There is a quite a bit of issues with the B6 A4, but you are right, German cars will always cost more to keep. The pay off is that, most German cars are more enjoyable cars.
At the same time, According to the most recent long term reliability report, German cars are the most improve as far as reliability is concerned. I must agree though, Lexus did not improve because its already at the top :) Reliability is a concern of mine, but it has the same priority as, styling, interior, built quality, handling, accelaration, noise level and ride comfort.