It seems that you did your homework, $3000 to $3,500 seems fair to good as far as the price bracket (Southern CA) Have you tried a 96 and up year C class? wiring harness issue as well as headgaskets were addressed. The check engine light will be a problem when the car gets smogged it will fail the visual test you cannot transfer ownership without a smog certificate. I currently own two W202s a 94 C280 & 97 C230. Update!...bought a 95 C220 for the wife Now have 3 W202s