I don't know about the M models, which I suspect may have actual temperature gauges, but most BMW models do not have real temperature gauges. They have what looks like a gauge, but it is really little more than an analogue version of the idiot light. There is an electrical circuit involved that moves the temperature needle to 12 oclock for a wide range of actual temperatures. It doesn't move proportional to the coolant temperature. When the engine gets very hot, it pegs to the right. Anything short of that it is not representing a temperature so much as it is indicating 'normal range'. Notice that when you hear about an overheat, the first thing the poster will say is 'it went right over to overheat'. That is how it is designed to work.

My point is that leaving out the gauge, given the above design, isn't a big deal, it wasn't actually useful.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue