Module under battery tray

[Reischmann]

I have recently purchased a 1970 280SL.
While replacing the battery, I noticed a module mounted to the underside of the battery tray, that is unplugged.
It has three pins and looks like it is wired into the factory harness.
Any body know what this is?
Car seems to run fine with it unplugged.
Thank you.

[Jack Jones]

This is the original electronic ignition module used on 70-71 cars. Many owners had them bypassed and converted back to point ignition when the module failed but left everything in place.

[ja17]

Hopefully they changed the ignition coil and ballast resistor when they by-passed the electronic ignition module otherwise,  the ignition will pit and burn the ignition points in a short amount of time. Check to see if you still have an original blue Bosch coil. It may still have a tag on it indicating it is for transistorized ignitions.  

If you now have a transistorized coil, change to a Bosch non-transistorized ignition coil with the correct ballast resistor. I believe the Bosch red coil with a 1.8 ohm red ballast resistor is what is currently available and correct for non-transistorized ignitions. Otherwise find a good transistor box and re-connect the original ignition with the blue transistorized ignition coil .  

[hands_aus]

It might have a pointless system installed

[Reischmann]

Thank you for the quick replys.
Will research the coil to see what is installed.
I bought this 280 SL as a surprise bithday present for my wife. She has always dreamed of owning one.
It is in good shape but not perfect.
I want to make sure that it is a reliable, fun, and comfortable car for her.
You can be sure that I will be tapping into the condiderable knowledge and experience this group has available to its members.
Please feel free to point our any weak or problem areas I need to know about.
One of the first things, is to rig a hard top lift, in our garage.
Any kits, drawings, or ideas will be greatly appreciated.
M

[Russell]

the search tool is your weapon here. try that first as there is a wealth of information. if you cant find it or dont understand what you are reading (plentiful in my case) then there are always people here that can point you in the right direction and patiently explain.

one pointer i have learnt though is dont do what you did here is ask one question about something then ask another about something entirely different in the same thread as it makes it much harder for a doofus like me to search the forum. someone might have a great answer that will be buried for good under a wrong heading.
just a thought.

[Iconic]

In addition to Russells very good points, in the long run, it will make it easier for us to help you if you put your year and model in your signature line (I know it is a 280, but you might not mention that in the next thread). Take a look how others have done it.
Enjoy the ride !!!

[Reischmann]

Good advice.
Thank you,
Mike
1970 280SL