The introduction of the R129 in 1990 was the beginning of the so called high tech MB. What you are seeing now with your S500 much of that technolgy was first introduced in the 1990 R129 chassis. This is a very complex car and if you are worried about having it serviced by the local guy I would suggest that you cosult with him first. This is a very nice body style and I think that if you take the time to be very choosy about
picking one out you will love the car. My opinoin is that the 500 is the way to go.