It's really interesting Choc, clichees at the beginning are so true !!
i went in Köln and Bonn, i can't say i really enjoyed it ... i'm sorry, maybe the wrong places ... and the wrong persons
But about the car, it's true ! and that's why i wanted a german car, i wanted to be sure of the control (TÜV), here in France, the Technical control/checking is the minimum and it's obliged (compulsory is maybe the word ?) but I don't think it's so well made and respected compared to Germany, anyway my car was like new when i bought it. Cars from Germany are very wanted here because of this !! and i can tell you ... i wouldn't buy a car from someone in Italy And the germans are good drivers too.