Product description

The distributor cap transfers the ignition spark to the spark plug lead. If the contacts are badly burnt, the engine will run poorly or may even stop running altogether.

Check the distributor cap every 5,000 km for wear and cracks and replace it if necessary together with the rotor. These parts wear into each other and perform best when replaced as a set.

Over the years, Volkswagen used various types of distributors and distributor caps, which explains the many different versions available. The applications list the engines and production years in which they were factory-fitted. However, if the distributor has ever been replaced with one from a different engine type and/or model year, this information may no longer correspond with what is actually installed in your vehicle. Always compare the image with the currently fitted part to avoid ordering the wrong item.

Bosch distributors (for original applications)

Bosch has been Volkswagen’s official supplier from the very beginning. Most Volkswagens are therefore equipped with a Bosch distributor. This is easy to verify: the Bosch logo and Bosch part number are always marked on the distributor.

In recent years, reproduction distributors have also appeared on the market. In terms of cap, rotor and contact points, they are identical to the original Bosch versions. These reproductions do not carry the Bosch or VW logo, but usually display the manufacturer’s brand or part number. All reproductions use distributor cap 2063 (or B-quality 2030) and rotor 2032.

Garbe-Lahmeyer distributors (for original applications)

In the early 1960s, sales figures were so high that Bosch could not keep up with distributor production. Volkswagen therefore turned to Garbe-Lahmeyer for support. During this period, two different brands of distributors were installed. It is therefore possible that your vehicle is fitted with a Garbe-Lahmeyer distributor instead of a Bosch unit.

Garbe-Lahmeyer used only the VW part number and prominently displayed the VW logo on the distributor. There is no Garbe-Lahmeyer logo or separate part number, unlike Bosch. These distributors met VW and Bosch specifications but used their own distributor cap, rotor and contact points.

009 and 050 distributors

The Bosch 009 and 050 distributors were used exclusively for tuning purposes and owe their names to the Bosch part numbers ending in 009 or 050. Both distributors are 100% centrifugal advance and were originally fitted to Porsche engines.

Original units feature the Bosch logo and Bosch number on the distributor. Reproductions usually lack these markings and instead display the manufacturer’s brand or part number. There are no reproductions of the 050 distributor; this applies only to the 009.

123 distributors

The 123 distributor is an electronic ignition system designed to replace the original mechanical Volkswagen system, providing a virtually maintenance-free ignition system.

There are no production numbers on 123 distributors to identify the production period. When selecting a distributor cap, always compare the image with the cap currently fitted.