Will a universal 12v coil work in an 1985 380sl - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pchmalibu · #1 09-03-2008, 11:47 AM

for a short time?

G-Benz · #2 09-03-2008, 02:52 PM

Probably.

If you buy a Bosch coil, that period of time will be greatly extended...German cars seem to like those.

Tims450SL · #3 09-04-2008, 02:00 AM

I wouldn't stick any old coil in there if I were you...stick to the correct one for that car...computers computers....oh my!

G-Benz · #4 09-04-2008, 06:03 PM

Not an issue with a car that old. It's the integrated ignition coils that reside under the ignition cover in the heads that have to be spec.

The beer can-shaped coils only differ in voltage output. I will add though that a coil from a 4-cyl will probably fry itself in a few days/weeks while serving duty on a V8-powered motor. And you will notice sluggish performance from a coil that has less than ample output.

I am assuming the question was posed because the current one is dead, and there is one lying around in the garage that you want to use it until you get a chance to procure the correct OEM coil?

pchmalibu · #5 09-05-2008, 11:58 AM

exactly, i had one of those yellow Accel coils sitting around and thought I'd use it to until I felt like shelling out the $90 for a real bosch

G-Benz · #6 09-06-2008, 02:20 PM

Go for it. There's no real danger of engine damage.

From experience, what WILL happen if the coil isn't up to the task, is that you will experience decreased performance, especially bogging at low speeds.