The B16 Volvos (all models) utilized the Bosch EGD 0.6/6 AR19 starter. This starter designation will look a bit strange to those familiar with more modern Bosch nomenclature, for instance, the 12V B20 starters, Bosch now designates as 0-001-311-103 12V. The older designation does contain more easily understandable information though. The 'EGD' denotes the solenoid type and position; the "0.6/6" means .6 horsepower at 6 volts (yes, Bosch used horsepower in those days) and the AR19 refers to the "nose" configuration and the pinion gear type.

This may seem a little arcane but this information led us to another Bosch Starter! This is Bosch starter EGD 1 (or 10)/12 AR17, note the simularity with the Volvo starter. They produce 1HP at 12 Volts and have a 12V version of the same solenoid. These starters were used on various Mercedes models from the mid 50s to the early 60s and differ only in pinion and armature details. They cannot be used directly on a B16 Volvo but the solenoid and field coils can.

We have had such a starter built and it now is in use on A 12V B16b 444. It spins the engine up in a very impressive manner! Not quite as furiously as a fresh 6V starter getting 12V for the first time, but quickly enough for almost instant starts, it also draws a lot less power in doing so and stays cool after a 15 second cranking period.

Problem solved...except, there is a little matter of cost! Your local Mercedes dealer will happliy sell you the 12V solenoid and field coils (though you may have to wait a bit for them). The Bosch/Volvo 6V field coils can be rewound to 12V specs by any good electrical moter repair shop, but this is also fairly steep as most of these type shops do "industrial" sized repairs and charge accordingly. We have not been able to find anyone that is willing to tackle the solenoid coil rewinding/points replacement. We are still exploring this avenue but, as mentioned earlier, the costs may make this a non-starter (sorry, could not resist).

We are now exploring another avenue though, this is the Bosch replacement starter series that is designated the SR type. These come in a pretty wide range of configurations so we are planning to modify on of these for fit and function on the B16 engines. These starters are physically smaller than the old starter and are of the PMGR (Permanent magnet gear reduction) type and are new production. The models we are considering for prototypes are rated for between 1.2 and 1.4 killowats (1.6-1.8 HP).

Please let us know if you have an interest in this project. The time and energy that we devote to this conversion will be driven, or not, by potential demand. While the original starters will tolerate 12 volts for some time (they ARE pretty tough) they will have only 1/2 the 'starts' in them under 12V. In our experience the solenoid will fail first, followed by the armature. One extended cranking period can kill them outright.

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