I really should acknowledge JayRash for his link on the exhaust valve timing as that was the precise source of my timing problem there (assembled using the wrong dowel hole). I didn't quite understand or appreciate the significance of the information in the link on the first read. Thanks JayRash!

There must be some guru here that knows or has access to the timing setup procedure for the M104 AMG engine?

I really would appreciate any help or advice or direction from any kind soul on this situation before I button it up and take my chances.