I've heard conflicting things about the 97 E420's engine. I've heard they are bullet proof and I've heard that they have problems with their heads cracking and throwing rods, like mine did. I have also noticed that the 96 and 98 engines are different which is unusual because Mercedes usually runs their things for around 5 years and also they changed the engine but not the body design? So I was just wanting to see what some other people have heard.

What exactely is your engine number?
Do you have the 4.2L M119.975 in there?
I know that the E430 has the 3valve technology, but I am not too familiar with any significant variations of the 4.2L.
If you have the 4.2l engine that was introduced in 92 for the W124 400E/E420 and the W140 420SEL, it's a good engine that usually won't go bad unless it has taken some significant abuse, like overheating( cracked heads or even block etc) or has been run low on oil for some time ( no compression on a number of cylinders worn out rod bearings etc), as I have been told. This is a very powerfull engine and mistreating it can cause it to go bad quickly. A MBZ tech told me that they can achieve around the same mileage as the earlier M103's. The best I have seen so far on a 92 400E/E420 is 250K, running strong.

F.J.

__________________
F.J.
81 300 SD grey/palomino 168K miles
84 190E 2.3 black/grey 64K miles (wrecked)
85 190E 2.3 maroon/palomino 92K miles
88 300E desert red/palomino 204k miles
(made to look like a '94-95)
92 400E desert taupe/creme beige 120K miles
(converted to 94-95 E420 looks)

This engine is a four valve engine completely different from the later and earlier models I have found out do to that I and in the process of purchasing another one at this point in time since I have a rod sticking threw my block. I don't know the engine # were would I find it. I'll hopefully have it pulled by Mon. but my schedule is rather busy and I don't know if I'll have a great deal of time this weekend or not. This a one owner car with only 62836 miles, not abused heck hardly even driven and is well maintained.

That's the first M119 motor I've heard of blowing up! Is it outside warranty period? Where did you find a replacement? And have you considered dropping in a 5 litre motor? It's the same on the outside, and I think may share most of the same electronics (i.e. fuel injection)

Sorry to hear of your troubles

Good luck!

__________________
"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

The easiest way to find out the engine number is to look it up on the data sheet in your service/ maintenance booklet. Its the very last page. Kinda blueish and in German/English.
All important info can be found on that sheet.
Otherwise you'll have to look on the block itself and I don know where exactley the engine number would be stamped into there.
Isn't your car still under warranty? Even if not, perhaps the dealer will do a goodwill-repair. Doesn't cost to find out.
Sorry to hear you go through all that trouble.
F.J.

__________________
F.J.
81 300 SD grey/palomino 168K miles
84 190E 2.3 black/grey 64K miles (wrecked)
85 190E 2.3 maroon/palomino 92K miles
88 300E desert red/palomino 204k miles
(made to look like a '94-95)
92 400E desert taupe/creme beige 120K miles
(converted to 94-95 E420 looks)