Assistance Needed with IVA Process for Imported BMW X5M (F85

[MelbourneRed]

Hi everyone,

I’m seeking advice on how to proceed with registering my imported BMW X5M (F85) in the UK. The vehicle was manufactured for the Japanese domestic market (JDM), and I’m currently facing some challenges with the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) process.

The Situation:
1. The vehicle does not have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) or a European Type Approval Number, as it was manufactured for use in Japan.
2. I’ve checked for an available model report, but as far as I can tell, none exists for the X5M (F85). The GOV.UK website only lists reports for other makes/models, primarily Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda.
3. The DVSA suggested comparison testing, but I haven’t been able to locate a similar EU-spec BMW X5M for testing purposes.

Vehicle Details:
• Make and Model: BMW X5M (F85)
• VIN: WBSKT620700C95464
• Engine Type: S63B44T2 (4.4L twin-turbocharged)
• Production Year: 2016
• Emission Standard: Verified equivalent to Euro 6 through the Japanese Inspection Organization (JIO CoC).

What I Need Help With:
1. Has anyone here successfully gone through the IVA process with a JDM-imported BMW or similar vehicle?
2. Are there any specialists or resources you’d recommend for obtaining a model report or navigating the IVA process?
3. Are there alternative pathways for compliance or any recommendations for next steps?

I’d greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those with experience in dealing with similar situations.

Thanks in advance for your help!

[danb79]

I've owned numerous Jap import Honda's and then recently x2 Jap import BMWs (x2 E39s) and had zero issues with any of them

However, the importers were the ones that sorted the cars to be legal on the UK roads; can you not ask whoever is importing yours to sort this for you?

[MelbourneRed]

Hi the thing is cars over 10 years old do not need IVA test they can be registered only with MOT and some little changes like speedo,fog light , headlight.
When the vehicle is over 3 years and less than 10 years old IVA is mandatory + MoT and the rest.
With me initial problem was that Spassification and Classification number in the Export Cert were missing because of that i needed to provide CoC from manufacturer again that is Eruopean document and its not available for vehicle manufactured for Japan.
I was able to obtain Cert of Cornformity from Japan Inspection Organization approved by Japan Ministry of Land,Infrastructure,Transport and Tourism it has not been accepted because its from third party provider so yeah i dont know

[hulksta]

Hi,
I have a 2016 Golf GTE which I imported from Japan and registered.
Drop me a DM / email and I can give you some advice on the process.

Cheers