Yes, If it was pulled from the front and the gear shift was in R instead of N, it could distroy the engine. Mercedes is still putting rear pumps in their transmissions and can be started by pulling. If it was in reverse, the engine could be turned backward I think.
I am not sure of the above, I just know that most if not all MB transmissions have rear pumps. If I am wrong, someone please chime in and correct me.

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84 500 SEL (307,xxx miles)