Steve, as always, THANKS very much for your input and insight. I have a Trisco Palm Scanner ver 3.1 that I use with my older model MB, but I'm unable to get adaptions #'s. From what I can tell, I can only reset the error codes for various systems.
I'm really unhappy with our local MB dealership/service department, so it makes me cring at the thought of taking my car to them.
Steve, I must say I have great respect for your advice (I always read your forum posts) no matter what the topic!

Do you think I should "punt" and swollow my pride and take the car to the dealer service dept for help? Or give the fuel filter a try 1st?
I'm a computer engineer by trade, not a mechanic, but I naturally tend to hang on to certain problems way to long and should call in the experts.