• Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L V8 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L V8 Engine
  • Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L V8 Engine Default Title

Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L Engine

$84.99
$84.99
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Wake Up Your W210’s M119 V8 with Increased Airflow & Throttle Response

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 owners running the legendary M119 engine family.

The Problem: The M119 V8 is a masterpiece of engineering, but the factory airbox was designed primarily for noise suppression and luxury-focused silence. The stock plastic housing is prone to heat soak and uses restrictive, corrugated ducting that creates massive air turbulence. This effectively chokes the 4.2L quad-cam V8, preventing it from reaching its full volumetric efficiency.

The Solution: We engineered this intake to eliminate the bottlenecks in the M119 air path. By replacing the baffled factory box with T304 mandrel-bent aluminum piping and a high-velocity filter, we provide a more direct, laminar flow path to the throttle body. This results in a sharper engine note and a noticeable reduction in lag when you tip into the throttle.

Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Enhanced Power Band: Improves horsepower and torque by up to 10% by reducing pumping losses and allowing the M119 to breathe freely at higher RPMs.
  • Premium Construction: Built from T304 lightweight aluminum piping which dissipates heat faster than stock plastics and won’t crack or degrade over time.
  • Low Maintenance Performance: Includes a high-flow, washable cotton-media filter that only requires servicing every 50,000 miles, eliminating the need for disposable paper filters.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420
Engine Family M119 V8
Factory Ratings 275 HP & 295 lb-ft Torque
Part Numbers T304-MB-E420-97-CAI

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 4.2L V8 (W210 Chassis)

Interchange Part Numbers:

CAI-E420-1997, M119-V8-INTAKE-97, T304-ALUM-E420

The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. As specialists in European performance, we know that M119 owners value both refinement and power. This kit is a bolt-on solution that requires no permanent modification to your classic W210. Backed by real automotive experts and fast shipping.

Engine Safety Rating
Difficulty 

Fitment

Make

Mercedes Benz

Engine Size
  • 4.2L

Year
  • 1997

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 45-60 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 3/10 - Mechanically simple, but requires extreme patience dealing with 25-year-old German plastics on the W210 chassis.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm Socket & Ratchet (For the battery and factory brackets)
  • 8mm Nut Driver or Flathead Screwdriver (For hose clamps)
  • T20 / T25 Torx Drivers (For the factory MAF sensor housing)
  • Panel Popper / Trim Tool (For releasing stubborn retaining clips without breaking them)
  • Silicone Spray Lubricant (To safely separate baked-on rubber hoses)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
The M119 V8 generates massive under-hood heat, meaning the factory plastics and breather hoses on your W210 are going to be incredibly brittle. The biggest headache on the forums for this specific platform is snapping the PCV/breather lines attached to the intake tube. Do not yank them dry. Spray silicone lube at the connection points and gently twist to break the seal before pulling. Furthermore, the Bosch Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is highly sensitive to shock—drop it, and you’ll be buying a very expensive replacement. Handle it like glass.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Part from your 1997 Mercedes Benz E-Class 4.2L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench. This prevents check engine lights and allows the ECU to reset its fuel trims for the new airflow dynamics.
  2. Unplug the MAF Sensor: Locate the Mass Air Flow sensor inline with the factory intake tube. Gently push down on the retaining tab and pull the harness connector free. Tuck the wiring aside so it doesn’t get snagged.
  3. Loosen the Factory Hose Clamps: Use your 8mm nut driver or flathead screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps securing the factory intake tube to the throttle body and the airbox.
  4. Disconnect the Breather Hoses: Identify the vacuum and breather lines routed into the side of the factory intake piping. Spray silicone lube at the joints, wait a moment, and gently twist and pull to disconnect them. Do not force them or they will crack.
  5. Remove the Factory Airbox: Unclip the factory airbox housing. Depending on your exact sub-model trim, you may need a 10mm socket to remove the retaining bolts holding the lower airbox tray to the chassis. Lift the entire factory intake assembly out of the engine bay.

Phase 2: Installing the Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L Engine

  1. Transfer the Factory MAF Sensor: Take your factory intake assembly to a clean workbench. Use your T20 or T25 Torx driver to remove the screws holding the Bosch MAF sensor inside its housing. Carefully slide the sensor out and install it into the new aftermarket intake tube, reusing the factory hardware or the supplied aftermarket screws. Ensure the airflow directional arrow on the sensor points toward the throttle body.
  2. Install the Heat Shield: Mount the supplied aftermarket heat shield into the engine bay where the factory airbox sat. Secure it down using the provided hardware and your 10mm socket.
  3. Mount the Silicone Couplers: Slide the new silicone couplers onto the throttle body and the intake tube. Slip the new hose clamps over the couplers but leave them loose enough for adjustment.
  4. Position the Intake Tube and Filter: Guide the new Cold Air Intake tube into position, connecting it to the throttle body coupler. Attach the high-flow air filter to the end of the tube sitting inside the heat shield compartment. Tighten all hose clamps firmly using your 8mm nut driver.
  5. Reconnect Lines and Harness: Push the factory breather lines onto the provided nipples on the new intake tube. Finally, plug the factory wiring harness back into the MAF sensor until you hear a definitive click. Reconnect your negative battery terminal.
  6. The 20-Second ECU Relearn Rule: Start the engine, but do not touch the gas pedal for at least 20 seconds. The M119 ECU needs this unbroken idle time to read the new MAF values and adjust the fuel trims to compensate for the increased airflow.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1997 Mercedes Benz E-Class 4.2L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]
Cold Air Intake for Mercedes Benz (1997) E420 4.2L Engine

$84.99