W210 Custom Gauge Installation...

[Jay Gibbs]

I'm looking to install a custom gauge panel (similar to the factory installed one in my 190 2.3-16,) in my '99 E300 TD in the "hinged-door cubby-hole" above the ashtray and below the radio and have a few questions:

1) I can tell the cubby hole storage box w/ door comes out easily as a complete unit and have not found the release points...anybody know how to get it out without breaking it?

2) I plan on installing a VDO boost gauge, oil pressure and either an EGT or oil temp gauge. I've located an underhood source for the boost pressure, but am now looking for the factory oil pressure sending unit to relace with a dual VDO sender to use for the idiot light and gauge combined. Anybody know where the oil sending unit is, or it's size and thread pitch? (My guess is that it is metric and not NPT...)

3) Anybody know if there is another unused boss (or factory oil temp sender?)for an electric VDO oil temp sending unit?

4) Dealing with the double firewall...is there an easy access point to route wiring/hoses through? I don't want to create any new holes.

5) And most importantly- so as not to make any mistakes that somebody else may have already made- is there anybody out there who has tried something similar to this in a W210 or other MB?

Any and all suggestions welcome!

J.G.