What are the main advantages of the M119 engine?

Combination of power and refinement - 326 hp while remaining smooth and quiet, perfect for luxury applications Build quality is exceptional, with many examples exceeding 400,000 km with proper maintenance The aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable despite the large displacement Superb power delivery - abundant torque from 2,000 RPM makes acceleration effortless in any situation The 32-valve all-aluminum V8 was technologically advanced for its era, placing Mercedes at the cutting edge of 1990s engineering

What are common issues and problems with the M119?

The engine management system can develop issues with age - sensors and wiring connections failing causes poor running and diagnostic challenges Aluminum construction can suffer galvanic corrosion if coolant maintenance is neglected - head gasket issues can follow Timing chain tensioners wear with age and the complex cam chain arrangement makes timing chain replacement expensive The LH-Jetronic injection system is obsolete technology - finding mechanics familiar with it is increasingly difficult The secondary air system is prone to failure and can trigger expensive fault codes on these aged vehicles

What torque does the M119 engine produce?

The M119 engine produces 480 Nm.

What is the compression ratio of the M119 engine?

The compression ratio of the M119 engine is 10.0:1.

How much displacement does the M119 engine have?

The M119 engine has 5.0L (4973 cc) of displacement.

What is the fuel consumption of the M119 engine?

Reported fuel consumption for the M119 engine is 16.8-10.2L/100km.

Mercedes-Benz M119 Engine Specs

Mercedes-Benz

Quick overview

Mercedes-Benz M119 is a 5.0L (4973 cc) petrol engine with 326 HP, 480 Nm, 10.0:1 compression ratio. Fuel consumption: 16.8-10.2L/100km. Typical service life: 400,000+.

326

5.0L (4973 cm³)

Displacement

480 Nm @ 3750 RPM

Torque

Petrol

Fuel

Description

The magnificent M119 is a 4.2-5.0 liter V8 engine that represented the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz naturally aspirated V8 technology in the 1990s. Featured in the S-Class W140, SL R129, and E-Class W124, this engine combined massive power with legendary Mercedes reliability.

Built with an aluminum block and heads, the M119 featured sophisticated multi-valve technology with 4 valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. The engine management system was advanced for its time, providing smooth power delivery across the entire rev range.

The engine's character is quintessentially Mercedes - smooth, powerful, and effortless. Power delivery is linear and predictable, with abundant torque available from low RPMs. The sound is sophisticated and muted, befitting its luxury car applications.

General Information

Production Years: 1989-1999

Fuel Type: Petrol

Environmental Standards: Euro 2

Fuel Consumption: 16.8-10.2L/100km (23.1-14 mpg)

Power (HP): 326

Displacement: 5.0L (4973 cm³) (303.5 cu.in)

Torque: 480 Nm @ 3750 RPM (354-2766 lb-ft)

Cylinder Block Alloy: Aluminum alloy

Cylinder Head Alloy: Aluminum alloy

Has Turbo: No

Engine Layout: V8

Aspiration Type: Naturally Aspirated

Fuel System: LH-Jetronic Electronic Injection

Head Type: DOHC, 32 valves

Timing Drive: Chain

Cooling Type: Liquid cooling

Cylinders Count: 8

Technical Details

Cylinder Diameter: 96.5mm

Piston Stroke: 85.0mm

Total Valves: 32

Firing Order: 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2

Weight: 200 kg (441 lbs)

Rings per Piston: 4 (3/1)

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Hydraulic Lifters: No

Cylinder Coating: Cast iron sleeve

Minimum Octane: 98

Maintenance

Oil Capacity: 8.5L (9 qts)

Recommended Oil: 5W-30

Operating Temperature: 80-90°C (176-194°F)

Thermostat Temperature: 85-90°C (185-194°F)

Service Life (km): 400,000+ (249 miles)

Timing Belt/Chain Interval: Chain drive - inspection every 150,000 km

Scores

Reliability

Economy

Power

Values 1–100. Calculated from engine specs.

Advantages

+ Combination of power and refinement - 326 hp while remaining smooth and quiet, perfect for luxury applications
+ Build quality is exceptional, with many examples exceeding 400,000 km with proper maintenance
+ The aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable despite the large displacement
+ Superb power delivery - abundant torque from 2,000 RPM makes acceleration effortless in any situation
+ The 32-valve all-aluminum V8 was technologically advanced for its era, placing Mercedes at the cutting edge of 1990s engineering

Pay Attention

! The engine management system can develop issues with age - sensors and wiring connections failing causes poor running and diagnostic challenges
! Aluminum construction can suffer galvanic corrosion if coolant maintenance is neglected - head gasket issues can follow
! Timing chain tensioners wear with age and the complex cam chain arrangement makes timing chain replacement expensive
! The LH-Jetronic injection system is obsolete technology - finding mechanics familiar with it is increasingly difficult
! The secondary air system is prone to failure and can trigger expensive fault codes on these aged vehicles

Used in Vehicles

Mercedes-Benz W140 500SE/500SEL (1991-1998)

Mercedes-Benz R129 500SL (1989-1998)

Mercedes-Benz W124 500E (1991-1994)

Mercedes-Benz W140 S500 (1991-1998)