Points replacement with electronic ignition - Options?

[Paul99]

I have a 230 1966 and seen the various ads around electronic ignition and some stories around failure after a short time.
Has any one changed from points, and what is the suggested solution?  Some talk of Pertronix (and failures) some of Lumenition etc.  Any one done this recently in the UK please?

Paul.

[mdsalemi]

Paul,

Simple question, simple answer.

Has anyone done it?  Yes, many.

There are three basic options:

1) 123 distributor replacement: electronic, replaces your entire distributor
2)  Optical system (Crane Cams XR700, which was based on the old Lucas system) this uses an optical shutter wheel mounted on the distributor.
3)  Magnetic Hall Effect (Pertronix)

All work.  Some people have better luck than others with various units.  Once in and running well, you should be OK for a long, long time.

There are some different brands out there using the same kind of technology, but your greatest help and experience on this website will come from conventional; or from one of the systems above.

I had the Crane for about 6 years; I've had the Pertronix for 4, and had conventional before that.  Pertronix is a smaller, cleaner install.  Crane has a big external box, like the electronics for a later model Pagoda.

Better ensure your distributor isn't worn first...

[71Beige280SL]

Michael,

Any changes to this advice? I have an issue with my points. The Mercedes Dealer has recommended going the electronic route.

Best,

[Larry & Norma]

123 is the way to go, it really does work very well.

[thelews]

I have the 123 in my 190 SL.  Very nice unit, all electronic, eliminates all mechanical issues with traditional distributors...lubrication, points and wear, sticking/malfunctioning centrifugal weights, etc.  Very simple installation.

I know of one that was put on a 280 SL.  Same wonderful result, but more involved in bypassing coil ballasts and installing the proper power coil for the 123 unit.  www.123ignitionusa.com is where I got mine at the best price.

A lot of the 190 guys like the Pertronix.  Eliminates JUST the points issue.  If you have other distributor problems, they will not be corrected by electronic points alone.  Again, usually a very simple installation.

[mdsalemi]

Michael,

Any changes to this advice? I have an issue with my points. The Mercedes Dealer has recommended going the electronic route.

Best,

No changes from me.  The Pertronix is easiest install, about $100 or so.  Crane is about the same cost, but install a bit trickier.  The 123 is very nice as noted by others, but price is over $500.  If you have a good distributor--not worn and in good shape, maybe you don't need the 123 just yet.  As thelews noted, some have had some install issues, but they can all be worked out.

[66andBlue]

....  The 123 is very nice as noted by others, but price is over $500.  ...

You can buy it for about $440 from several vendors, e.g.
http://www.mrfiat.com/part.php?item=Cars/Other%20Makes/Mercedes/230SL%20-%20250SL%20-%20280SL%20Pagoda/Mercedes6CylinderEngine123IgnitionDistributorNew.html

[thelews]

$445 on the source I cited.

http://www.123ignitionusa.com/mercedes.html

[IXLR8]

$415 on eBay (buy it now) from the same fellow--Mr. Fiat.



the other Joe

[mdsalemi]

Forgive my transgression.  More than $425, OK?  Still significantly more than Pertronix or Crane, but you get the whole distributor--something you might not need.
No matter what you do, it doesn't always go in smoothly.

[Cees Klumper]

I've installed the 123 after previously having converted to electronic and rebuilding my distributor. The 123 was still a noticeable improvement on my car. But as Michael notes, you may not need a new distributor.

[71Beige280SL]

Thank you for your responses! A lot of choices to consider. My distributor may be part of the problem but, I need to make sure. The good news for me...this group has had great experiences with the electronic option. Thanks also for the links. I take away...Pertronix if distributor is in good shape...123 if a new distributor is required. I'll let you know.

[thelews]

You can have the distributor tested.  Black Forest has the original SUN distributor tester that was used for this purpose.  That's how it was determined that my friend's 280 SL dizzy was junk, and we were amazed the car ran as well as it did with it.  The 123 however, made the old girl dance like a teen again.

[71Beige280SL]

UPDATE!

My mechanic finished installing a 123 electronic ignition. He also took the opportunity to replace some hoses and belts. I drove the car last weekend and, I must say, it is a whole different car! Fires right up, nice steady idle and has more pep. Money well spent! I recommend looking into this option. I did save the old distributor in case I sell the car (probably never!)and the buyer wants to convert back.

Only downside...it cost more than I thought! Doesn't it always when you own a 41 year old car.

[mdsalemi]

This should probably fall under the "we have it easy" category.

Check out parts prices on later model cars, even some of those like a simple, pedestrian Honda.  Of those that used ignition distributors, some of the discounted prices for things like Beck-Arnly replacement ignition distributors were over $300.  Toyota Camry--another transportation appliance--had coils over $100, again at a discount.

The 123--when installed properly--seems to make these cars run better.  At the asking price it may be more than you thought, but I'd say it's a bargain...

The fact that we can even source such a thing as the 123 for our old cars is pretty amazing, I think.

One of these days, it will be on my list...but the old [and rebuilt]  -051 with Pertronix seems to be running fine.