Bosch v Sagem Distributor

[PassatB6]

Anyone know a quick way of telling whether a distributor is Bosch or Sagem without taking off the RF shield or taking the distributor out of the car? Are Bosch a different colour? Mk III 1.8 CL 1996

Thanks!

[h100vw]

Are you talking about the dissy itself or the cap.

TBH I haven't ever come across a Sagem distributor, let alone on a VW.

What's your engine code and why exactly do you need to know?


Cheers

Gavin

[PassatB6]

Are you talking about the dissy itself or the cap.

TBH I haven't ever come across a Sagem distributor, let alone on a VW.

What's your engine code and why exactly do you need to know?


Cheers

Gavin

I need a new distributor cap so I rang VW and they asked me whether it was a Sagem or Bosch. I tried an independent part supplier and they asked the same question so it must be an issue. I have an ADZ engine. They couldn't even tell by the VIN. I can take the distributor out or remove the black RF cover but I am trying to avoid that. I'm pretty sure its the whole distributor which is Sagem or Bosch.

[h100vw]

Yeah, I just looked on the parts catalogue, there are 2 dissys. It'll have to be the hard way.

Sorry I can't help.

Gavin

[PassatB6]

Thanks anyway , I'll take it out and have a look.

[ctwitch]

did you ever find out whether it was Bosch or Sagem? I am looking to order a distributor cap and can't work out whether or not I'm getting the right one? part number for Bosh seems to be only compatible with 2.0l models. Do they differe between 1.8 and 2.0l models?

My engine code is also ADZ and is a 1.8gl

[ctwitch]

did you ever find out whether it was Bosch or Sagem? I am looking to order a distributor cap and can't work out whether or not I'm getting the right one? part number for Bosh seems to be only compatible with 2.0l models. Do they differe between 1.8 and 2.0l models?

My engine code is also ADZ and is a 1.8gl

In case anyone else needs to figure this out on the 1.8cl Sagem is written on the distributor cap, and the rotor arm is also bonded. given the rotor arm is bonded is it safe to say it is the original?

The parts I've ordered to replace it are Bosch but apparently compatible according to the supacheap website , will this matter?

[feenix74]

I will try to get to have a look in my CL for you in the next couple of days.

Worstcase, if SCA website says that it is compatible but it is not then you can take it back for a refund.

[BendyV]

Dizzy conundrum

In case anyone else needs to figure this out on the 1.8cl Sagem is written on the distributor cap, and the rotor arm is also bonded. given the rotor arm is bonded is it safe to say it is the original?

The parts I've ordered to replace it are Bosch but apparently compatible according to the supacheap website , will this matter?

Hi There, I know this thread is 8yrs old but worth a shot....I have this problem, Mk3 1997 1.8L CL. Cap says BREMI. I ordered bosch parts and cap didn't fit. New leads had 90 deg elbows at the distributor end whereas my old ones were vertical.

I have just ordered a whole distributor from Heritage parts....my concern is that I probably have a sagem dizzy. Will the new dizzy fit as a complete replacement? Or, will only a sagem dizzy fit?

[h100vw]

Don't know for sure but would expect a whole replacement to fit ok.

[BendyV]

Thanks h100vw,

The parts should be here soon. I just called a Brisbane mechanic who kindly told me that you need the same one, the other won't fit...now I have my head in my hands. As I am new here, do you think I should make a new thread to see if someone may help me with a definitive or just trust the mechanic. I don't really want to take the old dizzy out if the new one isn't going to fit.

[h100vw]

Thanks h100vw,

The parts should be here soon. I just called a Brisbane mechanic who kindly told me that you need the same one, the other won't fit...now I have my head in my hands. As I am new here, do you think I should make a new thread to see if someone may help me with a definitive or just trust the mechanic. I don't really want to take the old dizzy out if the new one isn't going to fit.

There has to be a name plate on the dissy somewhere. Even take the cap off and have a look inside for clues.

[BendyV]

Hi Gavin,

Attaching the images I have. The dizzy is a SAGEM, it isn't in the photos but around the corner. I have just seen it today on further inspection. The cap is a BREMI 6304 and the rotor says BREMI 7351. Sorry about the orientation, the forum has seemed to spin them around.
An update, I have found a place in QLD called Mick's Motors and they seem to have a cap and rotor that 'look' like they are what I need....funny thing is they seem to have a slightly different code.....what a palava. Waiting to hear back from those guys.

If they think they will fit, I will just order a cap and rotor...$50 well spent if I don't have to remove the existing dizzy. I will just keep the new dizzy from UK or try to sell it

[Lucas_R]

Andrew Robinson Automotive in Derwent Park (Hobart, TAS) is a VW specialist mechanic, and does a lot of older Beetles/Kombi's/Golf's etc. He might be worth a try if you want someone locally to look at it. Andrew Robinson Automotive | Derwent Park TAS

[BendyV]

Thanks Lucas, yes Andrew used to service my car but because I live a fair way from town it did not really work. He is pretty busy and I did try to get him to order parts for me. After three attempts I gave up. He is a pretty busy guy and as you can imagine, I kinda felt after three attempts that I didn't want to bug him anymore. All good though.

It looks like I have managed to get a replacement dizzy cap and rotor that will fit my ex. one.