190e heater core
 

Well, it looks(actually smells) like my heater core needs to be changed. So I called the dealer and they quoted $1200, although it might come out lower.
1. Is this a reasonable price, how much at an independent?

2. For that much I'll take a couple days off and attack it myself. I looked through the archives, but I was really hoping someone might have done this recently or have pics.

3. Any special tools required and do I really have to remove the steering wheel?

Thanks
Darryl
P.S. Already have the Haynes and the factory CD.

Remove the steering wheel? That's step one . . . you have to pull the entire dashboad and center console out! If you're not claustrophobic, meticulous about labeling wires, vacuum hoses and switches, and have a good manual, it will be a multi-day DIY.

Factory time(flat rate) for heater core on W201 chassis is 8.5 hrs. Heater core part number is 002-835-54-01 & lists for $124. Add antifreeze for $10-12 & tax & you could spend $800-1000.