Hi,
My leads have seen better days and are displaying cracks so time to replace and upgrade things a little on my 320/6
I am going to purchase one of these powerspark electronic ignition kits to get rid of the old contact type, should I expect any issues with this?
Leads wise I have been reading loads on the performance brands and there seems to be a lot of debate regarding just what good leads are so I have decided to avoid the costly leads like magnecor etc. I am considering the bougicord leads as they are cheap and seem to have a decent rep, does anyone have any experience with these?
What make are the oem ones from BMW?
Ignition and leads
- BertjeConti
- E21 Mad
- Posts: 3120
- Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 9:49 pm
- My E21(s): E12 520-6
- Location: nederland , Weert
Re: Ignition and leads
Go for a set origional leads, new leads maken huge difference.
Good cold starts for example, and better accelleration / throttle responce.
Later models have stock transistor ignition. I should try to get these from a salvage yard. (include the engine bay wiring loom).
I've converted my '77 520/6 to transistor ignition with parts from a '81 model. Did it ten years ago. Best improvement on my engine i've done.
Needed parts:
- Engine bay wire loom
- electronic module
- dizzy
The complete engine wire loom connects with a single connector to the fusebox, so thats simple. only problem is the bracket for the electroni module which is placed near the fusebox.
Good cold starts for example, and better accelleration / throttle responce.
Later models have stock transistor ignition. I should try to get these from a salvage yard. (include the engine bay wiring loom).
I've converted my '77 520/6 to transistor ignition with parts from a '81 model. Did it ten years ago. Best improvement on my engine i've done.
Needed parts:
- Engine bay wire loom
- electronic module
- dizzy
The complete engine wire loom connects with a single connector to the fusebox, so thats simple. only problem is the bracket for the electroni module which is placed near the fusebox.

Megasquirted '77 E12 520-6
Aspen Silver '96 E39 523i
Re: Ignition and leads
My car is a 1982 model...so is my one not likely to be transistor already...checking realoem with my chasis and it shows a transistor module from1980 onwards...i may be wrong but i think i may have this already?
I will have a look tomorrow
I will have a look tomorrow
- BertjeConti
- E21 Mad
- Posts: 3120
- Joined: Mon Nov 04, 2013 9:49 pm
- My E21(s): E12 520-6
- Location: nederland , Weert
Re: Ignition and leads
That should be nice. no worry's about adjusting and replacing contact points in your dizzy !
I hope for you that the car already has transistor ignition.
I hope for you that the car already has transistor ignition.

Megasquirted '77 E12 520-6
Aspen Silver '96 E39 523i