Author Topic: Which 123 Ignition for a 230 1966 car please? And are they worth it?  (Read 3188 times)

Paul99

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  • 230 SL White. 1966.
Which 123 unit do I need, and are they worth it?  I could have my old distributor refurbished for around half the price of the 123 unit, but then keep to points. Is the 123 unit worth the extra money?

JamesL

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Love mine
Works a treat and has done for the 5 years it's been in
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

Peter

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I have a installed 123/MERCEDES-6-R-V form my 280. Installation was easy and well explained, the spark is stronger, and no “points” anymore. For the purist I have still kept the old original distributor.
So the choose is a better spark, less hassle. But how much is this worth?   

PeterW113

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I went for the basic model. Car started first time and I have not touched it since. Like Peter I have kept the original for the next custodian to swap it back should they choose too.

Peter
Peter
1968 MB 280SL, RHD Auto
1968 Lotus Elan +2
1965 Fiat 500
2004 BMW 1200 GS

Paul99

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  • 230 SL White. 1966.
Great,  Thanks guys. Does seem a great option.  I did want to keep as original as possible, but having had my points slip yesterday on a day out I feel the time has come to replace. 

Are they easy to fit for a semi novice ?  or should I take to a specialist to fit?   I live in the south of England, if anyone know a local fitter?

Peter

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I don’t know workshop in UK, but please find below the manuals for the 123 which can give an idea of this is doable for you.

Important to know is that the resistor should not be used anymore and depending the current (correct) distributor you have now the “advance” should set on the 123.
For W113 with Bosch 0231.116051 or 0231.185.009 this is  8.


kampala

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This is a relatively simple install - however - you must know how to time your ignition.  You can get the car started without a timing light as the instructions show you how but then you should time it more accurately. 

Also, read on this site about adjusting the mounting bracket and such if needed. 

I installed the pre-programmed unit that has a selection of settings. Not the Tune nor the Bluetooth.  Others on this site have installed the Bluetooth unit.

250sl - later - manual
280sl - 1971 - Auto - LSD