500E engine origin question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 09-27-2002, 06:44 PM

My April 2002 issue of 'Mercedes Enthusiast' says:

'First seen in 32-valve form in the 500SL and later in the S-Class, the 5.0-litre V8 had to be physically modified for duty in the 500E. Internally the deck height of the block was lowered to squeeze it under the bonnet with all its ancillaries in place and, to compensate for this and maintain the 85.0mm stroke, the 96.5mm diameter pistons were shortened and con-rod length altered to suit. A new, larger inlet manifold and LH-Jetronic fuel injection meant more torque than the SL with 365 lb/ft at 3,900 rpm while the power remained the same at 326bhp at 5,700 rpm.'

All of which means, the V8 is not entirely similar to that in the 500SL, so if the wrong bits go wrong, they'll be hard/expensive to get hold of, no?

What if you need a new engine? Can you modify the 500SL engine yourself??

later!

Michael · #2 09-27-2002, 07:06 PM

A 500E engine is a 500SEL engine, but with different exhaust plumbing, cams, and motor mount mounting points. The rest of the info cited in "Enthusiast" is pure conjecture, and not supported in any of the relevant MBZ literature. The 500SL M119 motor was similar, but with different fuel injection.

pentoman · #3 09-28-2002, 11:04 AM

So the engines & parts would be fairly easily interchangeable then?

How much more worry is there in buying/running a 500E than buying a 500SL or 500SEL? Are there any parts to the engine which are more expensive or more difficult to come by than in the other 2 cars, or would running the 3 cars be very similar (ignoring increased wear by 'enthusiastic' driving)?

thanks,

Michael · #4 09-28-2002, 03:21 PM

The SEL will have higher operating costs because of the added complexity of that vehicle, and its larger size (LOVES gas)

Again, the only 500E-specific stuff I've mentioned previously; largely the 500E was a parts bin car. Sure, much of the bodywork is 500E-specific (shares only the front doors, trunk & hood w/ other W124s), but I'm sure the costs are in line with the SL or SEL

yhliem · #5 09-29-2002, 10:16 PM

the m119 motor is about as close to bombproof V-8 as any factory has ever produced. if you manage to blow one up I'd recommend that you re-evaluate your driving habits.

tom woolner · #6 09-30-2002, 11:50 PM

You know, I bought that issue of MB Enthusiast because of the 500E feature. I had the same response, that I had never heard this particular piece of information before or since. I mentioned it in another thread, and the overwhelming response seemed to be that it just was dead wrong.
Tom
92 500E

need2speed · #7 10-05-2002, 02:13 PM

Tom/Michael: After reading the article I called my dealer. The parts manager confirmed that the part numbers for the 1994 E500 engine block and pistons are different than for the 1994 SL500.

This seems to confirm their story, right?

Michael · #8 10-05-2002, 02:29 PM

Hmmm...this is certainly interesting! What about as compared to a 500SEL??