After finding some helpful posts on the forum, I decided to go for it and attempt an installation of a VDO boost gauge in my 84 300SD. I didn't particularly like the mounting options that I had seen, so I decided to install it in the dash pocket that's between the shift lever and ash tray (I'm sure there's a proper name for it, I just don't know what it is).

So I got my gauge from eGauges, went to the parts yard to get an extra dash pocket (just in case), and after several weeks of messing around with various air hoses and fittings, electrical connectors and a replacement gauge (the first gauge made a high speed clicking noise), I finally have everything installed and back together.

Though I only use my lighter for charging my phone and for a radar detector on the rare occasions that I go for a long trip, I didn't want to have to open the ash tray anymore to access the lighter, which would also block the gauge. So after searching online, I came across the perfect outlet that was easy to install and works great. As for the vacuum line, I used a t-connection on the line between the banjo bolt at the back of the intake manifold and the ALDA, and went into the cabin through the access hole behind the master cylinder.

Let me know what you think! My only regret is that I should have installed the gauge a bit lower since it butts right up to the bottom of the ash tray. But had I gone too much further down, I would have run out of space and hit the bottom of the dash pocket.

Overall it was a pretty simple installation and I'm thrilled with the results!

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1986 300SDL - 116K
2014 Prius Plug-in (company car)
2014 Q5 TDI (wife's car)

Cool, well done.

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83 SD

84 CD

looks very nice. My only addition while I was installing that would have been to include a vacuum gauge beside it. They're cheap and easy to install. Probably not as useful to have one on a 126 as a 123 since the doors are a separate vacuum system on the 126, but it would help troubleshoot.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Yours is cleaner than my SD and the wood is nicer. Good install. I'd like a volt or ammeter and EGT installed in addition to boost gauge.

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85SD 240K & stopped counting painted, putting bac together. 84SD 180,000. sold to a neighbor and member here but I forget his handle. The 84 is much improved from when I had it. 85TD beginning to repair to DD status. Lots of stuff to do.

GREAT INSTALL! I wish I took the time with the fit and finish of mine. My friends make fun of me, people always ask "why do you have a guage in your ashtray and when are
you finally going to hook that thing up?" I just reply "it is hooked up". At least it gets some laughs

Thanks guys! I think you could definitely fit an extra gauge in that dash pocket; just shift the left one over a bit. I just figured I'd use the charger more than I'd use another gauge...great ideas, though!

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1986 300SDL - 116K
2014 Prius Plug-in (company car)
2014 Q5 TDI (wife's car)

i've seen some bad goober installs with gauges hanging of the dash, but that looks very clean. well done.

Nice install. I want to install a boost gauge as well. I plan to also add an EGT gauge.

Where did you get the power port?

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85 300D 3 pedal. Current project.
83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.

Thanks! I got the power port from Digi-Key...completely random, but lucky, Google find...

Here's the link: http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=AS212-ND

The best thing is that it was just over $5 shipped!

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1986 300SDL - 116K
2014 Prius Plug-in (company car)
2014 Q5 TDI (wife's car)