Importing my Focus ST, Needs European Parts

[ARPP3]

Hi,

Sorry for the English post in the German forum. I feel like, Google translate won't do this justice. Also, I hope this is the correct sub-category.

I've got my car with TUEV, and they have given me a list of modifications required for registration, and I need some parts. I was wondering if anyone here has experience with compatibility between the north American Focus ST and the European Focus ST.

Mine is a Tuxedo Black, bone-stock Focus ST. I brought it with me since my work paid for all shipping when I relocated, and selling it on short notice wasn't a good option. No matter the cost, I think it's worthwhile. I had some cars I flipped in Canada and so I saved up knowing these conversions would likely have to happen!

The VIN is 1FADP3L92FL303402. It's a 2.0L Turbocharged motor. Apparently, it's a little bit stubbier than the European Focus ST.

TUEV has said that, I need new headlights, and tow-hooks (front and back), as well as fog lights. So I guess I need a new front bumper for the fog lights, unless I don't? This is why I am asking here I don't mind drilling a hole into the back bumper for a rear tow-hook either. I've phoned up a Ford dealership, they were concerned about fit/compatibility of the parts since they have no experience with this conversion. They said they would have to buy the parts blindly and test fit hoping it works. And that it's too expensive and they weren't comfortable doing that. Has anyone done a conversion here? I think if I knew FOR SURE these parts would fit, then a local shop would be comfortable doing the bumper/headlight swap. But bringing it 60km to a specialist just to have them install a bumper and headlights seems excessive.... Since I can't drive it or get a temporary registration, I would have to have it towed this distance.

If you need more info or want pictures let me know! If you want to get in touch directly, my email is [email protected].

Thank you,
David

 

[Oposum]

There ist at least one (german speaking) guy "Mabes" in this forum, who's got a USA imported Focus ST with TÜV: Modernisierung USA Import - maybe you can reach out to him and ask him about additional modifications needed to get TÜV. But be aware, that the forum is kinda dead these days if he isn't responding ...

I think you're right about the front bumber for the fog lights. I guess buying new headlights shouldn't be an issue though. Are you sure, the crossbar is having a proper hole for the towing hook in the front?
And as far as I know the german estate version is not having a rear tow-hook - at least it's not useable / accessible easily bc it's behind the rear bumper. This is also true for the german RS-version - so I don't know why the TÜV is having a problem with that.
In addtion, does the US focus ST have a REAR fog light? This is also mandatory I think.

EDIT: just had a call with a friend of mine, who is working for TÜV Süd - he told me front fog lights are not mandatory. You CAN have 2 front fog lights, but it's no requirement: §52 (1) "Außer mit den in § 50 vorgeschriebenen Scheinwerfern zur Beleuchtung der Fahrbahn _dürfen_ mehrspurige Kraftfahrzeuge mit 2 Nebelscheinwerfern für weißes oder hellgelbes Licht ausgerüstet sein" (§ 52 StVZO Zusätzliche Scheinwerfer und Leuchten Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung)
Front head lights are needed for the missing parking light though - but those can be easily purchased (at least if you're having the non-Xenon version).

 

[ARPP3]

Hey! Thanks for the fast response!

Since german isn't my first language, it's very possible I misinterpreted the technician from TUEV (they speak German only) and, maybe the front fog lights aren't the issue. It could just be the rear fog light. Here's the required changes they requested:



But it's very interesting to hear that there might be a tow hook spot behind the bumper. This is probably not something they considered if it was just a visual inspection. I can definitely research this a bit more. As for the front, a tow-strap would look cool for sure, though I am not sure if it's allowed or meets the requirements.

I reached out to Mabes, I hope they see my message But this has been very helpful.

My biggest concern throughout all of this is, being told that the car needs to go to a "specialist" who converts american cars, just for them to install an OEM headlight that anyone could purchase. And I feel like, many shops can punch the vin, remove a window tint, and wire up a fog light.

