block heater look at this ,it may help.
 

ebay ,Item number: 260205241345

I've bought an installed two of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZeroStart-Lower-Radiator-Hose-Engine-Heater-1-1-2-NEW_W0QQitemZ1401995630

kerry, your link does not work.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&viewitem=&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch.ebay.com%3A80%2Fsearch%2Fsearch.dll%3Fquery% 3D260205241345%26MfcISAPICommand%3DGetResult%26ht%3D1%26ebaytag1%3Debayreg%26srchdesc%3Dn%26maxRecor dsReturned%3D300%26maxRecordsPerPage%3D50%26SortProperty%3DMetaEndSort%26fvi%3D1&item=260205241345
I like the way this looks, no massive bolts to unscrew, but not sure if this will work in a 617. this looks like a block heater for a chevy 350... or any car with a 1.5" freeze plug on the side...

Slightly unrelated (but not really..?).. but..

Do block heaters go bad? I haven't used mine since I bought this 83 300D, and it's getting downright cold lately. I'm tempted to plug in the block heater at work (We have truck bays with outlets) so that she starts up for the ride home, but I'm a little nervous, since I have yet to "test" the thing.

Whats the worst that will happen if it's bad, aside from electrocuting the bejezzus out of me?

If the heating element burns out, the heater doesn't provide any heat. I've never heard of a dead short to the block.......but, if it happened, the current draw would trip the breaker in the 115V supply.

If the heater works, you'll hear a very subtle "fizzing" sound if you get down close to the heater.

Maybe this link will work:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ZeroStart-Lower-Radiator-Hose-Engine-Heater-1-1-2-NEW_W0QQitemZ140199563032QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item140199563032

Thanks kerry!
now, if only I am the only bidder on it, I will be happy!

That seller has them on there all the time. I think the last one had a buy it now option at less than $20. Keep an eye on their Ebay store.

wonder if we have 38.1mm casting holes in our benz's??