Distributor/ground

[rwaw]

On several photo's (incl. the instruction manual)I have noticed a separate ground wire runs from the distributor to a screw at the front/top of the cylinder head.
At the distributor it seems to attach at the same screw as the negative lead from the ignition coil and the lead from the attached condensor.
Some experts also mention this wire; however it seems to be missing on mine (1969 280SL).
How essential is this ground wire and what symptoms would you notice if it wasn't there ?
Thanks for your help.

[Naj ✝︎]

Raoul,
If you attach an earth lead to the terminal which holds the wires from the coil and condenser, you engine will NOT start!! :x
Early condensers were held by 2 screws but new ones with clamps attach with just one screw. You could use the second hole to attach an earth wire (using very short screw) or use one of the condenser clamp screws.
If the distributor does not ground properly, this extra wire will help. Benz Dr talked about this not long ago.
If your engine runs fine now, you will not notice any difference.
naj

naj
'Kloines Scheisserle'
65 230SL
68 280SL