VDO Temperature Gauge Question
 

I just picked up an 85 380SL but this question probably applies to anyone

A previous owner popped a VDO temperature gauge in the middle vent and while it looks fine, I've never seen a temperature gauge with such readings...

The gauge is in Celsius and reads at 0 with room for the needle to go left for -10, -20 etc or to the right for +10, +20 all the way up to +40

The stock temperature gauge has been reading in the low-mid 80 range in rather cool/cold temperatures here in NJ.

Trying to google the gauge has failed to find the same gauge.

Any thoughts has to how to interpret what this gauge is telling me? I'm assuming it is an effort to have a more accurate temperature reading compared to what the stock gauge says but I'm probably wrong.

Thanks!

Sounds more like an amp meter then a temp gauge. Picture?

Does the gauge say "Amp"?

Like this one...
VDO - Ammeter

2x on a picture. If it's an amp gauge you'll see it reading a higher number right after you start the car, and if you turn the headlights on.

-J

An ammeter marked in Celsius would be odd! How about a cabin air temp gauge? Minus for cooling, plus for heating.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/1...a7f699a1ff.jpg
IMAG0355 by garagebandking99, on Flickr

Frank, I think you're right. In doing the conversion from the gauge reading on this morning's drive...it came out to about 54 degrees F...which would make sense for the cabin temperature considering I didn't have the heat on terribly high and the outside temps were in the 30s...

Thanks!

I think that's an outside temp gauge. I think some cars came from the factory with these :confused:

-J

J,

You're correct, it was an option apparently. I'm still poking around online and trying to see what I can find, so far, the gauge in mine may have been replaced at some point as it does not match stock gauges I'm finding...and the readings are consistent with it being either an outside of interior temperature gauge...

Puts my mind at ease knowing it isn't linked to the water temp gauge...back to happy motoring

Thanks