Sorry to hear about your plight.
$1500 from a dealer is actually a decent price ... I thought list was just above $2k. Nonetheless you can get one online (VDO - same one that the dealer will sell you) for about $1400 or as Doc mentioned, Beckman Technologies can re-wire it for about $700 .. probably your best bet.
Pretty easy DIY install also. If you cut into the harness you'd probably see this nightmare:
Good Luck