Early / late 1986?

[LateFan]

What is the cut-off between early and late 1986? The car we're looking at was built 5/86.

(Where could I have searched for this?)
Thanks -

[mcr_driver]

All 86's were early in the USA, the cut off wasn't untill late 1987 in to 1988

[nickflic3]

What changing factor are you looking at? 84/85 are different from 86/87. You can tell by the front valance and side markers on the diving board trim.

[LateFan]

In the manual, there are cluster wiring differences noted "early" and "late" model '86. I can't tell where this one fits.

[kronus]

the switchover month is typically 6/86.

do you have a square C101 or a round one?

[LateFan]

Ooo...I don't know that..we have looked it over and driven it once, but it's in another town until we buy it.

Where do I check that?

And thanks!

[Stanley Rockafella]

I know that there are two different driveshafts for the 86 model year etas with manual transmissions

[Quadrajet]

86-87 there were all sorts of "detail" changes depending on if you're talking about drivetrain or interior fittings or window motors/regulators. Realoem will be your friend once you bring your E30 home and run the VIN.

[M-technik-3]

Believe it's 6/86 the diff changed from 2.73 to a 2.93 as well and interior had minor changes.

[kronus]

Ooo...I don't know that..we have looked it over and driven it once, but it's in another town until we buy it.

Where do I check that?

And thanks!

above and slightly toward the center from the brake booster, on the firewall

[LateFan]

My concern is wiring and wiring diagrams. Bentley shows a change mid-'86.

Is this the C101? Can't find a square plug pic to compare. I'm at work without the manual.

Thanks -

[B Randon]

My concern is wiring and wiring diagrams. Bentley shows a change mid-'86.

Is this the C101? Can't find a square plug pic to compare. I'm at work without the manual.

Thanks -

yes that is the round body side c101, i should know that is my pic lol

[LateFan]

Funny - that was a random google image search. Thanks for the help - I will check it when we get back to the car. Seems the key change was the exciter circuit running from the cluster charging light - mid-year they put a resistor around the bulb so the alt would still charge when the bulb burns out.

[LateFan]

the switchover month is typically 6/86.

do you have a square C101 or a round one?

It's the round one.