I didn't drain the tank. It is the current owner years ago. The car is stock except the wheels. No 'engineered' parts. I have lived in CA for almost a decade now.

I was going to bring a wrench to spin the engine, but figured that may hurt my negotiations. So I chose not to. My initial thought is the starter solenoid, but like you said will be easy to diagnose once it is in my garage. Its possible the engine is seized, but seems like a low likelihood. Hopefully picking it up Friday.

Thanks for the tips. This will be the 5th 617 I've owned. I was the only person that worked on them. Never needed to bring it to a shop. I learned so much from this site starting nearly 2 decades ago.

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2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD