I was told by a MB person that the block heater used 100w and that I should leave it plugged in all night during our chilly nights we've had recently [0° F]. Recently another mechanic said that it consumes 750w [!!!] and I should just plug it in for an hour before starting.

Which is correct?
1983 300D-T

Also, were these placed by the factory??

thanks
Gregory Acampora
Middletown, Connecticut

The correct number is 400w. this was a topic of discussion not long ago on another thread. there are as many opinions on the correct way to use the heater as there are people. I use a timer because I'm cheap.

------------------
Mark B

81 300D

I have looked at them and they are the 400w versions now. You can buy a timer for outside lights to turn it on at 3 or 4am.


------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Two 400's makes the answer for me.
I have a remote switching set up in the house and I'll use it 1 or 2 hours before take-off.

thanks, as always

Greg

In my own experince, I can tell you that 400W seems to be correct. However, you might need to plug it in for more than two to three hours. My car requires at least six hours if the temperature is in the single digits. It's possible that my heater is not working correctly.

------------------