Originally Posted by dieseldiehard

The 603 starts much better than my 617 in cold weather. 17 degrees is the coldest I have experienced in my 300TD (617) it was a PITA to get her running!
Where did you find the block heater cord for the 603? my dealer can't find it.
I know it has a metal ring that screws onto the threaded cylinder after the cover is removed (near the block drain valve) and was offered as part of a factory offer to install the block heater (the one that was already installed from the factory!) The coupon is missing from my owner's manual (I doubt they honor them any longer anyhow)
I was planning to drive cross country but not this year, I'd like to have a heater cord when I do travel next winter.