I had a similar problem with the misfire code and it was either plugs or the connector under the coil. I changed both so I don't know which it was. The connector is a common failure point on these. (they all checked fine on my multimeter as far as I could tell). I will assume you did not go to a Mercedes mechanic or they would know this.

I don't think the dash problem is related. You might try searching. I could be wrong however.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra