Thanks everyone for the great replies. XP, the wire that goes to the dizzy must still be intact, because the engine runs for 5 seconds or so before dying. I'll get the crank sensor and ignition controller checked out.

By the way, mctwin2kman, how much you it take to have you part with the spare ignition controller that you have?

Thanks again for your advice everybody,
Peter v.

Also, How should I test the Ignition controller? when the engine is running for the brief period that it can, or when the the key is just turned to ACC?

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1986 Mercedes 190e 2.3