I took my 1998 E320 to the repair shop yesterday and got the following list of suggested repairs:

Alignment to fix play in left inner tie rod $345
Replace spark plugs $410
Replace coolant recirculation pump $395
Front wheel bearings have play $430
Rear differential slight leak, reseal $600
Clean washer fluid reservoir $65


Some of these I can do myself or won't have done. Mechanic said only the first ($345) was "essential" right now. The total of the repairs at $2245 is certainly more than the car is worth. I plan to just drive it into the ground and hope to get an additional 5000 or 10000 miles out of it then just scrap it. Currently has 145000.

I'm thinking about going in to a dealer to have a second opinion inspection done so I qualify for roadside assistance as this hunk of junk could completely fail at any time. How much do they normally charge for this? Just want them to examine it and see if they come up with the same suggestions, not do any repairs.