, 03:08 PM	#3
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,877 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The issue is that little 3D connecting piece that links the vent pieces isn't "tight enough" on the bar on the actual vent to hold it, so it flops up like that. I've just grown to accept it.
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12-12-2023, 12:56 PM	#4
cleaver Private 18 Rep 64 Posts Drives: white F31 328xi Join Date: May 2014 Location: Shoreline, WA iTrader: (0)	I ended up gluing my vanes vertically to level, but they can still move horizontally. BTW, I've had my P3 for 9 years and like it.
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