Also, I am very unfamiliar with how TUEV operates and if they allow refurbished headlights. Or "OEE" headlights. Does everything have to be OEM to get their approval? Or is it only required to be a European non-UK headlight? I've heard that TUEV only approves certain parts, how can I know if it's something they have approved?

The car has been sitting in the TUEV parking lot for a few weeks now, and I can't move it without towing it. So if I can avoid towing it further than it has to, I will be happy!

Thank you,

 

[mc.shorty]

Abschleppeinrichtung hinten?
Hat unser Focus ST sowas überhaupt?
Kann mich da an etwas erinnern das Leute ein Loch bohren mussten für diese Abschleppfahnen.

 

[Invincible]

The rear tow hook really should not be necessary, as the european version doesn't have one (accessible) either.
You will need the rear fog light however (bright red light). And it has to be indicated on the dash when it is engaged.
For the headlights, it only says that you need an ECE approved unit. So you can go for OEM, OEM refurbished or even aftermarket, as long as it is ECE-approved (like the Osram Xenarc headlight units for example).

For the front fog lights, the report only states that the light sources are invalid. Afaik the ST models never came without fog lights, so yours should have them too. Only change the bulbs for the ones per EU Ford spec and you should be golden.

Front tow hook... well this is a different story. If you car is pre-facelift, you will need the EU spec bumper, which has a small cap for the tow hook-thread. On the facelift models, you'll only need a new EU-spec grille.
And of course, have the counter-clockwise thread tapped behind it. I'd highly recommend having the thread rust-protected after completion.

 

[ARPP3]

The Osram Xenarc headlights do look cool and are priced really well, a pair for €800 on Amazon! I don't think they will fit. I think they are for the pre-2015 Focus ST. But it's good to know that there's no strict OEM requirement. I will obviously check with TUEV before ordering a part.

The 2015 Focus ST has a body-line between the fender and hood which the headlight continues, and it ends in the front bumper. But the 2014 Focus ST has a bend in the headlight, with the hood wrapping around it. So spotting the difference is not too hard. Doesn't mean the facelift lights in Germany will fit. Is there any way to know for sure, that a 2015 Mk3.5 euro headlight will be compatible with an american spec 2015 ST? It's my biggest concern...

I am also not too concerned about the tow hook having a proper cover on the bumper. If it's ugly, it's ugly. I hope they can figure out a way to get it street legal. I can take the time to get a proper bumper later.

As for the fog light, how is it on the euro-spec focus? Is it a separate bulb in the tail light?

 

[Invincible]

Doesn't mean the facelift lights in Germany will fit. Is there any way to know for sure, that a 2015 Mk3.5 euro headlight will be compatible with an american spec 2015 ST? It's my biggest concern...

Mk3.5 EU headlights will fit a Mk3.5 US-Model. I only mentioned the Osram, as I didn't know if your ST is a Mk3 or Mk3.5.

Is it a separate bulb in the tail light?

Yes it is. It's a P21W bulb.

 

[ARPP3]

I guess in north america, the high-intensity fog lights on the rear are the issue. But this makes me wonder why some of these differences exist. Why no tow hooks in America? Seems universally, helpful to have. I guess just cost-savings.

I'll never understand why headlights are held to different standards around the world, especially between LHD countries.

The frustrating thing is that, TUEV has approved my car technically, pending these modifications but these legal requirements are infuriating.

I wish my car wasn't stuck in a TUEV parking lot, I'd be able to get a better look at things

I've attached some photos of the car.. Ugh, this is a stressful procedure. This is why I left the mustang in Canada lol that thing would NEVER fly in Germany

 

[ARPP3]

So I have great news

I ordered these lights: Scheinwerfer passend für Ford Focus MK3 Facelift 15-18 schwarz Swf14slgxby Tagfahrlicht dynamischer Led Blinker Laufblinker : Amazon.de: Auto & Motorrad
They should fit. If they don't, amazon has a nice return policy. If they do but TUEV won't approve it, at least I know that OEM lights will fit for sure.

