Need help picking a car...

I currently own a 1988 420sel with 170k miles and it's starting to give me some problems and I'm worried there is no end in sight. Safety is also an issue with me and I am looking for a car with modern safety systems. After looking around a lot, I keep coming back to the 1999 cl500.

I have read all of the threads here about these cars, and the seem rather trouble free save for the air conditioning woes common to many mercedes. Does anybody have any insight on whether this would be a good purchase if I'm looking for a car to give me reliable and safe transportation for next 5-10 years? Are there any other problems common in this car that aren't a problem with the other w140 models?

I will be purchasing an aftermarket warranty for this car as well. Does somebody have any recommendations for me?

Thanks for your time

Peter
1988 420sel