The same still applies if it's a mechanical injection pump. There's a correct timing mark to align both the pump and the engine to when installing the IP. That is your base timing. Any sort of RPM dependent timing isn't something you can adjust yourself.

Recheck your base timing. Make sure you're actually on the timing marks you think you are and that the IP was timed prior to insertion in the engine.

The smoke color and smell also tell you a lot.

White smoke that stings your eyes is late injection timing and tends to have a very sharp/acrid smell to it
Grey smoke can be late injection timing or poor compression
Blue smoke is usually oil and tends to have a sort of "burnt plastic" or "burning crayon" smell to it
Black smoke is overfuelling or a restricted intake

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Current stable:
1995 E320 157K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 125K (SLoL)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Gone and wanting to forget:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™) [Definitely NOT a Benz]