[Robbo335]

Hi all,

Do we have a variable rev. counter red line like in the 5 series?
It surely looks like it but mine is always stuck at 7000 rpm's even though its way below freezing. Is it broken or is this function not enabled in our cars? I cannot find any info about this in the owners manual.

Thanks for your help in this matter.

/R

[Xiaofeng]

Unfortunately, that feature is not available on the standard 3-Series cars. The economies of scale for BMW probably dictated that it was cheaper to use the same cluster for multiple Series and simply deactivate certain features than it was to design a new cluster for each Series.

The M3s do have this feature though, so maybe in time it will make it down to the 3-Series.

[Robbo335]

I was afraid for this answer. To bad though as it is a really nice feature to have.

Thanks for your quick reply!

[2kaccordocoupe]

Originally Posted by Xiaofeng

Unfortunately, that feature is not available on the standard 3-Series cars. The economies of scale for BMW probably dictated that it was cheaper to use the same cluster for multiple Series and simply deactivate certain features than it was to design a new cluster for each Series.

The M3s do have this feature though, so maybe in time it will make it down to the 3-Series.

That makes sense. It would be a nice feature to have.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by 2kaccordocoupe

That makes sense. It would be a nice feature to have.

Definitely. I remember seeing it in the previous 5er (530xi) and was dissappointed that it was removed from the current 3er. I wonder if there is any method of reactivating it.

[Mk23]

What exactly is a variable rev. counter red line?

[darkphantom]

^I'm assuming he's talking about what is found in the E46 and E92 M3s

[Xiaofeng]

If you look at your tachometer, you'll notice that there are lines leading up to the engine redline in a little cutout around the outer edge of the tachometer. On some cars, like the 5-series and the M3s, those lines are actually on a separate plate that moves according to your engine temperature. When you first start the car, the rev limiter is lower than the actual engine redline, and that moving plate will raise the rev limiter as your engine warms up.

[Captain Oblivious]

Originally Posted by Xiaofeng

If you look at your tachometer, you'll notice that there are lines leading up to the engine redline in a little cutout around the outer edge of the tachometer. On some cars, like the 5-series and the M3s, those lines are actually on a separate plate that moves according to your engine temperature. When you first start the car, the rev limiter is lower than the actual engine redline, and that moving plate will raise the rev limiter as your engine warms up.

Really? I didn't know that it's an actual rev limiter. I thought it was just a guide, but I've never driven a cold M3 or 5er.