I've just sold my 190e 2.6 and regret it already. Nimble in traffic and zippy with that largish engine in the small body.

If a ball joint has just failed then make sure your mechanic checks out the rest of the joints in the front driveline - tie rod ends and steering damper.

As posted above, make sure your vacuum lines are in good condition (rubber ends also). Non resisitive plugs, distributor and rotor and leads plus fuel filters, (rear and front) are good replacement items that after done should see many miles before they need doing again.