W108 distributor specs

[R72benz]

Rebuilt Bosch distributors for my 280SE 4.5 are difficult to find. I was able to purchase a used one and although it came off a 4.5 liter engine has a slightly different ID number. The last three digits are 002 instead of 003. All dimensions and components match, but I am curious what is the difference. I have searched and find VW distributor info, but not MB. Does anyone know where this info can be found?

[cth350]

It should be in the TDM, the Technical Data Manual, which used to be available for about 50$ from the Mercedes classic center. You want the 1973 edition that would have both the 280se 4.5 and the 450se.

-CTH

[Benz Dr.]

The BBB ( big blue book ) has most of those specs.

I rebuild Bosch distributors in case you need some help. Can't be done right without a distributor tester, which I have.

[Sugar Bear]

When distributors look the same but have different numbers, the difference is usually in both the mechanical and vacuum advance curves which could also affect the base/initial timing setting.

What you are trying to do by seeking out the difference is smart and can be critical. A solution to this may be finding the advance curve to your current distributor and then having the replacement one curved to the specs of the old one. This would take into account the factory tuning, compression ratio, valve timing and gear ratios your car.

The curves are best checked and modified in a distributor testing machine and...after all this being said...i'm sorry but I do not know where to point you toward the curve specs, so please let us know if you find them.

Good luck!!!

[R72benz]

Thank you all for your replies. I still have not found specs, but am now sure my mechanical advance is not working on my original unit. Is this difficult to repair? We may need to talk Benz Dr.