Since I don't trust the local stealership shop, I taked to an independent MB/BMW mechanic today who has fixed my car for the last 2 years. He's charging $300 for labor and he thinks total cost could be between $1500 and $2000. The car is running really bad. I guess I don't have any options since I'm sure I can't do this by miself.
I'm taking the car to this shop this week and pray for a good result. I have invested so much money in this car that I can't make a decission about selling it. I feel like I'll loose so much money if I sale it now and the new owner will probably enjoy every $ I have invested. During the last 2 years I have done: wiring harness, new ECU, buterfly valve, 2 coils, radiator, water pump, all cooling system hoses, thermostat, coolant expansion tank + cap, motor mounts, neutral safety switch, oil pressure sender, head gasket, valve cover gaskets (sparks), oil cooler and 4 tires. And now the transmission!! Remember this car has only 50k miles!! This is just unfair....
What else can go wrong now? I think I already made all the expensive fixes and that's why I'm considering keeping the car. What do you think?. I LOVE this car but I can't afford this HUUUGE maintenence cost. This is my first MB and I feel very happy when driving it but very disapointed with all this failures. Do you think I could now expect a "normal" maintenance cost and just enjoy this car for some 100 or 150k miles more? If I sell this MB, I can't buy another MB and will have to buy something cheapper.
Anyway, I'll let you know about the transmission repair when it gets finished.
Thank you all for you interest and recomendations.