M119 5.0l v8

[flango]

Hi all would welcome an opinion on the above engine any known issues, gearbox compatibility problems etc. Thinking of maybe straying into V8 territory but don't want to be buying a money pit. I'm well aware of the high fuel consumption and thats not a problem, what I am more interested in is mechanical reliability and asscociated electronics reliability.

Also the car this is in is a W140 S500 which I have been offered very cheap (almost too cheap which always makes me nervous) so if anyone has comments or advice on the W140 S500 that too would be most welcome. Having now had the CLK 2 years I think its time to add to the fleet

Many thanks
Ian

 

[Roger Jones]

In terms of reliability and maintenance/repair costs, from what I've read I would have more confidence in the M119 per se than in the W140 as a whole car (not that it has a bad reputation, but there's a lot to go wrong and it costs £££ when things do fail). The M119 seems to have a reputation as one of the best engines ever produced by MB and, in researching extensively for an R129, I have seen precious few reports of problems. It's reckoned by many to be just as good as its M113 successor, if a little less economical and torquey.

 

[BlackC55]

The 119 engine is execllent. Very robust and very relaible. Get one without Dizzy caps.

 

[lynall]

Whats the pipe or fitting called in the rocker gear thats breaks causing a lower oil pressure?



Lynall

 

[flango]

The 119 engine is execllent. Very robust and very relaible. Get one without Dizzy caps.

Not sure if it has dizzys or not as not had a chance to have a look at it yet, is it a problem if it has or any idea when it changed on that engine, car I have been offered I think is 1997 or 1998 will find out more this evening.

Any other things I should be aware of on a W140 in your opinion.

Thanks for the advice and help it is appreciated.

regards
Ian

 

[flango]

Going to look tomorrow any advice on running V8's most welcome

 

[Will]

Hi Ian,

I'm not certain of the dates affected, but don't some of the 140's have the dreaded wiring loom problems?

As everyone has said, mechanically M119s appear quite bulletproof - but the W140 is a very complex car that cost £££££s new, so I wouldn't expect to be able to run one on a shoestring ten years down the line.

Hence that's why so many 140s have approached 'banger' territory. No idea what your one is up for, but I've seen a fair few late 90s 500s for less than £2k, some quite a bit less.

If you buy one with outstanding faults, it could cost you thousands to put it right. I'd at least make sure that I was buying a sound example in the first place, normally the cheapest examples won't be. You want to avoid one with faulty air con, electrical faults, mechanical wear etc. Loads of them sound as though they have noisy diffs/drivetrain as I see them on the road?

They rust a bit on the arches etc too don't they?

Taking all the above on board, if you're still comfortable it could be a great car for the cash. One hell of a thick slice of MB for your money

Will

 

[flango]

This one has full MBSH and 98,000 miles I'm told paint is perfect and everything electrical works the only reason the guy wants rid is has a S600 coming.

Will take a look and report back, thanks for all the input