1974 450SL condenser or no condenser, that is the question

[lovedieselsd]

Mine has it, but wire is cut. It now must be torture for the points I assume... and, maybe not a very solid flow with no condenser??
I'm not sure why it would not need one?

[Graham]

Hey, you don't have to believe me!

Unless your car has been modified, you have a transistorized ignition. The points run at low voltage and current and only trigger the transistorized switchgear. MB suggested removing the condenser at some point and dealers did this.

From Ozbenz, a good explanation:

With standard "Kettering" ignition systems where the breker points directly interrupt the coil primary current, a capacitor (condenser) is connected across the points. Its function is to prevent arcing at the points and to also form a resonant circuit with the ignition coil. With transistor assisted ignition there is no need for the capacitor across the points as the points are not directly connected to the coil. The capacitor needed to form a resonant circuit with the coil will instead be connected at the output of the igntion module (transistor switch box), usually within the box.

BTW - there is an active 107 forum on Benzworld. Maybe you will get more help there.