Nothing really happens at 3200 RPM, the 40-44 degrees of advance is simply the spec for the engine to run correctly.

On your other question, I have the Haynes manual for this engine. Since Haynes is in the UK, it has some information on the EZL, which as you know, does not come on US 103's. What the EZL does is adjust the advance curve based on a resistance setting, which can be changed by turning the dial.

According to the picture in the manual, you are set for '95 RON premium unleaded' fuel.

The US versions have a fixed value resistor in place of the EZL. There was a huge and interesting debate a few years ago on the Tech Forum as to whether removing the resistor and thus allowing max advance improved performance.

WRT how your car runs, I think you are seeing the difference between the US and Euro versions of the engine. My 300E 5-speed was the opposite - great at the low-end and mid-range, but started to get anemic at 5000 RPM.

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Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe