Reference and Speed sensors at bargain prices

[Larry Marshall]

Has anyone tried these sensors in the 1984-1989 911 Carrera cars?

Pelican now has another brand ( FAE, Spain) for the BMW sensor (0.261.210.003) that has been used for the 3.2 Carrera (0.261.210.05) for several years. The price is half that of the one that has been used. Both sensors are listed below from the Pelican Catalog. Does anyone know if this less expensive sensor is being used successfully in the 3.2 cars? Thanks, Larry

12-14-1-708-619-M14
Flywheel Position Sensor, 2 Needed Per Car, M3 (1987-91) [More Info] [view in catalog]
Brand: Bosch
$73.00
12-14-1-708-619-M323
Position/RPM Sensor
Brand: FAE
$36.75

[KTL]

If it seems too good to be true.........

I know Pelican carries good stuff. But some parts can still be suspect. I had a Febi-Bilstein ambient temp sensor on my BMW 5 series that kept falling apart every time I tried to plug & unplug it. After two bad ones I said screw it, i'm getting a different brand.

[jpahemi]

My sensors lasted 27 years, not sure that may be the case with the $36 FAE units... Ask yourself: do I want to replace them again in the near future, possibly on the side of the highway.

jp

[kidrock]

I picked up BMW Bosch units, identical to 84-89 Carrera sensors, for under $70 each. I recommend against the FAE units, which may or may not be of the same quality as URO parts.

[Larry Marshall]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess no one has tried the FAE units made in Spain.

[john baldwin]

The FAE or Bosch?
If the FAE, are they holding up?
Thanks,
John

[Smoove1010]

I'd love to know if anyone has given these a try - i have the FAE sensors on my project list, cued up for next PP order...

[wvpptzff]

I guess no one has tried the FAE units made in Spain.

[Larry Marshall]

The responses I got were not encouraging. I don't know how to determine if these units will function properly in place of the Porsche versions. If you look back at the numerous debates on the BMW versions as replacements you could spend a day reading the opinions just on Pelican. I haven't read any opinions by an expert that gives a YES IT Works and the WHY. It would be nice if someone who had the expertise would test these units and publish their findings. I've done that for a couple of fixes such as a better solution for rebuilding shift couplers for 356s. You use a 911 housing with a 356 "T" shaft with rebuild kit and the problem is solved. If you follow many of the "Problem Threads" you'll find that just as the problem appears to be almost solved the thread ends, it may have ended for that person but for lack of posting the final answer the next person has to start all over. Pelican is a great resource but just look at the number of users that don't at least post their zip code, it might be more important to know where he is rather than what he's got! Shipping cost will soon be more than the cost of the part. Tummy is relieved, Larry.

[aquazulu2]

I also have two of the BMW reference sensors in my shopping cart at pelican, but as you can see I am still searching for that final ok. From all that I have read from those who have installed them in their 3.2 911, they work, and is identical to the Porsche part. Both reference and speed sensors are the same and interchangeable. I can understand that there may be quality variables in a sensor from one manufacturer to the other, but what I don't understand is how a flywheel sensor pin for a 911 cost $72 and one for a BMW cost $5. I mean how much quality variables can one build into a small 3/4 inch treaded machined bolt. I am going to punch the check out button for the BMW sensor, hope they are still in stock..

[KTL]

The BMW sensors are fine and you can't go wrong with the Bosch ones. FAE brand I can't say.

The price difference between makes (BMW vs. Porsche) is not uncommon. It's just the way things are priced, relative to the number of units produced for each vehicle. Makes sense that a lower production vehicle (Porsche) would have higher parts costs. Whereas the higher production vehicle (BMW) that has used a part in various models would be cheaper.

That flywheel sensor pin thing is just plain silly. $72 for a metric set screw? Crazy..... All you need is something magnetic, set at the proper air gap/clearance in place of that pin. You could make the pin out of a piece of threaded rod and put a slot in it to allow you to install it with a flatblad screwdriver.

The key is, make sure you use a threadlocker compound to keep the screw from moving. I've seen more than one occasion where that pesky screw has come loose or moved. One instance was at a 24 hr enduro race and made us finish dead last.

[Skip1]

Well I can say I replaced both of them a couple of weeks ago in my 3.2 L with BMW ones, and they are identical and work flawlessly at this point. My two cents.

[euro1984]

I have a brand new pair of the Bosch ones sitting in boxes. I ordered them from Pelican but it turned out a relay fixed my no start problem before they arrived. Anyone interested I have them in the classifieds for $75 the pair plus shipping.

[Smoove1010]

I'm interested but couldnt find the post. Are they still available?
GK

[euro1984]

Yes if interested message me and you can paypal.

[Smoove1010]

PM sent. THX