I'm exploring the engine of my newly purchased '85 300 turbo diesel, and I can't seem to locate the block heater. I find it hard to believe there isn't one. Can anyone advise me?

Thanks,
Quixote

If there is one, right hand side under the intake manifold, front of the starter (I think).

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

Check out this thread.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=76493

I just wired my existing heater up. It had been there for 20 years without ever being used.

-Jim

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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

That thread dealt mostly with the 210 and 124 chassis diesels whci came with the block heater from the factory, AFAIK 100% of them arrived here with one.
The 123 and 126 chassis however with the 617 engines are totally the opposite, I don't think any of them were exported with a block heater.
Installing one in your car might be a tough job, the plugs where the block heater go usually are stuck on very tight, so a lot of torque perhaps with heat on it (be careful!) may be required to make them budge.

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'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!

Oops! Didn't know that...

Ok, how about this option...

http://www.dieselgiant.com/mercedesblockheaterinstall.htm

Diesel Giant even sells the kits for 123's.

http://www.dieselgiant.com/diesel_parts_for_sale.htm#Block%20Heater%20Kit

I know that is not what you are asking for, but you may end up doing this.

Good luck, I hope you find an existing, operable block heater on your car.

-Jim

__________________
1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

Right about that. Passenger side, near the starter motor. Its hard to spot unless you have the air cleaner off (Federal models)
On CA '85 models its easier to see (big filter cannister is relocated up front) but still a PITA to install if there isn't one on the block.
I raised an engine off the motor mounts and the car was riding up on the front shocks as I pushed against the plug. I was using a big hex wrench inside a 4 ft long steel pipe for leverage and the plug never budged. I didn't want to drain the block and take out the blue wrench (flame) so I abandoned the task

__________________
'95 E320 Wagon my favorite road car. '99 E300D wolf in sheeps body, '87 300D Sportline suspension, '79 300TD w/ 617.952 engine at 367,750 and counting!