Thanks guys. That was the first thing we changed. Today we put it on a scanner and checked all codes. The MAF did come up. The previous owner had a mechanic that used silicone to seal the valve covers. According to Jim Forgione, this is DEATH on MAF's and O2 sensors. We pulled the MAF and cleaned it with CRC MAF cleaner and reinstalled it. We drove the car and it still bucked under load but no more dieing at a stop sign. We then put it back on the scanner and re-read the codes. All codes had disappeared except some door problems. One of the senior Benz mechanics said that I should drive the car keeping it under 3000RPM for a few days for the "relearning" process. If it DOESN'T sort itself out, a new MAF is in my future (right after I put in a new fuel filter).
I'll keep you posted.
Anziani