similar to the VaNOS unit in the BMW or the VTEC in the Honda? If so,when did MB start incorporating this in their engines?

MB started variable timing in 1989 on all 4 valve @ cylinder engines.
Yes the C36 did have variable cam timing, intake cam only.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I was just wondering why MB does not hype this fact in their ads like BMW (VaNOS), Honda (VTEC) and the rest does. Did they ever fit this mechanism in both intake and exhaust like the current M3? What is it called?

The current MBs do not have variable valve timing due to the fact that they are single overhead cam engines. They now have variable spark timing.

In the M104, the intake cam only has 2 positions. Normal and advanced by 30 degrees, where there is valve overlap in the mid rpm range. The exhaust cam position cannot be changed in relation to the crank.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Even the 190E 2.5-16v? Or only on new engines introduced since then?

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Of course the M102 engine in Europe NEVER had variable cam timing! MB introduced the M111 in 1992 & IT does (did) have variable timing.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator