Well, it's gotten a little easier to start. I called my mechanic today and he suggested changing the temp sensor. That's one part I don't mind throwing at the problem as I know it doesn't always switch on my aux fan while stuck in traffic so the engine gets hotter than I'm comfortable with. Fortunately the autozone here can get for me. I hate dealing with them, but I have not seen mercedes one here at fort knox, so my parts options are somewhat limited.
He also suggested that I check the fuel pressure. without my service cds I'm kind of operating blind. I did not notice anyting major with the fuel accumulator. I did notice oil on the lower edges of the hoses coming off the valve covers. the one that ends just near the ICV and the one that goes into the bottom of the air cleaner on the passenger side. I think that may be the cause of my white smoke. now i just need to figure out what is causing that too. One thing I did find while checking the ICV... the vacuum hose to it's left rear was brittle. I broke off one of the nipples while pulling the ICV. I had to macguiver it back together using a coffee stir straw and some epoxy. hopefully that will hold until I can order a new one. In fact I might as well replace them all.
The spark plug order seemed a little odd. the firing order is listed on the valve cover but I'm not sure which piston is which, so I am trying to find a diagram online without much success.
Again thanks for all the help. I'll keep plugging away at it, and updating my progress online. Hopefully I'll solve it and the thread can help someone else down the road.