i bought a used '88 300e that had no block heater in it; i live in eastern ontario in Kingston, naturally winter is a factor here...its rarely bitterly cold, snow storms being more the problem but it can bite, espeically at 5am when i drive to work. The car was locally driven and runs very well (winter driven - no rust!) begging the question of whther the car really needs a block heater. the manual says to get one....

is it 1) necessary and 2) if so, easy to install?

thank you