With a displacement of 4.2 liters, the Mercedes M119 E42 engine is the junior V8 in the M119 family and is meant to replace the long-obsolete M116. A five-liter engine with a cylinder diameter of 92 mm and a crankshaft with a piston stroke of 78.9 mm served as the foundation for the development of the E42. The M119 E50’s modified cylinder heads cover the cylinder block, which has hydraulic compensators and a variable valve timing system on the intake shafts.
M113 E43, M113 E50, M113 E55, M119 E42, M119 E50, M119 E60, M156, M157, M177, M273, and M278 are all members of the V8-family.
Specifications
| Production years | 1989-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 4196 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 272 – 286 |
| Torque output, Nm | 400 – 410 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V8 |
| Block head | aluminum 32v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 92 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78.9 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 – 11.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | on the intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes S420 W140) — city — highway — combined |
16.5 8.8 12.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 205 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes CL-Class C140 in 1992 – 1999;
- Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1991 – 1995; E-Class W210 in 1995 – 1999;
- Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1991 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the M119 E42 engine
Owners are rarely concerned about one of the most dependable engines in its class.
The timing chain, which frequently extends to 120,000 kilometers, is the motor’s weak point.
The resource of its pillows is adversely affected by the power unit’s remarkable weight.
Oil supply plastic connectors for hydraulic lifters frequently need to be replaced.
The engine compartment wiring on all E-class models is prone to rapid cracking.