Well I found the solution to my problem with the help of my trusted mechanic and for future reference: it was the MAF (Mass Airflow sensor).
I always had fate in the abilities of my mechanic, he suggested on Friday that the solution would be to change the sensor, but I wanted to poke around the engine over the weekend and maybe learn something in the process.
This morning he lent me a used one, drove it over the day and the car is a dream. Will install a rebuilt one tomorrow.


Alex