1999 AMG C43 55k miles Update:

Just got back from the dealer for an "A" service, Check Engine light diagnosis, and a look at the balancer. I was sweating because I'm 5k out of warranty and did not buy this particular car at this dealer (bought other ones from him though).

Anyway, they said the balancer was wobbly and my MAFS was bad. They warranted the entire balancer job, and the MAFS part, I paid for the A service and the 2 hours for the MAFS and considered myself very, very lucky. The balancer could have easily blown up on me during one of my many 100mph sprints up the highway.

This experience has proven this message board an extremely valuable source of info, and also that not all dealers are bad!! Thanks everyone.