Changing contact breaker points (stock ignition 3.0 csi)

[decampos]

I've not actually done this before but am hoping it's fairly straightforward. I've also managed to dig out my dad's old dwell meter. Any tips? Anything I need to watch out for?
Many thanks
Ben

 

[Tierfreund]

Yes: the quality of points you can buy today is shabby. They wear prematurely or can even fail completely. The condenser as well.

Get a pertronics or Lumenition, install it, set the ignition once and never have to do it again!

 

[Stevehose]

One word: Pertronix. Install it and forget about points and put the dwell meter back away :mrgreen:

 

[Nicad]

If putting in points, I'd just use a feeler gauge to set the gap. Put a tiny amount of silicone grease on the cam. I usually rock the car in gear to get to the high point on the lobe(Assuming you have a manual trans). As others have said, Pertronix or a Crane unit will be a good addition, but fresh points do the job too.

 

[MMercury]

I've not actually done this before but am hoping it's fairly straightforward. I've also managed to dig out my dad's old dwell meter. Any tips? Anything I need to watch out for?
Many thanks
Ben

It is fairly straightforward.

Unless you misplace the screw that secures the points! A magnet and a good set of eyes can be very helpful. (Knowing bicycle repairman's whereabouts is probably never a bad idea! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxfzm9dfqBw )

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6037

Adding to what others have said, capacitive discharge ignition system can make those same points last 20+ years. : http://www.jetav8r.com/Vision/Ignition/CDI.html

 

[decampos]

Thanks for the replies chaps, there's a good info there to me to unpack. MMercury, thanks for posting those pics, very useful.

I've already bought the points so I really should install them. Regarding Pertronix, I hear what you're saying. I'll have to do my homework to get a handle on that concept. If there's a 'for dummies' introduction and walk-through for such a set-up, please feel free to post a link. (I always do a search for info before posting but the results can be overwhelming and posts are often written with an assumption of knowledge).

 

[decampos]

You get the idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9wZvcr3v2c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fUbvKgmmQQ&feature=related

Hi MMercury. Apologies for not being clear in my last post. I meant a walk-through for setting up a Pertronix system or similar as I will go down that road at some point in the future as I like the maintenance-free aspect of such a set up.

In the meantime I'll be installing the points and using the write up you attached in your other post as a guide.

 

[MMercury]

I meant a walk-through for setting up a Pertronix system or similar as I will go down that road at some point in the future as I like the maintenance-free aspect of such a set up.

If you wait long enough, this subject may be the basis for a full length feature film starring Daniel Craig!:wink:

Good luck!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyk22-sVRhE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CTKur8XHBw&feature=relmfu

 

[Stevehose]

the 2002faq has a lot info for similar mechanical issues if you can't find something on this board:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/29/32/

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1160&highlight=pertronix

It's a quick and painless install and retains the stock appearance. I left the condensor on my distributor but clipped the wire.

 

[Stevehose]

Fortunately on the coupes you don't have to remove the distributor to install like these videos

If you wait long enough, this subject may be the basis for a full length feature film starring Daniel Craig!:wink:

Good luck!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyk22-sVRhE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CTKur8XHBw&feature=relmfu

 

[steve wisbey]

whats the part number for contact points for a '72 CSi. Seems impossible to locate

 

[Stevehose]

according to realOEM:

02 CONTACT BREAKER
12111267392 $33.97 ENDED

02 CONTACT BREAKER
12111266645

02 CONTACT BREAKER
12111355624 ENDED