Has anyone installed an MSD ignition on their 16 valve 190? I have a few questions about installing the 6AL ignition.
1. Do you have to use a different or a custom MSD spark plug wire set? Or can you use the original Bosch or Beru wires that came on the car?

2.I am going to use an MSD blaster SS coil, bypassing the OE coil. If you have done this, did u experience any gains in power or gas mileage?

3. If you did this ignition upgrade, using either the MSD setup or the Crane Hi-6, can u send me some pics of your install so I can get ideas on where to mount the box and the coil? Thanks
Thank you,
Joe

I do NOT have an MSD on my 16v racecar, but I have had them in many other cars. I have used the stock ign. system in my 16v since day 1, it is reliable, and it works-soooo why "fix it if it ain't broke"?

Usually, I install an MSD set up in cars where the stock ign system is not keeping up with the performance demands of the rest of the engine. I have used them on A-series nissan race engines (w/nearly 15 to 1 compression), and have used them on some early nissan z-cars &early 911s with weber carbs, where more intense spark (than stock) was needed.

If you are going to put an aftermarket ign box in your car, mount the unit in the passenger compartment (not in the engine compartment!). Like I said above, I have used MSD boxes in alot of cars, and have never had a failure. I always put the box in the car where it can't get too hot or wet. I've had competitors who have had their units fail, and they all had their boxes mounted in the engine compartment. Hmmmmmmmm,kinda makes you think, huh.

__________________
Alain
independant MBZ tech since 1981
http://www.motorsportlegendsks.com/

I used the MSD system on my 8V racecar, but am using a Jacobs on the 16V car. NIETHER system will work with the crank-fired sensor system that is on the car. You will have to get a distributor for 84-86 8V engine & then the system will work! The only reason I could think of to do this on the street is because you live where is't hot & timing is retarded all of the time. OR if the $1200 ignition box failed. I mounted mine INSIDE the car, away from heat & vibrations.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

So what you are trying to tell me is that I cannot use an MSD ignition system on my 16 valve without changing to an 8 valve distributor? I was planning on using the wiring going to the oe coil. There are two screws that are the pos and neg. I think that terminal 15 was the negative, according to the manuals. If I use the other terminal for the positive and the terminal 15 as the negative to trigger the MSD 6AL, the system will not run? I know some people are using the Jacobs ignition , which uses the coil and a step down transformer to trigger the Jacobs ignition. If I bypass the oe coil altogether but use the positive and negative wires running to the oe coil, shouldnt that trigger the MSD ignition? Thanks, Joe

Joe-1, I've used both the MSD and the Jacobs Magnum. Study them both. One is a Capacitor Discharge and the other a different type never seen before. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald
sampling each plug at every ignition

Some afremarket systems can be used together with OE system on 16V but there are none that can replace the timing control in the orig ignition ECU, thats why you would need an 8V dist!

M.B.DOC, having not had any experience with the 16v only the 300E, The Jacobs Magnum maintains the original ignition. It uses a pick-up sampler in the coil wire and samples the resistance in the indivigual spark plug. Possibly by contacting Jacobs at http://www.jacobselectronics.com they could solve some of the questions about the Magnum System. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald
ouch, that's a hot wire

Adding another triggering device to a MB ignition system is a waste of money. The timing control is still in the hands of the OE system. No street car needs this type of EXTRA system. Now a race car does need this type of system if the RPM is going to 7000rpm or higher. IF the OE system has failed & you are trying to save $1000 on a new ECU, then this might make sense.

I'm not sure weither your sre for or against the MSD and the Jacobs. On my '87 300E I have the Jacobs Omni Magnum. The oe ignition is in place and not modified. Ther "pick-up" component is in the ignition wire from the distributor cap to the ignition coil. The Controller is mounted to the frame. The Power is direct from the battery. The Jacobs analysis the resistance of each plug as it is fired and adjust the output of the secondary coils for maximum voltage. This system is not designed for the race car at revs at 7000, but more for the low speed engine, where spark is so critical, under low speed load. For a better explanation you might contact Jacobs. As for MSD we are familiar with Capacitor Discharge. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald.
Sparky the Spark Plug.

Maybe what you don't realize is that the OE box is multi-spark capable & that timing is controlled as well. As stated I do run Jacobs on my race car & have used their system on 2 other Benzes. What I am saying is that there isn't any real benefit on adding this system to an already very capable stock system. The only shortcomming to the stock system is a OLD weak coil. On hot days when the fuel system runs very lean, the ignition coil is the only weak link! NOT against either system, BUT not worth the $500!!

MB DOC, I wish you hadn't told me all of the reasons the Jacobs Ignition System would not work on my W124030. Now I'm going to have to erase the records of the increase in MPG in my log book. And the smoother idle, the improved throttle response, improved starting hot and cold, all of these things just don't happen. And the $500.00 expence, I'll try to find why my unit cost $350.00, must have been a reject from Q.C. Mine has to be an odd ball for the OEM system is still in place and running strong. I don't know what to say to my old tub except lay down and die, your ignition system don't work. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald.
Just barely running,
with Jacobs over 37,500 miles

Read a little closer! Didn't say it wouldn't work, didn't say it wouldn't help a tired system. What I did say was that IF you system was as new then no benefit form adding a second triggering system. A new coil, cap & wires on 10-15 year old cars will do wonders. Did a lot of research on chassis dyno & NO improvements in HP or emissions & that is the bottom line!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I replaced those old items when the Jacobs was installed. I could have saved bucks by testing before installing TOY? Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald

First off,HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
I've been running a Crane HI-6 with a Crane PS92 coil on my racecar for four years now.It has been abused,soaking wet,overheated etc. and it has not missed a beat.I think it would fire gator wiz if I put it in my fuel cell.The good thing is its $159 from Summit and $62 for the coil. You do need the mag. dist to trigger it or use the CRANE TCU -1 TIMING control for crank fire.I don't know anything about MSD .I've never tried MSD ,I have a tendency ,when I find something that works without any problems on my racecar I stick with it. Just another option on an ignition system Bill.T/C&B Racing

Bill t/cracing, isn't the Crane and the MSD similar in that they both are Capacitor Discharge? From what I've read the MSD offers a great scope of engine control functions. The Jacobs offers these controls as well.Reliability is the name of the game. Should the Jacobs fail you simply replace the original coil to distributor wire and your off and running again. Happy Trails Beep Beep from Houston.

Donald.
carrying that old wire