E300D intermittent hesitation/power loss

'98 300 E TD. Engine hesitation occurs intermittently. Can be very frustrating, leading to total loss of power. Happens at any speed and any RPM, but only happens under load. Burns perfectly clean & smooth, but hesitation is a big problem. Comes & goes w/o reason - might hesitate badly for 5 miles or for 1,000. Might happen every drive & repeatedly for 2 or 3 weeks, and then might run perfectly for next 2,000 miles. WTF?! Have checked for codes, good fuel flow, mass air, etc. Is confounding to all mechanics I've brought it to. Only suggestion made is for new central processor/computer for car - avail as remanufactured from Germany - approx. $2,000 repair. ouch. Am putting up w/ it until I learn of less expensive fix. Thanks for any help. -John Boston, MA

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