timing chain elongation curious results

[fochs]

I am attempting to ascertain timing chain stretch on my 83 240d. Using the cam mark reference, I get a reading of approx. 7 degrees after ot. Now it gets good. Using the 2mm method, with my dial indicator on the cap nut of #1 cylinder intake valve which is adjusted for no clearance, I consistently get a reading of 19 degrees before ot. My understanding is that viewed from the front looking down at the balancer wheel, to the left is after and to the right is before ot. According to the maintenance manual at 5-215, The chain value is nominally 11 degrees after ot. I suspect my chain cannot be elongated 30 degrees, so am I just misapprehending the values and have 8 degrees of stretch, or is something curious going on?