For the 100th anniversary of the BMW brand, Bosch’s classic car division, named Automotive Tradition, has reproduced the BMW M1 starter, in line with historic production records. This so-called reverse engineering project — from the idea to the finished product — was realized in only four months in cooperation with BMW Classic. Drive bearing and pinions for the starter were newly constructed, and additional parts were taken from BMW’s current serial production. Because of this, the company says it will have the necessary spare parts available in the future.
The starter for the BMW M1 conforms to all production standards of the original equipment. When the BMW M1 entered the market in 1978, its maximum speed of about 260 km/h made it the fastest serial vehicle that was produced in Germany. Four hundred and fifty of the mid-mounted engine sports cars were built until 1981, most of them as the street version. Today, many believe that the M1 is a classic icon.
Other products for the BMW M-series in the exchange supply program
In addition to the relaunched M1 starter, other products for BMW’s M-series are available in the Automotive Tradition supply program. There also is the M1 generator, which is still part of the Bosch Exchange program. The generator for the M3 (E30) as well as the starter for the M5 (E34) were re-issued as exchange products especially for BMW Classic. The starter for the M3 and the generator for the M5 also are available as spare parts in the Bosch Exchange program.
Generator regulator and starter batteries mirror historical models
Bosch Automotive Tradition says it is off to a good start with reverse engineering products by relaunching the widely used 12-volt direct current generator regulator. In its original design – combined with state-of-the-art technology – it ensures constant voltage in the vehicle’s on-board system for both volume vehicles, such as the VW Beetle, and tractors. Bosch’s black starter batteries, which feature the historical original design and a modern inner life, also are available again. Bosch Automotive Tradition initially offered six 6-volt versions, and also now has 12-volt versions of the batteries featuring the black original plastic casing in its program.
