Well, the jerks came back with a figure of $7500 for a Silver 1995 E420 w/ 108k miles that is perfectly maintained, and in excellent condition.

The battle is on! I've collected comps and am sending them my 3-page service history summary (in 9 point type) to show that they're not replacing a beater. I also make the point that because I have had my evaporator replaced at great expense, any comparable car must have had this repair performed.

What a pain in the ass!