Well after a ton of research on the forum today and reading all of your comments I think I've decided to start with replacing the Throttle body. This seems to be a cheap place to start and could likely be the problem.

Mr.Miata, thank you very much for the offer on your used throttle body. I might just take you up on this offer. I live in Ohio. However, after hours of research and reading through a lot of your old posts and other members, I'm starting to think maybe this maybe this is the perfect opportunity to do my first crossfire mod. The 74mm mercedes throttle body. I guess I figure, if I'm going to be replacing it, I might as well be upgrading it for a little more money? As it appears you aren't very worried about the $25, and you have done this mod yourself, I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me?

It looks like I will be needing the following:

Guide: 74mmTBUpgradeV3 + MERCEDES ENGINE COVER and 74mm THROTTLE BODY MODIFICATION
Throttle Body Unit (1131410125): http://www.ebay.com/itm/03-04-05-06-MERCEDES-E500-THROTTLE-BODY-ASSEMBLY-OEM-1131410125-/291002025378?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c11285a2&vxp=mtrThrottle Body O-Ring (305 997 03 45): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-W202-W203-W204-NEW-GENUINE-Throttle-Housing-O-Ring-305-997-03-45-/151161574603?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2331ee94cb&vxp=mtrMass Air Flow Housing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/98-10-MERCEDES-MASS-AIR-FLOW-SENSOR-METER-MAF-S500-S430-1130940048-0280217810-/300854699060?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item460c566434&vxp=mtr
From what I read, you don't HAVE to replace the MAF when upgrading to the 74mm TB, but it seems everyone recommends it? Also, if I am understanding correctly - I will want to install the new MAF housing but replace the sensor on the new housing with the sensor on my current 68mm MAF housing? Should I purchase the NEW cheapo MAF housing linked above? or should I purchase a used mercedes one such as http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-05-MERCEDES-ML500-ML320-ML430-113-094-00-48-MASS-AIR-FLOW-METER-SENSOR-C46-/151182851096?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2333333c18&vxp=mtr? Do I need a larger MAF elbow? Are there any other parts you would recommend? Also, I saw someone mention a Eurocharged tune after replacing the TB. Is this necessary or just for those who have the tuning device?

Thanks again to all for the information/advice.