I found confusing and contradictory information on various websites about the proper distributor cap and rotor for my 1971 280 SE with the M130 6 cylinder engine. I'm posting here what I learned.

My distributor # is 0 231 116 061 in alloy, not cast iron. I confirmed the material by its appearance (light gray, doesn't look like cast iron) and by a magnet (didn't stick). According to several websites, to obtain a Bosch replacement cap, this is an expensive and relatively rare part.

However, using the part numbers for the Bosch cap (1235522060) and rotor (1234332107) installed by the previous owner and some internet searching, I was reasonably sure that there were much more common Bosch numbers that would work. I ordered both using the more common numbers and received them yesterday. They are both a perfect fit. Here are the numbers I used:

Bosch cap #: 03014
Bosh rotor #: 04012

Hope this info is helpful to someone.

Bill in Maryland

Those parts are common to all of the older six cylinder engines going back to 220S. Later engines used a different cap that has a notch for cap position on the body of the distributor. They might be harder to come by but really shouldn't be.

Thank you for the information. I have the M130 engine in my car.

__________________

1962 220Sb ~ The Emerald Bullet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hx6tN1W48_o
1957 Ponton 220S
2001 S600 Daily Driver
The Universe is Abundant ~ Life is GOOD!http://www.classiccarclock.com

I own a 1970 280 SEL 2.8 (108.019) and I do not have the original Bosch 0231116061. I have a Bosch 0231116051 with Crane Ignition. My understanding is that 061 was discontinued. 061 is no longer available. This explains the 051 on my car, however, I looked up the 051 and it works with the following cars:

1968-69 6cyl (280SE, SL, 300SEL) 0231116051 Bosch

Note: My 1970 280 SEL is not on the list.

http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Electrical/Distributor


You might find this interesting

And here is a little more info on your car, Oh, looks like you currently have a 061 but the bosch site says your car came with 0 231 116 066 when new. They are probably both advance. I guess I have the incorrect 051 distributor on my car.
http://www.boschautoparts.com/VehiclePartFinder/Pages/VehiclePartFinderResults.aspx?MAKE=MERCEDES-BENZ&MODEL=280SE&YEAR=1971&CAT=IgnitionParts