Introductory publications on German engineering
Would like to establish the context: I am not currently an engineer, nor do I have any educational/occupational engineering credentials. I am, however, infatuated by both the historical context of German engineered solutions and how my BMW can actually diagnose itself using software-based tools.
I figured they have a set of principles and methodologies they follow when designing and building these products and systems, and I'd really like to understand more about this subject. While I myself cannot create products or develop solutions, I'd like to think I am capable of reading some introductory material (hopefully in english) on how the Germans do things. Tried google, only found a short paper that didn't itch my scratch.
Is there any good reading material someone can recommend that can introduce me to the principles of this type of engineering?