Timing for 1970 USA 280SL

[Matt113]

Hello all. Well we're nearly there with the restoration, and are about to start the engine after a rebuild (shakes in nervous anticipation.........). I have searched the forums for the timing/dwell figures, but there seem to be a billion and one variations. I have the 0 231 116 062 Bosch distributor and original blue coil. Can anyone post the definitive specs? Thanks in advance! Matthew

[Benz Dr.]

Dwell angle should be 30 degrees for the 062 distributor. I set the ignition timing to 38 degrees full advance which should be at or slightly before 3,000 RPM. If your ignition system is working right, this should give you an idle timing of about 2 - 4 dgrees ATDC. I don't like to go very far past TDC because it can become difficult to set idle speed at that point.
It must be remembered that idle speed is obtained through a combination of timing, air, and fuel, so any change to one affects all three settings. If you find that extra air and fuel will not give you a decent idle speed, you may have to advance the timing slightly. 

[Matt113]

Many thanks Dan! Another complication that is sometimes addressed is to wether these values are with or without the vacuum? Thanks again,

Matthew