Lived there almost 20 years. I loved driving in Germany, as I’m a bit of a speeder, but not all autobahns are open speeds any longer. They have started controlling the speeds on many of them. And, there are a lot of places where they are constructing new roads, more lanes, changing the old routes to slightly different swaths of the land. But, overall, I enjoyed driving there. I got a few speeding tickets, though!
German drivers (and increasingly the untermenschen in the other countries) are really very good about driving in town, obeying signs, town speed limits, etc. Also be aware that if you get a parking ticket, the cop will be checking your tires, looking for bad rust, dirt heavy enough to obscure your license plate, your insurance ID, etc. You could lose the car! You will definitely lose it and your license for driving under the influence anywhere in the EU.
On the Autobahn and Autostrade, it's a class system. Stay out of the fast lane unless you can afford the big ticket equipment. There are speed limits now, but do stay out of the damn way, Peasant! Be aware, too, that they don't have many fender-benders on these high speed roads. 4-5 car accidents and the meat wagon are more typical of the accidents out there. Germany and Italy are foggy in wintertime, with lots of black ice. Dangerous, baby! On the older roads, the curves are tighter, too.
Some old rules still apply. Try not to drive in France after lunch. Belgium? Those people have no hand-eye coordination at all!
The best cars (and drivers) in the world come from countries that have an Alp.
I lived there for 17 years and loved driving on the autobahn, except for the staus.