Louis, you need to get the hood open and evaluate all damage resulting from the recent accident. Remove and closely inspect the distributor cap for cracks and deposits on the terminals, clean as required. Also, clean the end of the distributor rotor. Replace both if there are over 60,000 miles on them. Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles. The ignition wires may need replacement too if they are old and cracked.

As you mention, there is no sense doing too much to the car before the insurance adjuster decides if it's totaled, or not. It won't take much damage to total a 1988 300CE.

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Fred Hoelzle