Older Mercs are really good for the shade tree mechanic. I have no clue how or even why you would spend $18K on a 190E. Sounds like somebody's getting screwed. The CIS mass airflow system rarely ever needs replacing. Maybe a new EHA or a position sensor at most. Some mechanics like to just replace everything versus finding the root source of the problem. As for brakes and trans..... That's what comes with buying any older vehicle. I'd like to see a detailed bill. You should have a perfect 190E for that price. If not I'd sue! Now If you said an early 90's S-Class I'd understand...

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Current Stable:
01 ML55 AMG
92 500E (a few mods)
87 300E (lots of mods)
00 Chevy 3500HD Diesel Box Truck
68 18' Donzi Marine
06 GT i-Drive7 1.0 Mountain Bike (with GPS!)

PREVIOUSLY OWNED:83 300SD, 87 420SEL, 88 420SEL, 90 420SEL, 86 560SEL, 86 190E 2.3-16V AMG, 94 E320