It says in the description, that they are plug & play, and 100% approved by the German road traffic licensing regulations with the E-mark.

I ordered this european headlight switch: 2015 FORD FOCUS ST HEADLIGHT SWITCH HEADLAMP FE1T-13A024-EA | eBay
I know it's from the UK but, I think it's identical to a left-hand-drive car. I've read about someone with a Focus RS installing a european switch and, it showed the indicator on the dash when he pressed it.

I will have to out-source the tow-hook installation but, I hope that I can tackle the lights. Unless I am allowed to use tow-straps, which typically just bolt on through a hole. In which case, I could mount this without needing a special reverse-thread tap. Are tow-straps allowed by TUEV? as a proper alternative to a tow hook? I will be there tomorrow to ask directly but I am curious if anyone here knows,

 

[Oposum]

Thanks for the list of deficiencies from the TÜV:
- 3.2b "Scheibenfolie" - just remove the foil. I am not sure which foil is meant. Foils to darken the windows is only allowed for the rear and backseat window(s) in Germany (technical report is needed).
- 4.5.4a "Nebelschlussleuchte" (rear fog light): actually I am not sure if the rear fog light is integrated into the rear lights, or part of the reflector on the rear bumper (need to check out on mine, but I believe "Invincible" is right about that). Maybe buy one german rear light (left / driver side) and replace it [0].
- 4.1.4a: headlights, I'd recommond to buy some (left and right) on ebay kleinanzeigen e.g. [1] and [2] (double check this is the european version on your own!)
- 4.5.1a: fog light "lamps": they are complaining about the wrong lamps - did you change them to LEDs? Just swap them to some standard H8 (55 Watts) light bulb
- D6.1.6a: just change your grill (see video [3]; parts [4] which is missing the extra cover for the tow hook, see the notch on the left corner) to a european one (not the whole front bumper!). Buy cover for the tow-hook (e.g. [5]). Make sure there is a hole in your crossbar.
- D6.1.6a (rear): tell them the german Focus ST/RS has no accessible rear tow-hook (as pointed out in the other comments already).
- 0.2a: the FIN needs to be engraved front right. 0.2a means missing or can not be located. Don't know which is the right location, they are expecting.

[0]: https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...kleuchte-ruecklicht-links/1995071384-223-2573
[1]: https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...nwerfer-links-f1eb13w030a/2109094497-223-4557
[2]: https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s...licht-scheinwerfer-rechts/2109094326-223-4557
[3]:
[4]: https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/ford-focus-st-grill-front-2015/2058924729-223-8582
[5]: Abschlepphakenabdeckung für Vordere StoßStange 1880230 Leichter, Verschleiß K3S9 | eBay

 

[ARPP3]

Oh, WOW, this is incredibly helpful. I didn't even know about this other ebay website. Is it only germany that has it?

I've made an offer for the headlights + grille. I will check the housing on my tail lights to see if they have space for a fog light bulb. If I can get the grille, I will order the cap. There's no rush for it, I don't believe the cap is required for the registration.

I'll keep you posted!
Thanks!

 

[Oposum]

You're welcome. As far as I know "Ebay Kleinanzeigen" is a Germany exclusive thing - can be compared to craigslist in the US.
Yes, I think the cap/cover for the tow-hole is not needed for TÜV/registration. Would you please answer the question on the front fog lights (LEDs?) and the foil please ?

 

[ARPP3]

The foil is some window tint. It was originally installed back in Canada. This can be removed easily.

The lamps might be LEDs, but I never changed them. Maybe the previous owner did. I am the second owner.

I will remove the tint tomorrow afternoon. First thing to be crossed off the list.

I wonder if there is a loophole regarding the rear tow hook. Maybe it can be added but, without a hole drilled in the bumper cover. Similar to the new STs.

