I now have 150000 miles on my 97 E420, and the acceleration isnt as good as when I first got it at 86000. And it is just starting to feel a little "old".I am contemplating 2 options:

1. Take the car in and go through the engine replacing seals and gaskets and whatnot and try to get everything like new.

2. Get a 5.0 m119 off ebay and put it in for even more performance.


I really am leaning to the second option here, What all is involved in this engine swap. I havent replaced anything on my engine since ive owned it save an 02 senser. I really want to do somthing soon. I really would like to hear your opinions. Thanks

__________________
1997 E420 Black Opal

"Why do I have to be Mr Pink"?

I cannot comment on the joy, benefits or difficulty of going to a 5.0 engine; however, I still believe it is not possible to answer this question as you have posed it. You could simply need a tune-up and a hard drive with a bottle of chevron techron to clean the fuel system. You need to provide more detail on the condition of the engine. If you cannot assess it then you should either figure out how to do it yourself using this site and manuals or use this site to find a trusted mechanic in your area. And dont go into the shop showing deep pockets wanting to swap out engines for what may be a minor problem otherwise what you are trying to avoid here (aggravation, expense) will be assured. Anf finally, a new engine off of ebay may open up pandoras box for you. It may be better or worse than your current one since you have not assessed your current one.

Its a lot more than just an engine you have to change.

ALL the engine management system--computers, sensors ,wiring harnesses, exhaust system, air pump, etc, etc. In addition, it is a violation of Federal law to install anything that might change emissions (even the gas cap) unless it was tested and certified in that configuration/installation type as conforming to the EPA requirements.

There is no rational reason for your 4.2 engine to be 'tired'. Have the timing chains checked for wear and get a good tune-up. A partially plugged cat convertor can seriously reduce engine performance.

What you have to run 150k on a MB before it gets properly broken in!

An M119 should not be getting tired at that mileage unless the oil is never changed. Frankly just go over yours and figure out what is wrong. If you want more power I am sure the aftermarket tuners can help you.

Or you could open your check book and call Brabus for one of their crate engines!

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Thanks for the reply's. The timing chain and the cat could both be culprits. I use mobile 1 and change the oil every 5k miles. I just replaced the spark plugs about 5k miles ago. I thought that might have been the problem, but it only helped a little. I just miss the days of being able to punch the throttle at 70 and take off. It still does well, but its like Im losing a little power on the top end, feels like im missing somthing in the 4k to 5k range on the tach.

__________________
1997 E420 Black Opal

"Why do I have to be Mr Pink"?

It couldn't hurt to check the chain stretch but with Mobil 1 their should be very little to none of it. What about your air and fuel filters? I was also told that the rotor's and distributer caps should be changed every 60k.

Also maybe you are just getting used to the power. Maybe if you time and average a few 0-60 runs you will get a better idea of where you are.

__________________
1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

first off i dont think a 5.0 swap would be as much of a problem as people are saying. I know the LH module would have to be swapped, but other than that it should be pretty much straight forward as u already have the 4.2 in there. The only thing different with those two engines is displacement (I think..... Maybe some headwork?) Not sure what your stand on the government thing is, but I know 30 bucks to an emmissions inspector should do the job.

__________________
1993 400e
Charlotte

90free400e Quote "Not sure what your stand on the government thing is, but I know 30 bucks to an emmissions inspector should do the job." I was thinking the exact same thing, but it only costs me 10 bucks!!

damn man 10 bucks is pretty damn cheap lol im guttin my cats this weekend.

__________________
1993 400e
Charlotte

I dont think they even check for emissions here.

__________________
1997 E420 Black Opal

"Why do I have to be Mr Pink"?

Hell, they don't do inspections at all here in SC and you would not believe the number of junkers running around that look like they are about to fall apart. There are alot more stops for unsafe vehicles here than most places though.

__________________
89 190E
2.6L
Arctic white
Grey leather
Sunroof
Pirelli P400 rubber
Smoked corners

What is the best way to accomplish that?

__________________
~Jamie
_________________
2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

Thats what I thought too. I didnt think that it would be that big of a deal. I was looking at a 5.0 from a 96 sl500, with only 43,xxx miles. Does any one know exactly what it would take to do this swap???

__________________
1997 E420 Black Opal

"Why do I have to be Mr Pink"?

Does what kind of oil I use really have any bearing on the timing chain??? And someone correct me if Im wrong but I dont think that I have a cap and rotor on my car.

__________________
1997 E420 Black Opal

"Why do I have to be Mr Pink"?

a bad MAF. Have you ever replaced it before? Even if you don't have a CEL on. Try cleaning it with some carb cleaner.