W124E300TD - Sorry to hear about your problems. Although my wiring harness is currently in good condition, I know that it will only be a matter of time before it goes ka-put.
Almost $1,200 sounds like lots of hard earned cash for a harness...can't you find someone to rewire it for less?
I'm sure I read somewhere, either here or over at Benzworld that one of the members is rewiring harnesses and seems to be doing an excellent job.

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1995 E300 Diesel
2002 GMC Duramax CC LB 4X4