'89 300E Distributor Cap/Rotor Lifespan?

All,

I have been troubleshooting my cars inablility to start after sitting
for a week. I cleaned and check all sensors. I found that my
Distibutor Cap had some condensation in it and all connections were
very green/corroded. Also, the pin that extrudes from the coil
connection no longer protrudes to connect to the rotor, thus no spark.

I just replaced this 2 1/2 years ago, and norw it is completely worn
out. I know I have placed about 40K or so miles on it, is that pretty
much the life of it? I also noticed the plastic around the coil
connection (on the inside of the cap) is partiall worn/burned away. I
feel the seal failed, thus allowing the condensation to set in during a
very warm/humid/rainy week of sitting.

So, I am replacing the Cap, Rotor and Seal. Should I expect that it is
only good for 40K miles, or is the wear due to the condensation?

Thanks,

Thom
'89 300E

There's lots of rain in Germany so it's doubtful that the ignition
suffered only from moisture. The clue to that is your comment about the
coil's connector. There's no reason for it to be eroded, regardless of
moisture, except if its connection to the coil wire were poor and
sparked on that account.

I suggest you check the wiring schematic to ensure all is correctly
installed AND that the ignition wires & coil wire are the correct ones
for the motor.

Final thought: the distributor cap's wetness and the corrosion of its
contacts suggests the motor may be running below 80 degrees C. - not hot
enough to expel moisture.