I am new to the Mercedes Benz scene. I just purchased a two owner 2002 S430 for my wife. I have owned Lexus (ES, LS), MGB, Jaguar XJ, and a slew of less mentionable vehicles. I have a local independent garage who is a former factory service technician (I am in Alabama near the M class factory) and so I am not as intimidated by some of the MB idiosyncracies that I once was. So far I am pleased with the vehicle, even with 150k on the clock.