Electronic Ignition system

[Figoulu]

Hi all,

I will update the ignition system with an electronic one... for my 230SL

Couple of products are on the market, from a brand new electronic distributor, including a new coil and amplifier (250/300€), to simple sensor (i guess Hall effect) replacing the breakers inside the original part, for just 1/3rd of the price...

I assume that from different prices we can expect different results...
Which one do you advice ?

Thanks

[Peter van Es]

123Ignition is very popular… just search the forum…

[Cees Klumper]

123 for me. I had a Hall effect one but was not as good.

[Merc_Girl]

I’ve had the new electronic ignition installed on my 230SL. Much improved starting

I believe for my transformation this required a different coil and distributed, plus a little box thing (ballast resister?) which I have no idea what it does but came as part of the kit!!, 😉

Here is a link on the forum to similar query
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30932.0

[Figoulu]

Thanks to all 👍👍👍

[WRe]

Hi,
there are two advocating camps in the German Pagodentreff:
For reasons of originality and if the distributor is still in order, Pertronix is ​​recommended, if not the 123-ignition.
In my opinion, the likelihood of a good distributor after 50 years is rather unlikely and you should therefore overhaul it before you want to use Pertronix.
I have been using a 123-ignition for more than 10 years without any problems.
...WRe

[Figoulu]

I’ll certainly go for a 123 unless another seriously bad feedback
One thing I need to double check is the correct ref for my 230 from 1965 👍👍

[mdsalemi]

...the likelihood of a good distributor after 50 years is rather unlikely and you should therefore overhaul it before you want to use Pertronix.

SPOT-ON!  EXACTLY!

...which is why I had my -050 overhauled prior to installing the Pertronix. There's nothing more frustrating than trying to solve some ignition issues by throwing a system like a Pertronix onto a distributor that itself is worn and in need of an overhaul.

Sure, I'd love a 123 but my refurbished -050 with the Pertronix seems to be doing well!