Timing

[bradderztvr]

Sorry to sound a bit dull, but can some one explain the correct timing for 350i V8.
In short I am replacing the distributor.
I know that the correct timing is 8 degrees BTDC, but all the advice I read says turn the engine from the crank shaft until the rotor arm is pointing at cylinder one segment of the dizzy cap and the pointer on the fly wheel is at TDC.
When my rotor is pointing at cylinder one on the dizzy cap the fly wheel pointer is 8 degrees BTDC.
I'm sure there is a simple answer but it's confusing my old brain.
Or I believe you can change the dizzy with the rotor at cylinder pick up 1 of the cap and then ensure you don't move anything.
Can some one explain in lay man terms,
Cheers

[Wedg1e]

If the rotor arm's pointing at No.1 segment and the crank is at 8 deg BTDC then you're about set up correctly

Disconnect and cap off the vac advance pipe from the distributor and use a strobe to get it spot-on - but even then there may be some variation to get optimal running, 8 degrees is ballpark.

[wild rover]

Just done the timing on my 390se. Checking some of the material they advise changing the timing due to the 95ron fuel to figure between 5-8%.
I set mine at 5% and seems to be spot on with no pinking.Worth checking.

[bradderztvr]

It runs fine, so the question was more pointed at not fecking it up when I change the dizzy
With the rotor pointing at number 1, the mark reads 8 degrees BTDC. So I will just try and keep it at that.
What was confusing me is why all the advice stating that when the rotor is at No1 the fly wheel should be at TDC ?
Cheers

[simonwedge]

Don't worry where the rotor is pointing, just take a pic before you take the old dizzy out and make sure the rotor's pointing in the same direction when you put the new one back in. It also helps to set up them up in the same direction when they're both out.