2001 E430 starting

[steve dale]

Gentlemen, I am requesting your assistance with a situation that has arisen with my 2001 E430.
We have trouble stariting in the mornings and after lengthy periods of rest.
It takes multiple attempts until it turns over, the battery is not wearing down, nor does it appear to be the starter, it continues to crank well, just not turn over immediately.
After the second or third attempt in catches and runs, but will sputter for a bit.
Just recently it sputtered and surged at a stop.
Other then these symptoms, it has been running well.
I did have the codes read when the CEL came on and the reading was a air mass sensor, but we had just replaced the unit within the last 6 months.
I am wondering if this is a fuel pump relay switch or some other control unit.
Your expertise is respected and requested to help me remedy this problem.
Thank you for your assistance.
Steve Dale
2001 E430 125,000
1996 C280 212,000