Engine Mercedes M119 E42

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, M156, M157, M177, 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.

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