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More than 100 years of Bosch ignition systems | A3
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More than 100 years of Bosch ignition systems
Bosch started supplying high-voltage magnetos and spark plugs
as far back as 1902.
After 1910 the ignition distributors were separated from the
high-voltage source.
When Robert Bosch AG presented the battery-ignition system
in 1925, magneto ignition was predominant in the automotive
industry. This was considered to be the most reliable form of
ignition system.
At the same time, vehicle manufacturers were demanding a less
costly system and in the light of constant progress battery ignition
quickly became established in the automobile and motorcycle
industry throughout Europe.
Nowadays, more advanced versions of this type of ignition are
standard equipment in virtually every gasoline-engine motor vehicle.
Spark plugs
H.T. cables
Distributor cap
Distributor rotor
Ignition distributors
Ignition coil
From battery
To contact breaker
In 2001, Bosch celebrated 50 years of gasoline injection.
The first experiments with injection systems for gasoline engines
took place in 1921. Following extensive trials between 1923 and
1928, gasoline injection was initially restricted to aircraft engines.
Whereas reliability and increased performance were the crucial
aspects with regard to aircraft engines, the economy aspect was
the main motivation in the development of automobile gasoline-
injection systems.
The Bosch gasoline-injection system presented at the Frankfurt
Motor Show in 1951 for the Gutbrod Superior two-stroke engine
achieved fuel savings of around 20 percent and raised the vehicle
power from 23 to 28 hp.
The power-enhancement aspect was however the major factor in
the first mass-produced four-stroke vehicle with gasoline injection
(Mercedes 300 SL). The advantages offered by fuel injection ousted
the carburetor.
In 1967, in the light of stringent US emission legislation,
VW launched the 1600 TL with Bosch-Jetronic, thus marking the
introduction of electronic injection control. By 1972 the Jetronic
system was the choice of 18 manufacturers and well on its way
to success.