Cars are getting a lot more complex now. Even simple systems are getting all kinds of electronics. For example, electronics for water pumps, dynamic ride height adjustment, powered rear view mirrors - what kind of car had one of those 10 years ago? but those are just some of the things in an X5.

I can see how the mechanics at the dealerships have a head start against some independent shop because of how quickly technology in cars are changing. But, I'm sure there are lots of good independent mechanics can figure it out just seeing it once before. You just don't want to be the first guy who's bringing in a new car model that they haven't seen before.

I'd bet 50% of the mechanics shops claims they "specialize in foreign or European cars", but I don't even know if that has any meaning anymore.
It could simply mean that they own some specialty tools so they could work on more cars.

I recently went to a mechanic shop called "Joe's Foreign Car Mechanic". I later found out that the ownership had changed 3-4 years ago, Joe's long gone, but Phil, the new guy, left all the names and signs the same. Phil happens to be pretty competent, but it's totally arbitrary.