Mercedes to Change Valve Trains?
 

I have read somewhere that Mercedes is going to change from a 3-valve to 4-valve configuration for their V format gasoline engines. Can anybody comment on when and why? Has anybody heard of a 3.5 liter engine that is supposedly in the works? I assume it would be a V6.

The ML350 uses the 3.7L V-6 engine, but it's just an enlarged M112, which is SOHC 3-valve design.

Yes, I have also read that Mercedes is going to go back to the DOHC 4 valve configuration in their next generation V8's and V6's.

3.7 L V6
 

Thanks, John. I had missed the fact that the ML had a larger V6.
Why do you suppose they didn't badge it as the ML370? Tradition bound, I suppose. Anybody here about this engine being offered in the new SL carat some point in time?

Yes, I have heard they are going to make a 4.5 motor for in the SL, but call it a 350. The following year they will change the badging to what it actually is, a SL450. (All just kidding;) )

Gilly

LMAO! Good one Dan!

I knew someone would get it.

Gilly

That would be fitting. 02 sl350...Just like the 72 350sl....Then send out badges to all of the customers that own the 350 when you come out with the sl450/////// :)

Actually the R230's are all 2003's. About the only 2002 SL's were the Silver Arrow Editions (last of the 129's). But yeah, the 72 350SL/73 450SL is what I was kidding about.

They didn't really "come out" with the 450SL, the 1972 US 350SL actually was a 450. But they didn't call it that until 73. Never have heard a good story on why they did that, I should look it up in my MB history disc

No, it just was badged a 350SL.
The 450SL went into production in July 1971, and was only available for the North American market until February 1973.
But the car was still badged the 350SL, perhaps because of the relatively small amount being produced they didn't bother making the 450SL badge until it was available elsewhere? Not sure why yet, maybe I have a 73 intro book which will explain it, or the 72 intro book can shed some light.
According to my disc, the 450SL for the North American market was a low compression engine to meet emissions in the US, 195 hp it says.

Gilly