Have you looked at the AFM plate to see if it is centered properly and in spec? Also have you made sure that the intake boot between the AFM and Throttle body does not have any cracks or leaks. A test is to have someone slightly push the AFM plate down while cranking and seeing if it starts! That puffing sound you hear and slightly feel is most likely the Idle Air Control Valve opening and closing. It will cause short bursts of sound and maybe some air as well. And it is inline with the vent on the valve cover! I am willing to bet your issue is a crank sensor or something like a massive air leak! Check the crank sensor, it is fairly simple to test. Must be above 600 or 700 Ohms if I recall correctly. No crank signal will normally cause no spark though and you seem to be getting spark and fuel at least. If the AFM has an air leak and the plate does not get sucked down a hair during cranking it will not supply enough fuel to start the cold engine and hold it running. Some on the 190Rev forums have had this problem. Myself I just replaced my intake boot due to cracking on Monday and the car starts and runs so much smoother now than before.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....