The first version in the M119 family of engines, developed in 1989 and occupying a place between the younger M119 E42 and the sports M119 E60 AMG and M199 E63 AMG. The purpose of this engine is to replace the ancient M117 with a displacement of 5 liters. The new power unit used an aluminum cylinder block with a camber of 90°, light-alloy pistons, forged connecting rods. The block is covered with two heads of the same material, two camshafts and 16 valves each. The M119 cylinder head uses a variable valve timing system on the intake shafts and hydraulic valve clearance 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 | 4973 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp/rpm | 320/5600 326/5700 347/5750 |
| Torque output, Nm/rpm | 470/3900 480/3900 480/3750 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V8 |
| Block head | aluminum 32v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 96.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 85 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 11.2 (AMG) |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | at the intake |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 8.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes S-Class S500 1997) — city — highway — combined |
17.2 10.0 11.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~450 000 |
| 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;
- Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1989 – 1998.
Disadvantages of the M119 E50 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.
