You wrote: My new to me '97 E420 is running a little rough on moving from rest or slowing to rest, seems to have no problem on the highway.

I suspect that it is running rough on the Highway, but since it is perhaps just one cylinder out of 8, that the rough running is not noticable.

I suggest the following (which is the least expensive to most expensive):

1. Change plugs (only use Bosch)
2. Change plug wires & boots (only use Bosch)
3. Change spark plug coil (only OEM)
4. Change MAF

I recently had the same problem on my 1998 C230, and corrected the problem using the above list starting with 4 going to 1 (learning curve). The actual fix was with number 2. However, in 6 years this is just about the only maintenance (besides oil changes) that has been done. The skill level to complete the list above is minimal and tools required very minimal. Good luck!

2. Ok, I'm going to change out the 8 spark plug connectors along with new spark plugs to star as they are usually suspect.

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