Just my $0.02, but whenever fooling around in this area, it's a really good idea to turn the engine crank over slowly TWICE by hand before attempting to start it. You will very likely feel that something is wrong before damaging/bending anything.

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86 560SL
With homebrew first gear start!
85 380SL
Daily Driver Project

http://juliepalooza.8m.com/sl/mercedes.htm