Electronic Ignition Kit for w115

[racing3000]

Hello. I have a 1974 w115 230.4 with M115 engine. I would like to buy a electronic ignition kit, but I couldn't reach any information regarding the best brand. Looking forward to hearing your suggestions.

Thanks..

[BWhitmore]

Pertronix is your best bet. They have a web site that shows the specific electronic ignition for your car.

[Mike D]

Crane (XR700?) is also an option as is HotSpark. I've used the Crane and currently am using the HotSpark in my M115. I'm using the Pertronix system in my M110.

All of the three perform well. The advantage of the Pertronix/HotSpark systems are they are completely self contained and require no external additional power supply.

The Crane has a separate control unit which adds to the complexity.

The Pertronix/HotSpark systems are Hall Effect sensors.

The Crane is an optical shutter wheel.

Disadvantage of the Hall Effect type is if your ignition is left on without the engine running the pick-up trigger sensor can be damaged.

[Frank Reiner]

racey:

Irrespective of which aftermarket system, if any, that you select, the perfect condition of the distributor bushings/bearings, and the smooth operation of the centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms comes first.
If there seem to be some ignition faults, they may disappear when the distributor is made right.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by Frank Reiner

racey:

Irrespective of which aftermarket system, if any, that you select, the perfect condition of the distributor bushings/bearings, and the smooth operation of the centrifugal and vacuum advance mechanisms comes first.
If there seem to be some ignition faults, they may disappear when the distributor is made right.

Proper centrifugal advance and vacuum retard are no doubt important and electronic ignition won't help with those. However, Pertronix can handle some run-out of distributor bearings. One good reason to install it on older cars.

[fonzi]

I read that HotSpark is the way to go on these 6-cylinder distributors, but the last guy I know to try one was very disappointed in the HotSpark tech support.

For this reason, I personally think it is best that you start with a good working stock ignition system. It is nice to be able to eliminate the variables when troubleshooting. If nothing works, everything is a variable.

EDIT: oops! I forgot that this is a four cyl. I know nothing!!

[racing3000]

Thanks for all the responses guys. So, Pertronix sounds better. I wonder if there is any way to get rid of the possibility of trigger sensor damage?

[racing3000]

And one more question. I can not find any link to buy the suitable complete kit of Pertronix for my car (230.4). Is there any one to help me with any link?

[BWhitmore]

Using the Pertronix.com web site type in your Bosch distributor number (should be stamped in to the side of the distributor).

[Mike D]

The Pertronix "IgniterII" addresses the issue of leaving the ignition in the run position. I believe it costs twice as much though.

The good news is your M115 probably already has "suppressor" wires as opposed to the solid core wires used by the M110's. I just went through the PITA task of making up a set of suppressor wires for my Pertronix set-up.

[Graham]

Originally Posted by racing3000

Thanks for all the responses guys. So, Pertronix sounds better. I wonder if there is any way to get rid of the possibility of trigger sensor damage?

It's a bit of a myth. Only way you can damage the pick up coil, is if you leave the ignition switched fully on while messing with car and distributor cam happens to be stopped in one of a few wrong places. If you disconnect the power line to the Pertronix when messing with car, then there is no problem. A quick disconnect of some type might help. On most cars, power only gets to Pertronix when ignition switch is switched to fully on position (so Ok to run radio etc with switch at first position)

I have had my Pertronix I for quite a few years with no problems. Apparently the more expensive Pertronix II has burn out protection, but does not like the Euro solid core wires found in our cars. Most MBs of that vintage have them.

I know nothing of the 123Ignition units in the link below. They don't make them for my V-8. But they do look interesting and you get a whole new distributor (for a price!)

Mercedes Ignition from123IgnitionUSA = Perfect Timing Every Time