Jim, thanks for your answer.
On start up, very low RPMs, feels like it is going to stall. But also feels like there is a load on the engine right away. Very hard pedal response. Crawls from a stop, and shifts are somewhat hard, but after awhile, I can get it up to speed through the gears. The tranny will shift, but I need to lift my foot off the pedal for each shift to catch. Can drive it on the highway at speed, with no missfire, etc. Pretty smooth actually, but if I let off the gas, it takes awhile to get back up to speed. I have no ASR or CEL light on. Like I said, I have had ASR faults on my 94 S500, so I know what that feels like. This feels close, but I am not sure. It has been awhile. I will try a tune up when the parts come in. I almost think it's tranny related, because of what I just had fixed, but why does is run terrible at start up in Park. Is there a tranny limp mode that does not cause the ASR light to come on? Could it be the crank position sensor? That 17 code would not clear, my guy said. I don't want to get into the whole ETA thing, but I thought that usually triggers ASR light, etc. So my fingers are crossed. Car has been pampered and you could eat off the engine. Wiring looks great, and spent its life in upstate NY, so was not subject to heat all year, every year, like in CA or FL MBs.

I have an '02 Mitsu Montero 4 wheel drive that I will drive for the winter. Nice car but harsh ride. I miss my MB, and want my 500 back!!!!!

Thanks for any advice
Eric