Mercedes-Benz Forum banner
1 - 10 of 10 Posts

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 · (Edited)
MSD CDI Install

Hi all

Has anyone successfully installed one of MSD CD multi-spark ignition system on a 2.6?

Looking inside the engine bay, there isn't much room for the little box so I'm curious if someone has done it.

I had a '96 Jeep Laredo and installed an MSD CD multi-spark system. There was a noticeable improvement in engine starting, throttle response, and idle so I would like to do the same for my little benz. I would love to take advantage of the hi-revving of these engines and I believe the MSD can bring that to fruition. : )

Thanks!
jav
 

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #2 ·
And so, here it is. MSD CDI Multi-Spark ignition system on a 190e 2.6...and it works great! Next is to replace the ignition coil. I'll keep using the Bosch coil and see how long it will last or handle the extra high-voltage load from the CDI. Throttle response is awesome and at the mid-range rpm, it pulls! Given the characteristic of this system, I've adjusted my plugs gap to .050 to take advantage of the extended energy sparks and the engine sings : ) The MSD has rev limiter so I set it to 6K rpm, jic. The LED is fault-code indicator - constant LED light means all good.

Just for comparison, my car runs on 0-40w full synth, iridium plugs, and now MSD ignition, and soon, an MSD coil.

I installed the CDI on Monday and I've been driving it to work since then. Enjoying the ride much : )

Video showing the MSD and RPM response in action:
- RPM show
- MSD show


The pics:
 

Attachments

· Registered
89 190E 2.6 x2, 99 SL500 Sport
Joined
·
2,019 Posts
Good to know that you can install the MSD system on our cars! How difficult was it to install the setup?
I've got an old performance products catalog from 15 years ago where they used to sell aftermarket ignition boxes and it was claimed the power and smoothness were increased.
 

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #4 ·
I'm probably not the first to install on our model so I just have to try it...what can go wrong? : )

The manual provided a detailed installation guide - was definitely written for me, with pictures and all : )

The real difficult part was finding a location to bolt-it in place. Found the perfect location as seen in the pic; away from heat and near the front-end and side for "fresh" cold air.

I don't know if it improves HP but I will say I can feel the car pulls so much better after a complete stop. The engine appears to run "smoother" or even quieter, it seems.
 

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #5 ·
Does anyone know what the specs are for our OEM coil?

I'm interested to know the exact(advertised) resistance on primary and secondary as well as the maximum voltage input and output. Been searching online for a bit now but can't find that info anywhere. Maybe it's listed in some hidden manual somewhere.

I've already ordered an MSD coil and can't wait to plug it in and make comparison.

Thanks
jav
 

Attachments

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #7 ·
I recall the specs being posted in this thread, which I attempted to reference, but it became contaminated since I last browsed it.

They should be contained herein if you have the patience:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w12...010-300te-stumbles-too-much-gas-ideas-11.html
Thank you! I found it. The specs confirm the values I posted on another thread. I wanted a solid and documented information to work and refer to and the info is just what I was looking for. Thanks!

Geez...I'm sure glad I'm not on W124, those guys don't mess around...hahaa

Anyway, thought I'd share this to our W201 club since it's relevant to us: http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/M...03/15-1250.pdf

jav
 

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #8 ·
And here it is, the MSD Blaster 2 Coil! Yes folks, our M103 works well, very well, with MSD ignition systems.

There's a hill near my house and the car usually shift running that hill but this time, it effortlessly climbed that hill with very little pressure on the gas pedal! bwahahaaa!

Our stock ignition system works fine; in fact, my car was running perfectly fine with the stock ignition before trying the MSD system.

The idea of the ignition system is to provide energy/current or amp up to the spark plug to produce a spark which in turns ignite the air/fuel mixture. A fast and complete combustion does wonder to engine. While the stock ignition system is ok at that, the amount of resistance along the ignition path is enormous; if you take the 12v+ input battery, ignition coil, spark plug cables, distributor cap and rotor, and spark plug resistances into account, the amount of energy traveling down the path have already decreased.

The MSD ignition system reduces the amount of resistance along the current path significantly. For one, it up-voltage the input 12v+ up to 435 Volts to the ignition coil, it also increases the amount of voltage to the secondary terminals to 43K Volts to help the amp run along the path.

The MSD coil, with very little resistance, takes the increased input voltage and convert it further to 45K high-voltage to its secondary coil sending the almost unmolested amp igniting the air/fuel mixture.

I could go on but don't want to sound like an MSD salesman... : )

I know this upgrade is not for everyone. If it helps someone later asking whether MSD ignition system works with our car or not, I hope this thread will answer that question.

And here are some pics:
 

Attachments

· Registered
1991 Mercedes 190E 2.6
Joined
·
340 Posts
Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Made one "last" duty cycle check after re-gapping the plugs from .050 to .055. The engine appears happier with the new wider gap as seen from the RPM rise and fall. While the DC number seems a little low from idle, I'll keep it like that for now.

Duty Cycle Check:

Also just finished replacing my serpentine belt with Goodyear Gatorback. Now, no more birds chirping under the hood - it was so irritating and PITA to replace.

Will probably not touch the car for awhile unless something else comes up that needs fixin'.
 

· Registered
Joined
·
1 Posts
And so, here it is. MSD CDI Multi-Spark ignition system on a 190e 2.6...and it works great! Next is to replace the ignition coil. I'll keep using the Bosch coil and see how long it will last or handle the extra high-voltage load from the CDI. Throttle response is awesome and at the mid-range rpm, it pulls! Given the characteristic of this system, I've adjusted my plugs gap to .050 to take advantage of the extended energy sparks and the engine sings : ) The MSD has rev limiter so I set it to 6K rpm, jic. The LED is fault-code indicator - constant LED light means all good.

Just for comparison, my car runs on 0-40w full synth, iridium plugs, and now MSD ignition, and soon, an MSD coil.

I installed the CDI on Monday and I've been driving it to work since then. Enjoying the ride much : )

Video showing the MSD and RPM response in action:
- RPM show
- MSD show


The pics:
I know this is a pretty old thread but does installing the MSD CDI box omit the EZL?
 
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top