Electronic ignition

[Conor]

I would like to ask the forum’s advice...I have a 1971 280sl and  my mechanic has recommended I get electronic ignition installed. What are other members thoughts on electronic ignition?
Many thanks...

[mbzse]

.../...thoughts on electronic ignition?

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=27627.msg199040#msg199040

[Shvegel]

You may already have it.  I may be mistaken but I think the latest pagodas already have electronic ignition.  They still use the points to trigger it but then use a trasistoor final stage to power the coil.  electronic box should be under battery.

[Conor]

Thanks Shvegel, I’ll get under the hood and check that..
Conor.

[Conor]

Thanks for that link ...

[Cees Klumper]

Although the electronic ignition from 1971 is probably no match for today's technology. Plus the distributor could be worn out, and eliminating points can be a good thing.

[mdsalemi]

Good thing to check. Would not be the first time that the Bosch box were removed; even when available replacements were costly, and many a savvy mechanic reverted back to conventional ignition, or installed any number of aftermarket units available even in the early 1970s.

If you have it and it isn't working it's a piece of nostalgia.

[mbzse]

Although the electronic ignition from 1971.../...

I agree fully with Cees. Among components on old circuit boards that are likely to fail are electrolytic capacitors.
Be aware, the system in that car is close to 50 yrs old...

[Naj ✝︎]

I would like to ask the forum’s advice...I have a 1971 280sl and  my mechanic has recommended I get electronic ignition installed. What are other members thoughts on electronic ignition?
Many thanks...

If your '71 car is not Ex-USA, it will have the ordinary points ignition with the Bosch '051' distributor.

naj

[lownslow]

I have an early 1969 280SL and bought an electronic ignition from 123Electronic ignition. My mechanic installed it (he had no problems) and there was a big difference in how the engine ran. It started better, ran smoother and just felt more responsive. I only have a few hundred miles on it so far, but I am very impressed with it. 

[Pawel66]

I  am also very positive with 123 with settings I was advised on the forum by experienced members. The only point I would flag: take a look from time to time on how the cap is holding. The springs holding the cap in place seem a bit weak. In my case one of them got a bit lose, which resulted in cap vibrating and car misfiring. I spotted it very quickly, but even during this time the graphite connector cap to rotor broke off.

123 or not 123 I always have a set of cap and rotor in my trunk.

[Shvegel]

I have had several cars with the Pertronix Ignitor system.  Cheap, easy to conceal and worked great.

[Dudlow]

My 250sl runs far better, starts better, and is  more responsive since fitting the 123 system. Money well spent.

[Arthur58]

I have a '70 280 SL. I looked for a Pertronix replacement but no matching part substitute.  Presuming I have the semi-solid state version (car in shop so I can't check) used on the 70/71 models, will I have to replace the distributor in order to have a fully solid state ignition?  What are my options?  Any experience here to help me?

Update...my distributor number ,0 231 116 062, was not on the Pertronix web site listing.  However, when I called the tech line I was told that a Pertronix 1863 was correct and could be used with or bypassing the original switching transistors.  Recommended a 40511 coil.  I ordered and will update.

[Pawel66]

Get 123Ignition. Lots of info and opinions on these pages.

[mbzse]

have a fully solid state ignition?

Yes. The 123 ignition is certainly microprocessor governed.

[Steve.k]

I second that,  123 ignition is the best solution.  No points, no condenser, easy to setup and adjust.  I got the Bluetooth version and can make adjustments while running.   Looks like a regular distributor from the outside.