Plug Wire recommendations for '66 230 SL

[sstcobra]

I have what appears to be a replacement set of 280 SL type Plug wires on my 1966.  See the attached photos of the wire ends.  They also measure 5k - 10k ohm resistance across the few wires I measured.  Every time I get near the distributor cap with the engine running I get zapped.  So I think it's time for new wires.  Can someone recommend a set of replacement wires that are close, if not exact originals for my 230 SL? If not, what are my other options?  Thanks

[mdsalemi]

There are many suppliers who will provide you a set with the correct look and specification.

You want solid-wire wires (not carbon core) with essentially zero resistance; you want 1K plug connectors.

Here is an example:
http://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-230SL-250SL-Spark-Plug-Wire-original-p/auth-008880.htm

If I'm not mistaken, the original equipment started with bakelite connectors and switched to the metal Beru plug connectors in later production, like this:

http://www.authenticclassics.com/Mercedes-280SL-Ignition-Spark-Plug-Wire-se-p/auth-004612.htm

There are plenty of suppliers out there, so go with one you have experience with. It's not likely you'll find these at a local supplier, but many do replace their wires there, hence the large number of carbon core wire sets with the wrong connectors you'll see on our cars. What you DO find at the regular auto parts store are wire sets (at about $40) that fit and work but are not correct. These eventually lead to some ignition challenges, and this is why this is a regularly appearing topic!  Because of that price differential there will always be some who replace like that...

[Tyler S]

The shielded plug wire ends were added as part of the radio interference kit. Your data card will list if this was installed during production. 10k ohms is a bit too high for resistance. You can rebuild your existing set using  bulk copper core wire (example link below). The distributer and plug ends unscrew from the wires. Just be sure to ohm out every connector and replace the ones that are out of spec. 1k ohms for each connector. A ~5% varence is ok. Also check your plugs and be sure they are the non-resistive type.

https://ebay.com/itm/7MM-SPARK-PLUG-WIRE-COPPER-CORE-100-FOOT-ROLL-BULK-WIRE-NO-ENDS/292130067880