I have looked but can't find a recommended time/mileage to replace the distributor cap and/or rotor. Or is it just a "when it brakes, fix it" type thing? That's the way we always did it on domestic cars.
My question is about my 84 500SEL.
Thanks for any advice.

PaulM

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

I just always run my cars until they start to not run so good. Then I say "Time for a car payment!" And then do a major tune-up, plugs, distributor cap/rotor, air/fuel/oil/PCV filters, oil change, oxygen sensor, etc.

I also check everything else and fix anything which needs fixing or adjusting.

The exception to the above is I change oil and filter on a much more frequent regular schedule. Or if something breaks, I'll fix it of course.

Paul, I replace distributor cap and rotor every 60,000 miles on our 124 cars. Save the old ones for an emergency.

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Fred Hoelzle

A little extravagant I think. My original cap and rotor lasted well beyond 150 K miles and even than I only replaced it because I thought I should. All was still working fine with an occasional clean-up from time-to-time.

RayH

Thanks everyone.
I think I will go with 60K, and carry a used but know good one in my trunk after that.

Sounds like a plan to me.

PaulM

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)

Spark plugs every 16k or 1 year
Cap and rotor - 60k or 5 years
Wires: every 5-6 years regardless of milage.

This is just a guide, not the rule. When your mpg starts to diminish, or the car starts to run a bit rough, it's time.

This assumes you use genuine quality or the Bosch equivalent.

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Eugene

10 E63 AMG
93 300te 4matic
07 BMW X3
14 Ford F-150 Fx2