What I read is to set the initial setting to seven degrees before top dead center with all vacuum hoses disconnected from the distributor and plugged. All the other specs are controlled within the distributor vacuum advance and retard diaphrams and mechanical advance weights inside the distributor. Once the base setting is done, you need to verify with the timing (strobe) light that the timing reacts to RPM increases as listed in your specs. If it doesn't you have issues with the vacuum advance diaphram leaking or the mechanical weights sticking or overextending because of wear.

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81 300CD (sold) 1972 280 SEL 4.5 (sold) 1966 250 S 4 spd (sold) 1974 450 SL (sold) 86 BMW 325ES (sold), 1973 280C (sold) 1988 300 SE.