Couldn't find a mechanic who had the diesel sticker and would do the inspection the same day, so I drove out to Queens. The Great Bear on Queens Blvd did the inspection and tried to nickle and dime the hell out of me. Cracked tail light (tiny crack!), steering idler arm, ball joint, license plate bulb. Got under the car for them to show me, sure enough the ball joint was loose, but the idler was fine. My response was "all Brooklynese" and fortunately the guy kicked me out without making me pay the $10 inspection fail fee, because I'd have crammed the bill where the sun didn't shine.

Saw a Mercedes mechanic a block down the street, Spirit Service. Older Armenian guy -- had him inspect the car and replace the ball joint. He didn't even bat an eye at the taillight lense. He was very straight up and also replaced the boot on the other (still tight) joint that was starting to split. Shop isn't much to look at, but they do good work and are totally reasonably priced as well.