The proper philosophical outlook on this, is that by buying a German car, you are getting a reliable Italian car. Car enthusists will understand this. Others will likely be puzzled.
Not I. When I was in the Army at Ft. Bliss, TX in the 70's, I would moonlight as a mechanic at one of the the few sports car shops in town. Mostly MG's and Jags, but the occasional Ferrari or Maserati on a foolish road trip from L.A. to somewhere in Texas. No Merc's. Made me appreciate Chevy's until the '80's.