Which electronic ignition is better

[CJHenderson]

Which electronic ignition is better for a 280SL/8 programable or non-programable? My old distributor is worn out and the cost of a rebuild will almost be as much as changing over.

[Pawel66]

I am a happy user of bluetooth programmable 123ignition with immobilizer function. Could not compare to other solutions, I am afraid.

[dirkbalter]

I agree with Pawel. If you have the US - emissions system installed, you will have to go programable to make it work imo.

[mdsalemi]

Which electronic ignition is better for a 280SL/8 programable or non-programable? My old distributor is worn out and the cost of a rebuild will almost be as much as changing over.

CJ, if your distributor is worn, it's not a question of an electronic ignition or not, it's either rebuild/replace the distributor (then choose an electronic insert) or simply get a 123.

I've had two -051 distributors rebuilt (long story) but that was when it was way less costly AND parts were readily available. I don't think that's the case now. So, back about 15 years ago, I had the distributor rebuilt, junked the old Crane XR700 and installed a Pertronix. Two I knew then were rebuilding them: Dr. Benz here (who did one) and Glenn Ring out of New York (who did the other). Glenn ran out of parts some years ago and I don't think he's doing it anymore...

If something were to cause me to do this again today, in a heartbeat I'd get the 123 distributor, and the programmable one at that.

[CJHenderson]

Will I need to get an engine control module since I'm upgrading my system?

[dirkbalter]

Will I need to get an engine control module since I'm upgrading my system?

Aside from the distributor, what are you planning on upgrading?

[CJHenderson]

Outside of the required hardware for the distributor such as carbon plug wires and coil. But I have no clue about the ECM except where to plug it in, not to mention it's an OEM.

[Cees Klumper]

These cars have no ECM. The 123 has all electronics inside, no need to do anything else to the car except drop in the 123 and connect the few wires, set the timing and you're done.

[Pinder]

I agree with everyone here who mentioned the 123 ignition. It works great. I too got the one with bluetooth. it syncs to my iphone and It has a nice display showing the tachometer, you can create your own curves. Its a good quality unit. no regrets. I keep my old distributor incase the next custodian wants to return back to original.

[mdsalemi]

Outside of the required hardware for the distributor such as carbon plug wires and coil. But I have no clue about the ECM except where to plug it in, not to mention it's an OEM.

Unless something is totally different with the 123 distributor (those who have it, please chime in here!) you want solid wires (copper core) not carbon. The OEM plug connectors have some resistance for radio suppression.

Plenty written about plugs, wires and connectors in other threads.

[Pawel66]

Coil resistance above 1 Ohm, this is what they require for 123ignition.

[MarkCan]

Which electronic ignition is better for a 280SL/8 programable or non-programable? My old distributor is worn out and the cost of a rebuild will almost be as much as changing over.

My vote goes to the 123 ignition system. Here is the installation video; https://youtu.be/Z39UwaFiXaE?si=LlLMqCJfT9dCd8v0

You can also send your old distributor to Dr. Benz here and have it fully restored. Dan will not only rebuild, he can also properly setup and test the unit (using factory equipment) before shipping it out.

[Benz Dr.]

Outside of the required hardware for the distributor such as carbon plug wires and coil. But I have no clue about the ECM except where to plug it in, not to mention it's an OEM.

Stay clear of carbon wires.

[CJHenderson]

Thanks Doc, glad that I didn't order it.

[Pawel66]

Here in Europe I found Beru 7MM, e.g.:

https://swiece-zaplonowe.pl/przewody-wn/17768-beru-copper-cable-0300800023-7mmsblack.html

I am posting as it may not be easy to find copper leads.

[Benz Dr.]

560SL's also use metal wires so they should be available. K&K has the proper ignition wires - Tim and I worked on that to get them right.

[MarkCan]

K&K has the proper ignition wires - Tim and I worked on that to get them right.

I second that, K&K Manufacturing is the place to go for ignition cables in North America.
https://www.kkmfg.com/
I purchased several sets from different suppliers and none were close to what K&K delivered - proper M127-130 cables.(1K ohm)
As for the Beru, European and N.American cables are two different animals. Sets I purchased in US were all 5k ohms.