Author Topic: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed  (Read 2569 times)

campin8tor

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1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« on: December 16, 2018, 16:45:34 »
Hi there - I know that there are many threads and topics on starters but looking for confirmation as well as any additional insight would be very much appreciated. I have removed the original starter from the vehicle, see picture (although its zoomed in)  Many of the threads reference the SR59X as the new Bosch starter to use which from my reading on this site will work in my 1970 280SL and I do want to stick with a Bosch brand.

I went to Buds Benz website and it appears they list 2 starters and am curious if anyone has any experience with the new one, one is the SX59X for $198 and the other is for $225
https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/b-electrical-ignition (scroll down for the starters on the left hand side).

I also know that the SR59X can be purchased at Autohaus https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/SR59X for $158

But then I looked at Amazon and they list the SR59X for $121 https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-SR59X-MERCEDES-BENZ-Premium-Starter/dp/B000BZJT42/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1544977812&vehicle=1970-63-2253-20-----15392------10-0&sr=1-2-catcorr&ymm=1970%3Amercedes-benz%3A280sl&keywords=sr59x, but it says that it is not compatibile with the 1970 280SL. In the Q/A someone responds that it will work on a 1969 280SL, so if I believe that then it should work on my 1970 model. But I am looking additional confirmation as the picture they have posted on Amazon looks different then the other sites (maybe Amazon has the wrong pic posted).

Long story short:
- Anyone have any information about the new starter on Buds Benz website B208-001A? If so, is it available elsewhere or have the part number?
- Anyone have any experience with ordering a starter from Amazon and it working on their 280SL?
- Do you need to reinstall the front bracket on the starter if going with the SR59X?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Happy Holidays All!
Thanks.

bogeyman

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Re: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2018, 19:25:41 »
I got the SR59X from Amazon 3 years ago for my '69.  I removed my original starter and bolted the new one in without a problem.
The bonus is that the new one is much more powerful. The engine starts much easier now.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio

campin8tor

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Re: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« Reply #2 on: January 21, 2019, 15:25:29 »
Thank you Bogeyman. I ordered mine from Amazon and received it on Saturday. I will be installing it today!

450sl

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Re: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2019, 16:14:00 »
The only downside of the sx is that the extra supportplate does not fit.  i have fitted sx without this plate. works well..

smackYYZ

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Re: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2019, 19:37:40 »
I got mine from RockAuto.com

It's listed as an ACDelco, but is a Bosch original rebuild. For US$78

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1001861&cc=1193497&jsn=443&jsn=443&jsn=443&jsn=443
Mike aka SmackYYZ

1966 230SL Auto
2008 BMW 323i M6 my DD
2014 Corvette Z51 Coupe M7
2015 MB C300

campin8tor

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Re: 1970 280sl - Starter Selection Help Needed
« Reply #5 on: January 22, 2019, 16:14:48 »
Thanks for your input. Yesterdays installation was a success and didnt take that long. Once in, it starts the engine very quickly but certainly does have a different sound to it.

@450sl yes given the different size of the starter and no where to mount the support bracket,  I didnt install it either, but with the new starter being much lighter than the original it may not be needed. Now on to the next item on the list.

@smackYYZ ahh thanks for the tip, unfortunately late for me hopefully someone else can leverage the cost savings that Rock auto provides.