Firstfives.org

I was at a pick n pull a while back ogling parts off an 1985 528e, and really like the modern style fusebox.

Has anyone tried upgrading to the newer style e28 fusebox? I really don't trust the old e12 unit's finickyness (but I'll make do if no other option).

m.

I'm curious about just what makes your E12 fusebox finnicky?
Notice, I said your fusebox? I haven't heard of a problem with them.
Maybe this'll broaden my horizon.
I, obviously live in Long Beach; where are you? And, have I seen you at any events? And if not, why not? I guess I'm an enthusiast that wants to meet other E12 owners. Greg

I've removed the fusebox from under the hood to under the dash and upgraded to the new style fuses. I've used an hyundai fuse box for the bases. I strongly recommend against it as it's a lot of work!

The E28 people are trying to get away from those, so I wouldn't suggest it. E28s take the same ceramic fuses the E12s, do, so perhaps you were seeing something different - like someone that stuck an E24/E23/E30 fusebox into an E28.

Actually, I owned a late-build 1988 E28 535is which had the more modern fuses. The thought crossed my mind when I pulled the rear package shelf and speakers from an e28 528e which had the newer fusebox also. The pres-in fuses and general box seal always seemed better than the loosey spring-clip style from the E12.

All E28s had the ceramic fuses. Right through the 12/87 cars.

checked my photo archive from the 535is, sure enough, yep, ceramics. Memory's getting munged from too many cars and distance between them.

Question is though, I DID work on pulling a fusebox from an E28 (I think it was a 528e - mid 80's maybe) at the pick n pull becuase it had what I thought were more reliable new style anchoring fuses and newer fusebox/cover. It's the same E28 I grabbed the rear deck & speakers from, so what was I working on? Canadian-spec or grey market E28? I do see alot of stuff like that in the pick n pulls.

Guess I'll just replace my fogged, loose, and hard to read fusebox cover - less hassle anyway.

Could it have been a 4 door E30 325e maybe? I agree with Chris, I'm fairly sure all E28s regardless of market came with the same type of fusebox as E12s. I don't know why they upgraded E's 23 and 24 mid model run, but not E28s, but they did.

You're not crazy... I've also seen spade-type fuse boxes in e28s.

Perhaps fuse box melting failures are more common in CA, and these cars got upgraded at the dealer??

I also did the e28 premium sound swap, with the package shelf speakers as well as front "mini-subs" and tweeters on the mirror blanking plates. I'm using a vintage Alpine cassette player for period appearance, and I've got an amp and sub in the trunk. It sounds awesome.

I have the parts, and a spare harness to practice on, now I just need the time to work out the complete terminal lay out. Maybe later this summer. I plan to take lots of pictures when this happens, given I still own the car! Jamie