More food for thought.

My impression is that mine have died on startup - did I detect a bit of firing before death? Can't be sure.

I have NEVER had any running issues before death. This car has always been a prompt starter and a smooth runner. Even at 400+ K Kms, it performs like a new car until sudden death.

This problem arose after I replaced plugs, wires and coil. And the genuine MB cap, rotor and shield were all only a year or two old. Did I screw up something? I've maintained the ignition system in this thing for 20+ years so it's unlikely but possible. But what? Are these things really so fragile? Difficult to believe.

The ones that have failed for me are: 2 x Bosch A0105459532 and 1 x Siemens A0125452132.

The one that's working fine right now (or was yesterday in 35C heat!!!) is a Siemens A0105459632. So, I cannot say that Siemens or Bosch are more or less reliable.

More as it happens.

RayH