mercedes assembled in the usa vs mercedes assembled in germany, mexico

From whole fleet of MB that my family went via in last 3 decades, the most reliable was USA-assembled 1998 ML320.
13 years/130k miles in the family generated total about $300 parts who needed to be replaced (beside normal wearables).
Hard to beat this record, but than we bought that truck new and beside couple of oil changes I let dealer do during warranty period, no mechanic was allowed to open the hood.
Other sedans were bought used, so they always had need for TLC, but past models we drove never required more than $100 in annual new parts.
It took 2014 model where stupid Nox sensor cost over $500 not only becouse of high price, but becouse of SCN coding.

I don't think final assemble matters in quality. Over the years MB was using different suppliers and even W212 AMG have Czech-made alu rims that crack like crazy.
So each MY had some substandard parts.
W124 had poor electronics (CC and tachometer)
W210 poor window regulators
W211 poor grommets and hose clips.
W212 poor mentioned wheels and wood trim
The list is definitely bigger, but those are the "famous" parts.
I have never, ever heard about MB having quality problems like other brands, where bolts were simply not tighten up.