My daughter is taking my newly-acquired 1986 300SDL to Virginia. Assuming good compression, etc., any chance she would ever need a block heater? I would doubt, but I thought I'd get some opinions. As far as I can tell, 5F is about as low as it would get.

Thanks.

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14 E250 Bluetec 4Matic "Sinclair", Palladium Silver on Black, 154k miles
06 E320 CDI "Rutherford", Black on Tan, 172k mi, Stage 1 tune, tuned TCU
91 300D "Otis", Smoke Silver on Tan, 142k mi, wastegate conversion, ALDA delete

19 Honda CR-V EX 63k mi
Fourteen other MB's owned and sold
1961 Very Tolerant Wife

It's my understanding that the 86/87 SDL already have the block heater installed, but you need to get the connector. I know that the heater itself is in both of mine, but I need the wiring.

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87 300SDL - 215K Miles !!
99 F-350CC Dually PSD - 190K
86 300SDL - 189K
All on B-100

There is no need for a block heater to start the engine.

However, most women won't tolerate the low power during the warmup and will push the vehicle harder than desired.

These folks need to use the block heater on any night that approaches freezing...........

My general opinion is that it's not a vehicle suitable for any young person who has the absolute need to keep up or beat the city traffic. It's a rather poor vehicle for anything but highway use.

Block heater is a convenience and reduces stress on the engine from cold starts.

The block heater should be factory installed, but the (zerostat) cord might not be. Heater is located low and to the rear of the engine block curbside.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

No, if its in good shape it will start just fine.

However said above, its a good idea. If its at all possible I'd encourage its use on below freezing nights.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

My broker has been driving her SDL like a sports car since 1987, and now at 210k miles its no worse for wear.

That engine sees 4k on every shift!

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Did all 87 300d's come with one too? Mine was originally from Florida, so I would assume it didn't..I'll have to take a look under there soon.

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Dan
2005 E320 CDI - 246k
1987 300SDL TD05-16g, Herlevi pump, Elbe manifold, 2.47 LSD - 213k
Past: 1987 300D - 264k

Yes, the block heater was standard.

The cord was a (free) option. When the car was new, a card in the owner's manual entitled the owner to the free installation of a block heater cord, the card expired at 90days. I still have my card, haven't driven it in winter (yet).

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Yes, mine was from CA. Not all came with cords though.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200