Early Bosch Distributor (Bosch 0231115045) - ???

[nt7110]

Perhaps somebody can help me with the "Bosch 0231115045" distributor I have in my 1968 BMW 2000 NK.  As a result from searching online, I can not find any applications on early BMW's  for the Bosch 0231115045 distributor.  From my "searches", I see that this particular distributor is use on Mercedes.  My engine is the original M10 with "Hotspark" ignition.

 

In the near future, I would like to switch out the  Bosch 0231115045, does anyone know if this could be switched out and replaced with say "Pertronix"?  Or is there a rebuild kit for this model?

 

Any insight and guidance would be much appreciated.

[HBChris]

I found info here on the FAQ:  this was used from 2/68 to 12/68 on the 2002 and 2002Ti.  In 1/69 thru 4/71 they switched to 0 231 115 071 for these models.

[Hans]

What makes you think it needs a rebuild?

[HBChris]

A rebuild is cheap insurance and he can't find a Pertronix easily that fits this distributor although the standard one might work.

[Hans]

I was wondering if there was a particular problem. Otherwise, no reason why Petrontix wouldn't be a good avenue. One of the main suppliers had a webpage with applicability info for Bosch distributors

[HBChris]

I think it is a rare Dizzy perhaps and Pertronix doesn't list this one as compatible, but that's just my guess.

[nt7110]

Thank you all for the information.  Currently, I am using "Hotspark" with this distributor and it seems to work better than the points.

 

Instead of rebuilding the distributor in the future (cause there is some axial play and rotational play), I was thinking of replacing it with an aftermarket one.  For now, the "vacuum advance" diaphragm seems to functioning normally, but I am not sure if there is a replacement part if it were to go bad.

 

[nt7110]

According to Pertronix application list sheet, they "exclude" this distributor.

[Dirk02]

Sorry, a bit late to the party, but I have the distributor 0231115045 on my 1965 1800TI, and believe it to be the original one to the car. The vacuum advance is capped.

[kiva667]

There is a '65 1800ti in BaT right now that has the same distributor and it's meant to be original to the car.

 

1965 BMW 1800Ti

BRINGATRAILER.COM

---

Bid for the chance to own a 1965 BMW 1800Ti at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best...

Interestingly my '67 2000 also has this version.

 

 

We fit an '02 Petronix to it some years ago; some minor "adjustments" were necessary but it has run great ever since.

Edited July 14, 2022 by kiva667

[Milo]

This "045" was the distributor used on the NK 1800, 1800Ti, NK 2000 and NK 2000C. It is a vacuum advance design with a cast body, and it  yields good mileage. The 1600 got a similar looking distributor, designated "048" and with a different curve. I thought the 1800Ti distributor got the the "033" distributor, also cast, but mechanical advance, but I was wrong. Evidently when the 1800Ti made its debut in 1964 the factory just borrowed the distributor from the 1800 and plugged the vacuum port. By 1966 BMW designed a mechanically advanced distributor for the 2000Ti, 2000CS, 1600Ti and 2002ti.

 

By 1970 or earlier BMW replaced the earlier cast distributors with the newer versions which have the alloy bodies. They have different designations and slightly different curves. Besides the cast bodies the earlier distributors differ from the later ones in the design of their distributor plates. That's why they take different points. The early distributor plates have a post for the points, while the later distributor plates don't. The post is built into the points on the later distributors. The Petronix is designed for the later distributor plates with no post. But, I would stay away from Petronix. One of my old 02 buddies installed them on his car. They suddenly failed as he was making a turn in the middle of an intersection in Los Angeles traffic. As he came to a sudden stop the car behind him plowed into him, damaging his 02. He went back to the trusty points and repaired his car.

 

Setting the points and ignition timing is a very simple procedure. I've been doing it using the static method outlined in the owners manual. And, it works great. You don't need a timing light. To double check your point gap, you can use a dwell meter, but it's not necessary.

Edited July 18, 2022 by Milo