I'm curious to hear the experiences of anyone (US military particularly) that has imported their car to Germany. I'd like to bring my ISF over (if an opportunity pans out), but want more info before firmly deciding to do so. How does the inspection process go for a USAREUR registration? Any issues with the polizei and if so what are the causes and consequences?

From my research so far, it seems modded vehicles, and even cars that simply are rare in Germany, can be problematic due to the added attention, but I don't know how much of this can be attributed to the drivers or the car itself.

 

I had a friend of mine who took a Dodge Ram pickup over (older style). They only mandate that there is no rust on the body structure (fenders are ok but rocker panels and frame/unibody rust is a no-go), and that lights, brakes, safety items are in working order. Oh and you need to have your tow hook (that screws in under the tiny screw hole in your bumper), as well as a safety triangle, flares and a spare tire in good condition (if equipped). They will also make you equip a fog light (a red or orange rear-facing light) that stays illuminated at all times in heavy fog. You can buy them that mount to the tie down loops under your bumper and they plug into a pigtail near your tail lights so they can draw power from there, it only costs about $25.

EDIT: these will make you legal, and look way better:
Also, in the EU, your car can't have ANY fluid leaks of any kind, ever. They can (and do) randomly inspect. I was pulled over in Germany in a rental, and it had a small oil leak, but because it was dripping on the ground, they made the rental agency send a new car to me on a tow truck and take that one away (at their cost).

 

Thanks for the reply. I wouldn't expect leaks to be a problem, but I haven't thought about the rear fog light. I guess lighting up those rear reflectors might be something to do before shipping the car.

I'm especially curious about modded cars though. Mine isn't crazy flashy, but I worry it may draw too much unwanted attention. Of course I appreciate the random person complimenting my car, but I don't want the cops questioning it. My car has wheels, coilovers (close to stock ride height), exhaust, headers, intake, and some cosmetic stuff (Toms diffuser, CF splitters, 30% tint). Some of these, exhaust and intake particularly, I wouldn't mind undoing for the sake of saving myself some trouble.

 

I saw all kinds of skylines, porsche's, etc, that were modded out. I wouldn't expect it to be a problem