I am not sure why you're worshiping German brands, when clearly consumer ratings are on my side. The ratings I shared are from Europe, so if German cars are so bad in Europe, just think about how bad they will be in local harsh climate.
I bought custom built Audi A4 with a price tag of 6.7 million back in 2009 when base model was 5 million, and you're saying that I can't afford maintenance? After just 5,000 km the fuel pump failed which Audi declined to replace under warranty. Only Hi-Octane was used from DHA and Cantt PSO pumps. After 10,000 km, the electric rear blind started malfunctioning, so at 12,000 km I sold it for a loss of 1.2 million. This was brand new Audi, the other 2 Merc E class were bought used, so I will not comment on them.
Here is the picture in my garage:
Here is Merc E Class: (Bought it when it was 4 years old)