Removed and replaced the ETA today: took most of the day since I really didn't know how-to-do-it!
Attached a picture of the 'beast': it's some kind of assembly!
First, must remove the MAF and 'rubber' double-tiered gasket that holds MAF and connects to ETA. After that the hardest part is to get the ETA out from in between the intake manifold ports.
The most difficult part was the small spring that serves as a tensioner to the linkage. It attaches (someplace) on the intake manifold and provides tension on the linkage: the #!(#%^% spring fell off and it literally took about an hour to get it back.
Before removing the ETA, the codes were read: picked up one new code in the EA/CC/ISC; code 3
ETA actuator [M16/1] faulty.
One key point:
with the OLD ETA, I could NOT reset the codes in the EA/CC/ISC or ASR: ie, after using an AST scanner to reset the codes and recycle ignition key, the codes would immediately re-appear without starting the car. According to one of my MB manuals, that indicates that the ETA is bad.
After replacing with the new ETA, all codes were reset and would stay reset. Started the car and it ran fine. Will check for the next few days.
I will take it apart in the next few days and see what 'goodies' are in there???