Distributor part numbers

[T.Hanson]

0 237 304 015 050 PG 406
O 237 304 006 050 PG 406

The numbers stamped on spare Bosch distributors. All my parts came off '79, '80, 81' 528i, maybe '78 633 if I switched anything only by close visual inspection.

If all three cars are running fine, according to me, odds are the parts, numbers are happy, correct ? I.e., if it times as it should, sounds, feels normal and all five distributors look (externally) exactly the same,...fergetaboudit ?

Only curious as I've read recent posts about distributors with different (performance) advance curves, etc. to wonder if small differences might make one slightly not right.

realoem uses BMW 211 part numbers.

[Lenny D.]

Only curious as I've read recent posts about distributors with different (performance) advance curves, etc. to wonder if small differences might make one slightly not right.

An inquiry into the history of Bosch through the years will reveal a vast quantity of products (distributors) made for most if not all German car manufacturers and possibly others on the same continent.

Point: there are MANY different dizzys that all LOOK the same on the outside but have slightly (and not-so-slightly) different advance curves governed by weights and springs and vacuum (or not) advance(s).

Moral: your stock engine and more importantly, its management system, are looking for exactly what was developed for it for maximum drivability smoothness. Anything else might *work* but you might end up with issues, oh, like jackrabbit starts?!

Just sayin'...

[T.Hanson]

D'oh !

So,...realoem lists only 211- BMW part numbers, not stamped on the two spares on my bench. As I've admitted being ignorant of the sneaky internal differences, thinking the external exactitudes allowed installing the clean, polished for the dirty greasy.

Is there a Bosch compatibity list ? Cool to cure (minor) trailer hitching by number. Otherwise, I'll be into switch, time and test mode.

[T.Hanson]

Recent post notes -015 is 7/79 to 10/81,...with it replacing the -006, USA 528i.

My cars are '79 and '81. Whatever a 006 is, it came off a '79, '80 or '81 as that's my list of previous cars.

The plot thickens. What sneaky things needed a -015 June 30th 1979, to maybe, or not work with a -006,...in 2012 ?

I hope I can sleep.

[Lenny D.]

The official Blue Repair Manual lists Bosch 0 237 304 006 for 528i and 528iA (Cal.) cars.

Further info. lists this regarding vacuum specs. -

Vacuum ignition control begins
90...150 mbar, or
68...113mm Hg, and ends at
260...280 mbar, or
195...210 mm Hg.

So using a manifold pressure gauge (you can make one) you can determine that the vacuum advance is working (if at all) correctly (and that the hose is delivering the correct amount of vacuum from the intake manifold to begin with). I believe I posted a shadetree way of checking that some time last year.

[T.Hanson]

Thank you. I print your wisdomonials, with notes on other archived posts.

Now all I need is for the Earth to rotate a dab more towards the sun, to be able to play outside without mittens. I know, heat the garage or move to Florida. Too late. My brain was frozen stupid years ago.