Fusebox upgrade?

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boxeswithknobs
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Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2009 12:48 am
Location: Los Angeles CA

Fusebox upgrade?

Post by boxeswithknobs »

I was at a pick n pull a while back ogling parts off an 1985 528e, and really like the modern style fusebox.

Has anyone tried upgrading to the newer style e28 fusebox? I really don't trust the old e12 unit's finickyness (but I'll make do if no other option).

m.
GripGreg
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Joined: Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:50 pm
Location: Long Beach, Cal.

Post by GripGreg »

I'm curious about just what makes your E12 fusebox finnicky?
Notice, I said your fusebox? I haven't heard of a problem with them.
Maybe this'll broaden my horizon.
I, obviously live in Long Beach; where are you? And, have I seen you at any events? And if not, why not? I guess I'm an enthusiast that wants to meet other E12 owners. Greg
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DMS
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Post by DMS »

I've removed the fusebox from under the hood to under the dash and upgraded to the new style fuses. I've used an hyundai fuse box for the bases. I strongly recommend against it as it's a lot of work!
E12 M30B35, VEMS, HX52 never getting finished.
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wkohler
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Post by wkohler »

The E28 people are trying to get away from those, so I wouldn't suggest it. E28s take the same ceramic fuses the E12s, do, so perhaps you were seeing something different - like someone that stuck an E24/E23/E30 fusebox into an E28.
boxeswithknobs
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Location: Los Angeles CA

Post by boxeswithknobs »

Actually, I owned a late-build 1988 E28 535is which had the more modern fuses. The thought crossed my mind when I pulled the rear package shelf and speakers from an e28 528e which had the newer fusebox also. The pres-in fuses and general box seal always seemed better than the loosey spring-clip style from the E12.
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wkohler
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Post by wkohler »

All E28s had the ceramic fuses. Right through the 12/87 cars.
boxeswithknobs
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Feb 05, 2009 12:48 am
Location: Los Angeles CA

Post by boxeswithknobs »

checked my photo archive from the 535is, sure enough, yep, ceramics. Memory's getting munged from too many cars and distance between them.

Question is though, I DID work on pulling a fusebox from an E28 (I think it was a 528e - mid 80's maybe) at the pick n pull becuase it had what I thought were more reliable new style anchoring fuses and newer fusebox/cover. It's the same E28 I grabbed the rear deck & speakers from, so what was I working on? Canadian-spec or grey market E28? I do see alot of stuff like that in the pick n pulls.

Guess I'll just replace my fogged, loose, and hard to read fusebox cover - less hassle anyway.
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Mike W.
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Post by Mike W. »

Could it have been a 4 door E30 325e maybe? I agree with Chris, I'm fairly sure all E28s regardless of market came with the same type of fusebox as E12s. I don't know why they upgraded E's 23 and 24 mid model run, but not E28s, but they did.
Mike W.



02 525ita. Wife's, aka grocery getter
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socalfiver
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Post by socalfiver »

You're not crazy... I've also seen spade-type fuse boxes in e28s.

Perhaps fuse box melting failures are more common in CA, and these cars got upgraded at the dealer??

I also did the e28 premium sound swap, with the package shelf speakers as well as front "mini-subs" and tweeters on the mirror blanking plates. I'm using a vintage Alpine cassette player for period appearance, and I've got an amp and sub in the trunk. It sounds awesome.
"Get it while you can." -Janis Joplin

1980 528i Automatic, "Frau Blucher"
1982 BMW R100RS
1982 633csi 5 speed
Jamie

Fuse box swap/upgrade

Post by Jamie »

I have the parts, and a spare harness to practice on, now I just need the time to work out the complete terminal lay out. Maybe later this summer. I plan to take lots of pictures when this happens, given I still own the car! Jamie
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