Is a P0100 a common fault on a MY99 E300?

I've got a P0100, and think it's probably the MAF. Is there an easy test sequence to diagnose? I've looked at my CD, those diagnostics seem confusing. I'm temped to just replace it, since my research (and local parts store) seem to conclude they fail. (but they don't stock one)

And.... Is there a reason that the Merc MAF includes the round cylinder. It just seems odd. The electronics part of the maf more or less looks just like a Porsche Boxster one. (except my Merc MAF doesn't have a resistor, could the car have swallowed the resistor?) I think we need a little trial and error to try to find a cheaper solution, than a $300 dealer part. The local parts store is less. Mail order is almost reasonable. A friend of mine who works at Mack says, just drive it. But I can't do that. To me a CEL more or less means park it till you can fix it.

Mass Air Flow Sensor alternative

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I'll see if I can buy that part.

I did stop by a dealership in person and asked. They just said the $300 part. Now I wonder if the A6110940048 is available. I'll confirm it.

I can get it for $107.35 at my dealership but it has to be ordered

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

"While the OEM Bosch is the best (and correct) part for your engine, we've found that this part, originally designed for a European Mercedes CDI engine, behaves a lot like the stock Bosch unit. Back when the OEM cost north of $300, this Pierburg was a great deal. Some customers still prefer it today, though the OEM MAF is now around the same price."

This was on a site selling VW parts.

So... is this A6110940048 a normal US distributed part?

Is "your price", your internal dealercost?

Could I expect to walk into a Mercedes dealership and walk out with this part?

Please stop the innuendo that you're an expert on this part unless you've installed, bought, or sold one to someone and know that it actually worked.

I never said I was an expert in anything. However, that was a post that Sokoloff made. I called my local Mercedes dealership and gave them the part number and that is the cost they told me and said it was advailable. I was just trying to help but if you think that I am trying to insinuate anything, that is your perogative. Go buy that $300 part if you want an assurance that it will work. Have a nice day.

__________________
01 Ford Excursion Powerstroke
99 E300 Turbodiesel
91 Vette with 383 motor
05 Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI
06 Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Red
03 SeaDoo GTX SC Yellow
04 Tailgator 21 ft Toy Hauler
11 Harley Davidson 883 SuperLow

I read this brief thread, not much room for innuendo. Why would anyone want to respond to your posts?
Paul
1998 E300