Import from Japan?

[funkymonkey9876]

Sooo.. I noticed on the register that there are quite a few cars go to Japan.
Assuming they come from the same factory and would be right hand drive. Would there be a big difference in the specification as opposed to UK models and what would be the implications of importing one?

[Bob]

I don’t think there is much of an issue with importing cars back from Japan. I think the usual issues are the media systems don’t always work and cars often ‘lose’ history coming over here. It’s not like the old days when they didn’t have fog lights and stuff like that.

If you import yourself and buy a car with good paperwork history it could be a good option to get a car that is a rarity over here.

[PhillV8S]

Most Japanese Alpina are LHD as it is seen as more prestigious to have a foreign car. There are RHD of course but less common.

[Norrie]

Only from a Warranty perspective, if indeed the car owner required it. Japanese imports not accepted as part of BMW Assured Warranty system.

[Trilly-Uk]

Sooo.. I noticed on the register that there are quite a few cars go to Japan.
Assuming they come from the same factory and would be right hand drive. Would there be a big difference in the specification as opposed to UK models and what would be the implications of importing one?

8 weeks ago picked up my E61 550i 2006, Japanese import. It’s in amazing condition and looks a year old in and out. Hardly any corrosion of any description, even underside bolts still a bit shiny.

I brought from a specialised dealer who only deals in imports and handled the registration/ tax / certification. Also made it UK spec, it’s RHD by the way. There are a few Japan specifics , rear view mirror incorporates a toll reader card and bespoke Japan navi in the rear. As dealer popped on UK number plate holder an coded car for miles to all intents and purposes it’s a UK car now.

The car tax is interesting. As an import the emissions don’t apply and it’s simply classed in the old way as a “PLG” vehicle which means I pay £275 for my 4.8V8 and is classed as ULEZ compliant

I know I have been a bit lucky with this to find one in exceptional condition but generally, depending on the region European built cars fair well in Japan.

I found “Dave”, a guy in Thailand who checks the auction ticket, sales price, service history and ownership and whether any record of accident damage. It’s basic but backed up dealer claims so felt comfortable. My car came with 12 months comprehensive AA warranty. Insurance wasn’t an issue with Admiral. I declared it was an import but as European built and European spec it made no difference to the premium.

That’s a long way of answering your question but I now look from time to time at Japanese auctions to see what’s on offer.

Chatting to the dealer who sold me the 550 there are no private car sales in Japan, all sales go through a dealer. Cars have to have a thorough inspection every 2 years and he reckon for my car that would be £2k each time. I think it increases as the car gets older and of course it pretty much should be problem free to pass.

If I was to buy an Alpina I would prefer to work with someone trusted to source and knows the ins and outs. Would I get another Japanese import, I think you know the answer, yes I would!

[Swizzer2020]

Some great info here guys.

Which Alpina models did the Japanese market get which we in the UK didn’t?

[Bob]

Mostly they got the same models, but there are usually higher volumes than the UK and they still had RHD.

These are the actual, unique to Japan models: https://www.alpina-archive.com/?cat=514 ... tors-japan

[JASV8S]

Strangely enough I have just been speaking to my son today, who has lived in Japan for the last 18 years about cars and changing his current car. I visit often and I have looked at two Alpinas in dealerships in Japan and both were LHD, which is a popular choice for people buying upmarket European cars there. Although there are private sales most people use dealerships. The Shaken which needs done every two years covers far more than our MOT and a lot of people get the vehicle serviced at the same time, as my son does. I think this could be one of the reasons that service histories are incomplete as the Shaken can be done outside the dealer network and not always following dealer service schedules. Some people save up the odd repairs, scrapes etc to all get done at the same time. The cost or avoidance of a Shaken can lead people to change their car or purchase new and can render a car unsaleable outside of a trade-in, which gives the auctions plenty of stock. My son thinks some of his Japanese friends and colleagues see their cars as consumables with a pre-determined lifespan.

The B5, which I think was an S in Alpina Blue, I went to see was in a BMW dealership in a prime spot on the lot facing the road. They could not get it started, didn't really know anything about Alpina or the what the car really was despite one of their salesman speaking some english and my son's Japanese being quite good. They wanted me to come back once they had a technician look at it. I felt with bit of effort there was a bargain to be had but I do not think my missus would have been so enamoured as she could not understand why I was looking at cars whilst on holiday!!!

[funkymonkey9876]

Having an albeit, brief look around there seem to be a few companies offering a delivery type service.

I do wonder if the VAT and duty would make the exercise a bit cost prohibitive though?

“Dave” Sounds like a man in the know...