Well you are in Germany vs the USA. All foreign cars/parts are more expensive here. I've personally never had a good experience with any dealer or mechanic except maybe meineke(however you spell that) and they only do like oil changes and basic stuff which isnt much help. Basically it was like you all said, really expensive for a decent job or only sort of a rip off for a half ***ed job. Then again I find working on my car relaxing and it's more of a hobby than anything. Alot of people just don't have time to spend working on cars so it all works out I guess.