I crossed in mid June 2009 from Iran to Turkey. It's a busy crossing. Nothing too complicated but it takes time. Lots of "fixers" on the Iranian side that will want to help you. Don't think it is needed. Depending on how long you stay they will probably try to get you the required Iranian license plates. A map is here:
Maku to Van | On The Road
Layout of the border is here:
Bazargan Border post between Turkey and Iran
The advantage of this crossing is that you have a chance to see the Ishak Pascha Palace near Dogubayazit and Qareh Kalisa near Maku, if your are into that sort of thing. Maku, on the Iranian side, is surprisingly pleasant for a border town.
I crossed into Iran at the much smaller Esendere/Serou crossing, with a lot less hassle and a lot faster. They didn't have the required plates, never mentioned them and on the way out I got asked but nothing happened when I didn't have them. The road from Van to Sero is a nice ride, a few old castles to see. Map is here:
Van to Orumiyeh | On The Road
No x-rays or searches at either crossing. The custom guys just signed the paper.
Your profile lists your nationality as USA. I think that will be your problem. Do you have the visa and have arranged for a guide, which is mandatory for US citizens, on the Iranian side?
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