Tuning in Germany

This article is dated as shown. Laws, fees and prices have changed since then. Check the figures before you rely on them.

For example: a sports exhaust, a tow bar or an additional engine heater. All of this can be supplied. But how do you make sure you stay within what is permitted? Especially considering how vast the market for extras is. So which changes or conversions are allowed? Road safety and environmental protection set the limits. All rules on modifying a vehicle are laid down in §19 of the road traffic licensing regulations (StVZO). Anyone who ignores them may be throwing money away.

A few tips from the experts

Converting a vehicle from one type into another. For example: from an estate into a small lorry. Any changes to the engine or the exhaust system that could alter the exhaust emissions released into the atmosphere. It is not that this is banned outright, but the permitted limit must not be exceeded. It is also not allowed to fit brakes, steering or tyres that are not intended for your car or motorcycle.

Before fitting a part, check its approval for the specific vehicle and the conditions of use. Whether a technical inspection and a change to the registration details are required depends on the type of modification. You cannot assume that every change is processed the same way or is permitted simply because a marking is present.

E1: this mark is the most recognisable approval symbol today. It can be used by all certification bodies in the EU. The number after the letter E indicates the country for which the part was manufactured. In our example it is Germany (1).

The approval marking must be read together with the part's documents and its conditions of use. It does not permit fitting anything to any vehicle.

KBA (Kraftfahrt Bundesamt) is another mark of conformity with the standards of the EU countries.

A certified approval document is the part's test certificate. It must list all the applications for which the part may be used. Please note: after fitting the part, the vehicle must be inspected. Be careful, there are certificates issued by bodies without state authorisation to carry out testing.

You have fitted a certified part and had it checked by the experts, but what should you carry with you if the police stop you? You have fitted the part and have the certificate with you, but have not yet had it checked? This certificate is your proof that you acted correctly. The document confirming the inspection of your part. Not every modification has to be entered in the vehicle registration documents; the inspector will help you with this at the technical inspection. A tip: before buying the part you want, consult an expert or a workshop. It will save you money and time.

When should you go to the registration office? Now or later? Is the paperwork over? Not quite. Many technical changes have to be entered in your vehicle registration documents. For example: an increase in engine power or changes to the load-carrying characteristics or the weight of the car or motorcycle.

Before modifying the body or replacing components, find out the requirements for compatibility, approval and paperwork. Whether a change is possible is determined by the specific design and documents, not by a general ban on all tuning.

Look for parts on online platforms or at breakers' yards, but if your budget allows, buy original parts. And you will have more peace of mind on the road!

In this video I am selling a car with a body kit