Three coils on this system as post above .

This will give you some information on how they work .Google search put in
PDF All About ignition Coils -BERU

Have you called the Parts Department at your local MB dealer about a reconditioned ICU? The 300SL uses the same ICU so be sure to have the tech check availability of that one too.

3 coils?

I thought he had the M104.980 engine. If so, only 1 coil.

RayH

I do understand .I looked for ages for my 260e m103 these ezls are like hens teeth .I did tell all members in the uk this , For them to get one as a spare. As eventualy you wont find them .If you do, then the price will knock you over. So the longer the years go by ,the harder it will be to replace your old one .GET ONE NOW.Also lack of spark can be immobiliser or alarm fault. If 6 volts at the coil is not enough anyway. You need 12 volts.

This was three years ago, but a reman EZL fixed the issue.

I was lucky enough to find a used EZL. It was also the problem on my car. Caused by lack of ignition system maintenance. If you have one of these early M104's, or really any car with an EZL... go do a full tune up! I mean, plugs, cap, rotor, and coil. Sometimes you can get by with skipping wireset replacement.