The Mercedes M119 E42 engine is the junior V8 in the M119 family, intended to replace the long-obsolete M116, with a displacement of 4.2 liters. The development of the E42 was carried out on the basis of a five-liter engine, the cylinder diameter of which was reduced to 92 mm and a crankshaft was installed with a piston stroke reduced to 78.9 mm. The cylinder block is covered with adapted cylinder heads from the M119 E50, with a variable valve timing system on the intake shafts and hydraulic compensators.
The V8-family includes: M113 E43, M113 E50, M113 E55, M119 E42, M119 E50, M119 E60, M157, M273, M278.
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
- One of the most reliable engines in its class rarely worries owners.
- The weak point of the motor is the timing chain, often it stretches to 120,000 km.
- The impressive weight of the power unit negatively affects the resource of its pillows.
- Often plastic connectors for oil supply to hydraulic lifters require replacement.
- On all E-class models, the engine compartment wiring cracks quite quickly.
