re: " I use American made light bulbs in my Vanagon.  Should
I use German ones?"

As a matter of fact, yes.  There are lots of folks like me
that will settle for nothing less, which is what everything
else is.  German bulbs (usually Osram) last longer.  If you
really get into American bulbs and look in a catalog, you'll
find there is a "heavy duty" version of most common bulbs.
This is not the version usually in stock.

This, of course, is "enthusiasm."  Same sort of thinking
that leads to "use only Mahle or Mann filters (I do), "use
only Bosch plugs" (I do), "use synthetic oil" (I do), "use
only German-made tools (Hazet or Stahlwille) to work on your
Vanagon" (just a little). Last time I put new tires on my
Vanagon, I first went to the BMW dealer and got the
German-made valve stems with the chrome caps--they were in
stock because they're enthusiasts too.  Where I haven't gone
yet:  Ate brake fluid.  Lubro Moly or Motul motor and gear
oil.

In the next message I'll rationalize how my collection of
vehicles is practical.