Lol that's quite a compliment, I think.
I'm not a mechanic. Draftsperson by trade (AutoCAD is my specialty). Yeah, Mercedes screwed me (by design, lol), because after changing the crankshaft position sensor, you have to hook the car up to their own proprietary computer at the dealer (you can get knock-offs - search "xentry" on ebay). Basically, a simple change of a sensor in this case required me to go to the dealer. So being a DIY'er doesn't always help on this car - IF you can't do the WHOLE job. Then you're at their mercy, because when you ask them to finish the programming, they say they have to do a standard diagnosis, blah blah blah. Told me it was the wiring to the sensor (how do I know if that's the truth?), after they replaced the sensor I had replaced (aftermarket), with an OEM one. If the problem was the wiring, then do you think they put in my sensor back and the OEM part on the shelf? If they did, they'd still charge me for the labour anyway. LOL, it's kind of funny, except for the money spent part. Of course I understand their point of view too. It's a business after all.
I did replace the balljoints this past month (went with OEM's cuz the price wasn't much more), and that went well, so I'm still pleased, lol.
It's been a good car overall. If you can, avoid the earlier years (esp. 2006) due to rust at the bottom of the doors, get a manual transmission, no turbo to make things simpler (more reliable), and no pano roof (although it's not the worst IMHO).
Also, another reminder that because of the engine position in the car, a lot of stuff is not easily accessible.
You didn't say how reliable your VW was, but basically, most German cars are now over-complicated and less reliable than 20 years ago. So you're kind of coming from a familiar place.