I think they saw me coming...
 

Well, I recently purchased a one owner 1990 300 SE with 60K original miles. The interior is like new. I can't believe it's 20 years old. The exterior is very nice except for the hood, roof and deck lid. They're a bit scratched and fading. So, here comes the fun part. I took it to get checked and to fix some of what is wrong with it and the first problem that needed attention was the harmonic balancer. I took it to an independent shop where the guy was obviously very familiar with the cars. He quoted me a price of $550 including tax for a new Mercedes harmonic balancer installed. I'm certainly not a mechanic, but how long could it have taken him to install it? I imagine between 30 and 60 minutes. It was a clean job because there was no oil leak. The two discs which mak up the balancer assembly became separated and one was just clanging around. I think it was caught early on therefore it didn't cause any other damage. So, did they see me coming?

I would think you could find a balancer, buy the tools, and install it yourself for much cheaper.

Yes, and I'm actually glad he got me the way he did. I've already confirmed that the price was out there. I had about $2,500 worth of work I was going to have him do for me immediately. Now I've ordered the parts online and will do the work myself. It's nothing complicated: exhaust, flex discs and some front end stuff. I need a good manual to help me, but I'll get it done.