I was trying to find out if my car has a block heater installed, if so where is the plug in located? If I don't have one where can I get one?

 

If you do there is usually a three prong plug in the grille, if you have one in the block you might need to get the cord from MB, if not installing one requires you to take outa freeze plug. Most diesels had one factory installed, or a freebe from the dealer during warranty.

 

Is it literally in the grill? I don't see anything.

 

the '91350SD i had that ended up wrecked had a block heater, and the cord was secured to the grill with a zip tie. The '93 that I just bought doesn't have one that i can see. How necessary is it if it's not factory installed? I only live in Louisville, and it really doesn't get -that- cold here.

 

It aids the engine during start-ups in cold weather. The car functions just as well without it. Unfortunately in Maryland it can get pretty cold. I'd like to have one just in case.

 

I used to take my 300TD to northern Wisconsin, and never used it. Of course there are colder parts of the country.
As previously indicated the element could be there but the cord might not have been installed. The dealers were installing them during the first 12 months free see if you have it. The MB kit had a cord, some tie wraps, a heat shield, and instructions to properly route it. The cord plugs into the element, and is terminated in a three prong plug with a rubber cover. You might look under the license plate brkt.