The Bosch EPS 270
The LITTLE BROTHER TO THE EFEP 515
This Bosch EPS 270 was produced in January 1982 and was the "little brother" of the 12 plunger EFEP 515. It's represented by one bench in our shop and is regularly used for fuel injection pump testing.
With a lower power output of 5HP and less plunger capacity than the aforementioned 515, the 270 is more in line with the needs of the 6-plunger W113 pumps that make up the majority of our restorations and is a bit quieter than the 515.
Like the EFEP 515, the measuring glass holder is constructed from bent sheet metal in contrast to the complex aluminum casting of the EFEP 385 and earlier models. This, along with a different transmission and reduced sound deadening materials, brought down the production cost of the EPS 270 and, with a multi-panel body, made repairs more accessible.
This bench came to us in decent condition. It bares its scars from decades of use but, overall, doesn't have any major issues. We've got a few other projects in line before it but, as with the others, it will eventually go through a full restoration to bring it back to it's fresh-off-the-line shine.
The Bosch EFEP 515
ON The EDGE OF THE COMPUTER AGE
This Bosch EFEP 515 was produced in March 1979 and was the "big brother" of the 8 plunger EFEP 270. It's represented by one bench in our shop and is a little rougher around the edges than our EFEP 385As or 270, but that doesn't make it any less capable and is regularly used for fuel injection pump testing.
Though currently set up for 6-plunger pumps including those commonly found on the W113 Pagodas, it was built to accommodate up to 12 plungers and, with higher horsepower capabilities, is intended for larger diesel fuel injection pumps made for agricultural, trucking and marine equipment.
Like the EFEP 270, the measuring glass holder is constructed from bent sheet metal, a change from the complex aluminum casting of the EFEP 385 and earlier models, making the 270 and 515 cheaper to produce, if a bit less indestructible. In addition to its construction, the transmission was redesigned to reduce cost as well as removing most sound-deadening materials from the interior. While it's a bit louder than our other benches for these reasons, it is still a reliable member of the shop and is regularly used to test pumps before and after restoration.
We plan a full restoration of this bench in the coming months so make sure to check back as we get that process underway.
Restoring the Bosch EFEP 515
When it comes to classic cars we believe that the most important part is getting it mechanically sound. While a cosmetically good car is nice, it's not worth a whole lot if it doesn't run. We look at our fuel injection pump test benches the same way.
Our first restorations took on some benches that weren't quite ready to go to work and brought them back online, while our well-running but less attractive benches waited their turn. At the end of 2025 we decided it was about time to give our 515 a new look for the new year and dove into restoring the graduated cylinder housing along with making a few modifications for ease of use such as additional lighting and vacuum controls.
Final pictures coming soon.