 

[STGeorge]

I might be wrong but regarding the rear fog lights I´m pretty sure both sides lamps are fully prepared, just put a bulb into one side or even both. Only thing is you might need to get a cable to the lamp connector. I did both sides in my previous car which didn´t have the cable to the lamp connector. That´s why I made my own from an original second left and clamped a cable to the other side, just needed to find out which cable connects to the fog light. I will try to find out in the electric drawings when I´m home.
If you need some drawings let me know (or check out https://www.focusst.org/threads/foc...-full-incl-wiring-diagrams.15289/#post-272212), might be helpful for other things also.

 

[ARPP3]

Wow, that would be helpful, thank you! Yes, I would like to do most of this work myself to help with cost. Importing a vehicle can quickly get expensive.

I spoke with TUEV today, and asked a few simple questions:
1) does it need a rear tow hook? I explained that newer models don't have access to a tow-hook, and so asked if this can be waived as a requirement. They will reach out to ford and inquire about this. It might be that I can attach a bracket and just, not cut a hole into the bumper cover.
2) Can a tow strap be used? Answer is no Has to be a tow hook. Bummer because, I think the strap looks cool and it would have been a simpler install.

I have lights from amazon arriving Monday. They aren't OEM, but they are direct replacement for European models. So if they fit and TUEV has issues with the lights, I will return them and I can install OEM lights knowing they will fit perfectly. I will check the car to see if I have locations for the bulbs to go. The switch I ordered will arrive next week as well.

https://www.adfcustoms.com/shop/2012-2016-ford-focus-st-tow-hook-receiver-kithttps://eurosporttuning.com/rennline-universal-screw-in-tow-hook-receiver/
I've seen these and, they are the simplest parts to fabricate. And they bolt on, instead of changing or welding to the bumper. So I have found a local shop to see if they can fabricate a part like this for me to install. I checked with TUEV and they said it could be fine, it just needs a place to screw in a tow hook that can take the weight of the car.

I will continue keep you all posted

 

[[email protected]]

Hello,

I'll try to help in terms of headlights and rear fog lights as well as towing hooks.

It has been written several times that the Focus ST/RS does not have a rear tow hook. That also seems to agree. I'll check my RS again myself because I thought there was a cover for it at the back. So you can cross that item off the list.

Your headlights are the biggest problem. Because in Germany, a xenon headlight cleaning system is mandatory for the Focus MK3.5. The US vehicles do not have these. Here, however, it is not enough simply to install an EU headlight. Since the high beam OR the light side regulation did not work because the headlights were assigned different pins. A quick conversion to halogen is also not easily possible because in Germany you need a functioning headlight range control (automatic for xenon, manual for halogen) Xenon works via a light control unit and halogen does not. You also have to do some programming so that the car doesn't make any mistakes. In our area there was a Focus RS at the car dealer from the USA that was missing the rear fog light in the diffuser because I had seen that they had simply put an LED strip in the taillights, which had probably served its purpose at the TÜV.

 

[ARPP3]

damn.. I was not expecting to hear that.. Do you know which dealer it was at? Maybe I could phone them to ask about some of the work they did to convert the RS.

I have headlights arriving tomorrow or Tuesday, and so I can test it for fit, and hope the pinout is the same.

 

[[email protected]]

If I were you, I would convert the xenon headlights to European standards. You get the active cornering light that was ONLY available in Europe

 

[STGeorge]

There are xenon-look-like standard headlights available. They don´t need a cleaning system. While for sure not cheap they still would be cheaper than original xenons (if bought new) with all the other stuff.

https://www.ebay.de/itm/203196412426?hash=item2f4f73320a:g:B6AAAOSw2tFgcYu8
But you still would need to "downgrade", at least a different connector I think. I´m not sure about the range adjustment system, is it needed with standard lights?

 

[[email protected]]

I was just talking to a friend. He says xenon headlights have a different connector than halogen headlights