Vintage Cars: Dwell Setting, mercedes sl350, rpm factory

Question
What should the dwell be set on a 1972 Mercedes SL350 and timing

Answer
Plug gap at .035"


Timing is 18 to 22 degrees BTDC w/o vacuum @ 3,000 rpm (factory). Check that it is at 5 degrees ATDC w/vacuum at idle.

Best results: set timing at 30 degrees BTDC at 3,000 w/o vacuum. Check: At idle the timing w/ vacuum should be about 5 to 7 degrees BTDC. YOu will get best running and fuel economy with these settings.

listen for ping and adjust accordingly.

dwell
Your point gap is measured in degrees of dwell...factory setting is 30-34 degrees. If you set the gap at .012-.014 inch you should be in the ballpark.
Most dwell meters do not work on this car due to the transitorized ignition box and ecu. use the point gap to start.
Good luck