Bentley mentions nothing about checking the torsion value, so as long as the lock tools are used, you are close enough, per Bentley. But it appears that setting the the torsion value, using a VCDS, is a way to fine tune the valve timing (I think the ECU sets the injection timing if the camshaft is statically timed within a certain range). The lock tools set the static timing and the torsional value measures the real (dynamic) timing and will be more accurate.
I bet if you adjusted the torsional value to "0", the lock tools would still fit well. I think that is how fine the adjustment is.
After I relpaced my timing belt I measured torsional value and it was reading +2.5 deg. KW and I was extremely maticulous and had it where the lock pin slid in real easy into the camshaft hub (with the crank lock engaged). I left it at that value for about 20,000 miles.
Recently I adjusted the torsional value down and first try I got it to +1.5 degrees KW and I decided to leave it at that. The distance between the bolt heads and the ends of the slots on the camshaft sprocket were ever so slightly changed, so little so I had difficulty seeing any change. That is how small a change makes the torsional value change. I noticed that the idle stabilization values between injectors got a good bit closer (better) and I noticed about a 1 - 2 MPG increase in mileage (I keep very accurate mileage records and drive consistently).
I noticed no change in performance.
I have been at 1.5 deg. KW for about 5000 miles now and am contemplating on bring it to around +0.5 deg. KW. I'd be interested to see if mileage and idle stabilization gets even better.
I would like to know if there is additional information on the torsional value and what it means and where it should be set, other than what I read on here (although this is good info). I would like to know how "0" was picked as the best value. I have not seen that documented anywhere, other than mentioned here.
--Nate