for you guys ref the timing on a euro 5.0 engine is 16deg btdc at 650rpm.

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David S Poole
European Performance
Dallas, TX
4696880422

"Fortune favors the prepared mind"
1987 Mercedes Benz 420SEL
1988 Mercedes Benz 300TE (With new evaporator)
2000 Mercedes Benz C280
http://www.w108.org/gallery/albums/A...1159.thumb.jpg

Don't forget that from a standing start the 500SLC is a faster car than the 450SLC 5.0 due to the 4 speed transmision in the 500 and the 3 speed in the 5.0. Both cars share the same final drive (rear axle) ratio and 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the 4 speed are the same ratios as 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the 3 speed. Courtesy of the low 1st gear in the 4 speed, the 500SLC gains a good half second advantage from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) over the 450SLC 5.0. Could this amount to the difference you are experiencing?

As to the ignition timing, the attached photo shows the label on the engine in my 500SLC. I assume it would be the same for the 5.0 engine.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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107.023: 350SLC, 3-speed auto, icon gold, parchment MBtex (sold 2012 after 29 years ownership).
107.026: 500SLC, 4-speed auto, thistle green, green velour.
124.090: 300TE, 4-speed auto, arctic white, cream-beige MBtex.
201.028: 190E 2.3 Sportline, 5-speed manual, arctic white, blue leather.
201.028: 190E 2.3, 4-speed auto, blue-black, grey MBtex.
201.034: 190E 2.3-16, 5-speed manual, blue-black, black leather.

Doesn't the distributor turn clockwise? If so turning it anticlockwise advances the timing. It makes the rotor meet the conductor sooner in the cycle.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.