Larry: with the W203, can the advanced DIY'er still do some troubleshooting and diagnostic work ?

While I doubt I would purchase a NEW Mercedes, I can forsee myself purchasing a used one (probably W211 E500 wagon). However, being a slave to the dealer or shelling out $2500K for a good scanner just to do some diagnostics/troubleshooting doesn't sit well with me.

:-) neil
1988 E36T AMG
1993 500E