no to German engineering!
What is wrong with German engineering?
Your sample size of 1 is incomplete in the extreme.
I've had 4 BMWs in my life, 4 VWs, 2 Opels and a Mercedes. None of them have had any stupid engineering issues other than those I've introduced through modification or poor maintenance.
The Japanese cars I've had have had more weird engineering issues actually.
That 2012 320D motor is rock solid, the gearbox is more than likely rock solid as well (not much experience with that specific box)