Ignition Timing

Check and adjust timing with engine at normal operating temperature and distributor vacuum hoses disconnected. Connect timing light, start engine and increase engine speed to specified timing RPM.
Steel ball embedded in flywheel, long pin on automatic transmission equipped models, should line up with pointer attached to hole in flywheel housing. See Fig 1.
Loosen distributor clamp, turn distributor until proper timing is achieved and tighten clamp. Connect distributor vacuum hoses and set idle speed to specified RPM.

IGNITION TIMING SPECIFICATIONS

Fig 1: Ignition Timing Mark Location

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.