You know, these do not sound like fatal flaws.

Leakage is fairly common and as the car ages can often be addressed adequately by a fluid change and a new gasket. Here is something to consider, the refiners are now providing what they call high mileage fluids. BAsically the same fluids, but with a bit stronger additive package to keep seals and gaskets soft as they get older. Consider a trans and PS fluid change with something like Valvoline High Mileage Dexron III/Mercon ATF fluid. Good quality stuff that meets the original specs for your trans and PS.

The shifting does sound like adjustment is the issue.

Steering coupler is under the hood, I believe and can be replaced. If there is a rattle under the dash it may be a wire bundle knocking around. Did anyone replace the radio with an aftermarket? Check under the dash...remove the cover panel and see if there is anything loose in there.

You need to remove the steering wheel to pull out the dash. It just sits in the binnacle with a friction fit. Once the wheel is off, no sweat on the lamps...replace them all at the same time.

Lotsa of varying opinions on the coolant issue...MB fluid only or aftermarket?? Methinks there is too much obsession over this. The latest "global" coolants seem fine so long as you do a proper flush and fill. I have used the dreaded green stuff for years with absolutely no problems. I just change it regularly. Others swear that the green stuff is certain death with any system having plastic components. If true, that would seem to suggest using the latest global coolants for newer systems with plastic, and Zerex G05 is available at Checker, etc. Or, do it easy on yourself, go to goofy lube and have them use G05 with their flush machine which simply jumpers into your radiator hoses and gets all the nasty stuff out. Another bit of coolant heresy for you to consider.

Finally, consider another indy shop, and another opinion for anything we suggest or that was suggested by your first shop. Most well-informed mechanics will admit that conscientuous regular preventative maintenance by a knowledgable owner is far more important than using a specific brand of something.

My two-cents,

230/8