Bosch relaunches headlights for classic cars

Karlsruhe – The high popularity of classic-car fairs and events proves there is a high interest in classic automobiles. For many years, Bosch has been dedicated to preserving historic vehicle by means of its Bosch Classic business unit. At the Retro Classics in Stuttgart taking place from March 7 to 10, Bosch Classic will present itself, technical hints, tips and know-how as well as its comprehensive range of spare parts to the owners of modern-era classic and classic cars. This year, Bosch Classic will first present the reproduction of the genuine historic headlights with Bosch lettering as a special highlight.

Spare-parts supply for modern-era classic and classic vehicles

“At Bosch, we share the enthusiasm of classic-car fans. After all, the history of automobiles is also part of our company’s history,” Manfred Baden, president of Bosch Automotive Aftermarket, the business division Bosch Classic is also part of, said. At www.bosch-classic.com, a comprehensive online archive comprising more than 60 000 technical documents provides fans of historic vehicles with a wealth of classic-car know-how. Bosch Classic associates consider spare-parts supply for historic vehicles to be their main task in order to keep classic and modern-era classic cars running and on the roads. To achieve these objectives even in case of vehicles featuring an age exceeding 30 years, Bosch Classic relies on different strategies. In case the genuine tools and documentation are still available and as long as the product is still cost-efficient due to the high demand, Bosch Classic even opts to have genuine parts produced again. Some of the components relaunched are based on modern technical components. A recent example of this is the relaunch of 20 turn-signal flasher relays featuring their historic design and look.
Spare parts for classic and modern-era classic cars are available at the Bosch Service workshops and via wholesale. As of this year, workshops can also order a selection of spare parts at the HC Cargo online shop at www.hc-cargo.de.

High demand for historic headlights with Bosch logo

A special highlight for classic-car fans will surely be the relaunch of historic Bosch headlights produced on genuine tools. Bosch Classic decided to restart their production due to the constantly growing demand for headlights with Bosch logo on the market. Until end of this year, black and chrome Porsche 911 headlights for models built between 1968 and 1982 will be the first headlights available. As of next year, the reproduction will be expanded adding headlights for additional vehicle types – to start with, headlights for Mercedes SL type W113 built from 1963 to 1971 also known as “Pagoda”. Moreover, the Bosch Classic range also includes lenses for the headlights of numerous other vehicles.

Maintenance of historic components using modern test equipment

The 1:1 REMAN remanufacturing service is yet another option for the spare-parts supply for modern-era classic and classic cars. Testing and remanufacturing is performed at Bosch plants and with genuine tools and test equipment. The repaired component returned to the customer ensures the vehicle’s originality. The range of components suitable for remanufacturing includes, for instance, Bosch and Kugelfischer mechanic injection pumps, pressure sensors, fuel distributors or warm-up regulators. If required, owners of classic cars can address Bosch Classic Service workshops handling the 1:1 REMAN service.

But even electronic components are of increasing importance for modern-era classic and classic cars. By means of an exchange and repair service, Bosch offers workshops a matching solution for this issue as well. Bosch Electronic Service started off as factory service for Blaupunkt car radios and navigation systems and relies on decades of experience in repair and reconditioning of vehicle electronics. By now, the electronic service even repairs instrument clusters and sophisticated control units. On special test towers, genuine wiring is tested under simulated everyday situations with varying temperatures and loads. This allows testing electronic components with a depth of testing only the manufacturer himself can provide. During the remanufacturing process, Bosch Electronic Service technicians use genuine parts or Bosch-approved comparable parts only. The range of components repaired by this service include, for instance, CDI ignition control units, D-Jetronic control units, intake-manifold pressure sensors and Motronic control units. In case a historic component cannot be repaired, the electronic service can often provide refurbished exchange units.

Special topic at the Bosch Classic stand: test equipment for workshops

At this year’s Retro Classic in Stuttgart, Bosch Classic will also present the modern Bosch FSA720 system tester allowing workshops to perform comprehensive tests on new components those of classic vehicles alike. The testers previously used for classic components are not available anymore and can often not be repaired either or only to a limited extent. Bosch FSA testers are a worthy alternative for workshops. They allow tests such as e.g. temperature, ignition and pressure tests required when dealing with classic vehicles. By means of an accessory module, ignition and voltage can also be tested. To check whether a historic tester can still be repaired or not, workshops can contact the Bosch Classic Service WAL Leipzig specialized on repairing these testers.

Important dates for fans of classic vehicles

In 2019, Bosch Classic will again offer technical trainings on historical Bosch systems thus teaching practical knowledge. For further details on training dates and registration, please have a look at www.bosch-classic.com. Additional dates, fans of historic vehicles should take note of: From June 28 to 30 this year, Bosch Boxberg Klassik celebrates its 20th anniversary with several anniversary highlights. And from April 26 to 28, Bosch Hockenheim Historic 2019 will take place.