replacing 230sl ignition switch with 280sl switch

[Joe]

The electrical part of my switch stopped working, and I have an extra 280SL switch. Can I use the 280SL electrical part on the 230SL switch?
It fits ok, but the 230SL has five wires while the 280SL has four. Anyone know how which wire is "extra" and what to do with it?
Joe
1965 230SL

[Larry & Norma]

This is only a guess but could it be a wire for a radio (red/green)

[al_lieffring]

The ignition switch for a 230sl has screw terminals, the 280sl switch plugs in. The only switch that I can think of with fewer terminals than the 230 switch would be one from a Diesel. (The starter was engaged by a pull knob)

[al_lieffring]

I have modified my 230sl to use the 280sl igniton switch.
The photo shows that the 280sl switch does work on the 230sl ignition lock assembly. The wiring does have to be modified to work with the round 8 pin connector. This switch does have the added advantage of having a terminal "R" to power the radio in position 1.


The front metal casting of the switch is clearly marked BENZIN or DIESEL. If your switch only has 4 terminals it would be for a diesel and not have treminal 50 for the starter solenoid.