Tool Box - Different for '74?

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Scott Wilson

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I am looking for a new tool box for the trunk of my 1974 coupe. On the W&N website they offer a new one for "up to '73" implying that '74 was different. Can someone confirm that '74 had a different box?

Thanks
 
The toolbox housing is the same for all production years of E9 (2.5CS, 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSI, 3.0CSL). If you will google part number 71111102916 (not W&N A71111102916) in BMW catalogue you will see that it is also used in 2.5CS (e9) and this is later 1974 model.
Maybe W&N write that info because of foam insert? W&N sell later type green tools, earlier style are red, maybe that's why.
 
In 1974 BMW changed the toolbox from a two piece part to a one piece part that has no lid. The construction material also changed to the thicker style used in e12/24/28 etc. They are different.
 
The good news is that they are much easier to find in good shape and they don't deteriorate like the early ones.
 
HB Chris said:
In 1974 BMW changed the toolbox from a two piece part to a one piece part that has no lid. The construction material also changed to the thicker style used in e12/24/28 etc. They are different.
Click to expand...
It's weird because BMW E3, E12, E21, E24 later style toolbox parts numbers 71111117105 (previous: 71111115327 / 71111113212) according to BMW catalogue can't be used in E9.
Anyway that type of toolbox that asked Scott in my opinion will work on his E9.
Scott - take a look at your boot lid.
 
71111102916 Is the early two piece toolbox as shown on W&N site. In RealOEM regardless of model year, it lists that same number but shows a pic of the later one piece toolbox with no price. This is where RealOEM is good but not perfect and can't always be trusted. The early box might fit in a 74 if it has the screw holes in the trunk lid to attach the upper toolbox lid. My coupe isn't here right now but there are at least six screw holes not including the mounting holes for the hinge area. The one piece toolbox hangs from the plastic strap when opened, again very different. This toolbox may have changed slightly when the e12 and e24 were introduced, I've never compared them side by side. Someone with a 74 needs to look for the telltale screw holes.
 
Also, 71 11 1 102 916 is the new and improved version that BMW released a few years ago so it got a new part number.

From the Orange Parts books: original euro toolbox is 71 11 1 103 050 (part not found), US toolbox 71 11 1 105 281 (part not found). The part numbers are different as the US didn't get the euro H1 bulb and these were complete kits. The original one piece toolbox is 71 11 1 113 212 without tools, this was superseded by 71 11 1 115 327 as noted above and by 71 11 1 117 105. The 2.5CS never got the large box, it had the small e21 style toolbox, again RealOEM cannot always be trusted, it shows what would fit potentially but was not original.

What this tells me is the later e12/23/24/28 toolboxes fit in a 74 but all were slightly different, specifically as the later cars did not get the three Allen wrenches and had a unique window winder tool too.
 
IMG_0907.JPG
The half shell tool box is nearly indestructible. It is a double wall design and uses a softer but stronger plastic than the standard CS tool box.

This is from a 74> e3 factory brochure. It shared the same tool box as in certain 74 and later coupes.

Also, the contours of the late tool box is slightly different, so the 2 vinyl covered panel differ slightly from the earlier coupes as well
 
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2/74 brochure shows early tool kit, 8/74 shows late tool kit and 1/75 shows late one.

So, I would guess early 74 early tool kit, late late 74 and 75 late tool kit
 
You guys are GREAT! What a resource! Thanks for all the insight. I'm going to get out in the garage tonight and photo what i have i the trunk now and screw hole pattern etc.
Thanks again.
 
Normally I don't trust the brochures because they use old photos but the Orange parts book shows the new style beginning April 74. Can someone with an earlier 74 check their toolbox? I never would have believed the change occurred mid-year but maybe it did. Edit: Sep 74 changeover
 
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Here is the toolbox I'd like to replace on the '74. So judging from the comments this is the "newer design" without a top that was transitioned sometime mid year.
This one is currently broken at the hinge, attached by six mounting screws on sides and rear and what looks to be two screws along the hinge.

Any idea where to source a new one? Are these the same as used in other model numbers? I'm new to the BMW world.

Thanks
1494383604264285988622.jpg
 
that's the old one, still available from BMW, at least they were when they made a run of them a couple years ago.
 
FWIW my RHD '74 CSA was manufactured on 25th Mar 74 (Delivered in Oz in April 74) and has the Early 2 pc Tool Box.
Which will soon be replaced with a new one which was purchased from W&N due to its poor - cracked/broken condition.

regards
Carl
 
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