As stated the timing is created electronically from inputs including the engine position input from the crank sensor. It is pretty cool how MB places an advance mechanism in the distributor so that the rotor and cap are somewhat aligned when the firing event occurs. Mind you though that the event WILL occur whetehr the advance has moved the rotor or not.

Many other engines accomplish this matchup by having huge contacts surfaces at the end of the rotor such that they are opposite the cap contact for significant turning arcs.

There is a trimming resister on many models that can be removed or altered to change the created timing amount.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician