I'm going to take all of your info to a new independent local MB mechanic.
I really appreciate the help, and I will definitely follow up with the diagnosis, repair, and how the old benz is running (always nice to have those at the end of the posts!) !

FWIW, I did have two other codes that appeared once last week, and haven't returned.
PO4032
PO4022
They are "inefficiencies" of the Left & Right Catalytic Converters. Car hasn't stumbled in awhile.... and it definitely is more severe/problematic after a long run or such when the engine is NICE & WARM!
Thx again