i'm not sure where you're seeing all those german cars broken down... they are quirky, for sure, but hardly unreliable. status symbols? sure, to many; but so is driving a lexus or an acura. the experience of driving that lexus or acura is nothing like driving a bimmer, benz, porsche or audi, either - i've driven them all & owned the majority of them... the germans are equally luxurious as the japanese luxos, but the driving experience is night & day difference. granted, the japanese are getting better at performance; but as a whole, they're just not there yet.
japanese luxos = luxury, smooth ride & excellent straight line performance
german luxos = luxury, responsive/sporty ride, excellent straight line performance & will leave the japanese in the dust on a twisty, curvy road.
different strokes for different folks. my dad loves his lexus GS. i prefer a sportier play. either way, i choose my cars based on MY needs & desires (performance, size, number of doors, color, etc.)- other people's opinions play a very small roll in the decision. BUT, i won't lie - it is nice rolling up to a valet in the cars i drive NOW versus the ones i used to drive.
peace & pot
btw, "beamer" is a bmw motorcycle & "bimmer" is a bmw car - i didn't invent it, it's just what owners of bmw's call them - and no, i am not (currently) a bmw owner! LOL.