Bosch Classic presents itself and its broad range for fans of classic cars at the Retro Classics 2018 in Stuttgart

There is a great and still growing interest in classic automobiles. This fact is proven by the great attendance of numerous classic-car events and fairs. For many years, the Bosch business division Bosch Classic has also been committed to the preservation of historic 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, 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. In addition, Bosch Classic also supports owners of modern-era classic and classic cars with advice, tips and technical know-how – for instance, from March 20 to 25 at its stand at the Retro Classics fair in Stuttgart (Germany). The main task of the Bosch Classic associates, however, is the spare-parts supply for historic vehicles – dealing with classic cars being at least 30 years old, this task is not an easy one. Some older parts – collected from the company’s worldwide production and subsidiary network – are still in stock. In case the production tools and documentation are still available and as long as the project is still cost-efficient, Bosch Classic even opts to have genuine parts produced again.

Ensuring long-term supply of spare parts for classic cars

Since it was first released in May 1973, the olive-green fuel storage has been an important component of Bosch K/KE-Jetronic systems. In order to ensure its long-term supply, the corrosion protection on its surface has been substituted by a new and more environmentally friendly treatment.

Reverse engineering is yet another strategy used to ensure long-term parts supply. A current project in this field is the well-known hazard lights switch a lot of vehicles were retrofitted with in the 1970ies as hazard lights or flashers had become compulsory. Instead of discontinuing the production of this switch, the responsibility was handed over to Bosch Classic. As a result, the hazard lights switch is still available with its original historic design, but is now equipped with modern electronics. Thanks to its installation instructions and exemplary circuit diagrams, vehicles built before 1970 can still be retrofitted with this switch. Another example of reverse engineering is the black classic battery. While its exterior is an exact replica of its historic predecessor, its interior combines modern technology and compliance with present quality standards.

Joint project of the classic divisions of both Bosch and Porsche

By means of Porsche 911, 928 and 959 starters featuring their historic design, Bosch Classic presents a recent spare-parts project developed together with Porsche Classic. The drive bearings and the adaption of the overrunning clutch and the pinion of both starters with an output of 1.5 kW and 2.0 kW each have been redesigned. This allowed the use of a motor and an engagement relay out of the current series-production range. Repairability and spare-parts supply are thus ensured. These starters form part of the Bosch Classic reverse engineering program. They will first be presented at Retro Classics 2018 and, of course, they do also comply with the original-equipment standard.

Increasing importance of electronic component remanufacturing

When it comes to keeping classic cars running, electronic components are of increasing importance. After all, Bosch D-Jetronic celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. By means of remanufacturing and repair of electronic components and control units, Bosch Electronic Service provides useful alternatives in this field as well. Let us take, for example, the case of D-Jetronic control units. Thanks to Bosch remanufacturing, they are given a second life. Over the years of automotive engineering, the electronic components used have become increasingly sophisticated and ever more connected. As a result, troubleshooting and remanufacturing more and more frequently call for comprehensive simulations of the vehicle environment. The know-how required for this purpose is usually restricted to the manufacturer of the respective component. Bosch Electronic Service thus focuses on remanufacturing electronic components originally produced by the same company; although continuously expanding its range. The portfolio now also includes important components used in classic cars such as early ABS, ignition and engine control units. In addition, Bosch Electronic Service also repairs control units of the latest generation as well as navigation, control and display systems. As the use of electronic components continues increasing, this job is also gaining importance when it comes to ensuring a lasting future for tomorrow’s classic cars as well.

Ten Bosch Classic Services in France as well

Bosch Classic does not only act in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Since 2017, a five-person team deals with requests of classic-car fans in France. In the very same year, the first Bosch Classic Service was established in Paris. But the network of French workshops specialized on repairing classic cars continued growing ever since. By now, it comprises ten classic-car workshops.

The comprehensive online archive of classic-car know-how has also been expanded. From now on, it will also include operating instructions for historic Bosch testers. Manuals for devices produced until approximately 2000 are sorted by type designation and can be accessed online. In addition, special trainings on older Bosch systems also allow fans of classic cars with a passion for technology to deepen their knowledge. Moreover, Bosch Classic will again provide a series of events at different locations throughout 2018. Details on these events are available online at www.bosch-classic.com. Bosch Classic experts will also provide their know-how and recent part productions at diverse classic-car events and fairs. Upcoming events scheduled for the following months include the Retro Classics in Stuttgart (Germany) from March 20 to 25, Bosch Hockenheim Historic from April 20 to 22 and the Bosch Boxberg Klassik classic-car rally from June 22 to 24, 2018.