Same here a few years ago. My lay opinion is the ***** about changing the air filter is to be sure to vaccum out the dust and stuff in the air filter box. If you don't, the dust seems to get past the filter area and mess up the airflow meter. It's expensive and a pain. The meter is very sensitive.

Best,

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Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230