Overview
Greetings from MDSKorea. The BMW IMDS Guideline has been updated to Version 17.
Key Takeaways
1. IMDS Submission Timeline at a Glance
The first step in the BMW IMDS process is meeting the deadlines. Please refer to the following milestones when processing your work.
Initial Submission Deadline: Approval must be completed based on the 'Final MDS' at least 15 months prior to the Start of Production (SOP).
In Case of Delayed Nomination: If the supplier nomination occurs late and the 15-month pre-SOP deadline has already passed, the MDS must be submitted within 1 month from the nomination date.
Recycled Content Input Deadline: Recycled data for materials subject to CO2e evaluation must be entered at least 8 months prior to the SOP.
MDS Update Deadline: If there is a change in material composition, such as a weight deviation exceeding 5% compared to the drawing, an updated MDS must be submitted within 1 month of the change.
'Preliminary MDS' Cannot Be Used: During the initial sampling and IPQ (Integrated Parts Quality) process stages, a 'Preliminary MDS' with unconfirmed material information cannot be used; only an approved 'Final MDS' is acceptable.
2. MDS Structure and Data Entry Rules
When creating an MDS, arbitrary interpretation should be excluded, and the data from the actual BMW Order Form must be used as the reference data.
1) Structural Changes Due to System Updates
Abolition of MDS Linking Function: The previous function of linking between MDSs is no longer supported. Now, an independent MDS must be created individually for each part, and color-variant parts must also have separate MDSs configured for each color.
Version Control Rules: When modifying an already submitted part, creating a new IMDS ID is prohibited if the part number has not changed. You must use the 'New Version' function.
2) Part Information Matching Rules
Part Number: Must be entered as exactly 7 digits, excluding all dashes (-), spaces, dots, or slashes.
Description: Must match the part description on the order form exactly, and cannot include the vehicle designation. Standard parts must specify their standard behind the description.
Drawing Dated: Enter the Alteration Index (AI) from the order form, not a date.
Drawing Change: Enter the 6-digit change number (NAEL). If unknown, enter '000000'.
3. Material Classification and Weight Deviation Standards
1) Material Classification and Plastic Entry Guide
All materials must be correctly classified according to the VDA 231-106 standard.
Metal Materials: Entering the material number according to standard specifications is mandatory. It is recommended to use IMDS Steering Committee materials, the Steel & Iron List, or ILI.
Plastic Materials: Data consisting of 100% base polymer without additive declarations is not accepted; the actual compounding ingredients must be clearly reflected.
2) Maximum Allowed Deviation (%) by Part Weight
The tolerance between the weight on the drawing and the weight entered in the IMDS is applied based on the part's weight (X).
Part Weight (X)
| Maximum Allowed Deviation (%)
|
|---|
X < 1 g | 100 |
1 g ≤ X < 100 g | 10 |
100 g ≤ X < 1 kg | 5 |
1 kg ≤ X < 10 kg | 2 |
10 kg ≤ X < 100 kg | 1 |
X ≥ 100 kg | 0.5 |
Note for Processed Parts: For parts that are machined or lose weight during the process (e.g., Raw parts), you must not arbitrarily increase the allowed deviation value to compensate. They must be created as 'Semi-components'.
4. Eco-friendly Materials (Recycled and Bio-based) Entry Guide
Entering Recycled Content: Based on the DIN EN ISO 14021 standard, enter the average value over the entire delivery period as a mass percentage (%). The difference between the minimum and maximum values must be within 20%.
Material Separation Declaration: Pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled contents must be explicitly separated and stated.
Bio-based Materials: If natural raw materials are included, they must be clearly distinguished into 1st and 2nd levels according to the VDA 231-106 standard.
Note: Even if there is a slight difference between the IMDS input value and the initial contract figure, the recycled ratio promised in the contract must be met during actual mass production.
5. Recipient and Submission Method Information
Change in Submission Function: The existing 'Send' method will no longer be accepted. You must use the 'Propose' function to submit.
BMW Group Company ID: 103 (Commonly applied to BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce)
Supplier Code: Must be entered as an 8-character string without spaces in the format of '6 digits - 2 digits' (including the dash). (DUNS numbers cannot be used)
Supply Chain Management: Even for the same part, if the supply facility or partner company is different, a separate MDS must be submitted individually by applying the supplier code for each facility to prevent approval delays due to data discrepancies.
Conclusion
We kindly ask all persons in charge to familiarize themselves with the BMW guidelines above and refer to them when submitting IMDS data in the future.
MDSKorea will continue to strive to provide useful information. Thank you.
[Glossary]
Term
| Description
|
|---|
IMDS | International Material Data System. Common material data submission system for the automotive industry. |
MDS | Material Data Sheet. Document containing part material information registered in the IMDS. |
SoP | Start of Production. |
ISIR | Initial Sample Inspection Report. |
IPQ | BMW's quality system that manages the ISIR. |
Preliminary MDS | Temporary MDS submitted when material information is incomplete. |
Final MDS | MDS with complete material information that has been approved by BMW. |
Company ID | Automaker's identification number within the IMDS. |
DUNS Number | Unique corporate identification number. Cannot be used for BMW IMDS submissions. |
[References]
Overview
Greetings from MDSKorea. The BMW IMDS Guideline has been updated to Version 17.
Key Takeaways
1. IMDS Submission Timeline at a Glance
The first step in the BMW IMDS process is meeting the deadlines. Please refer to the following milestones when processing your work.
Initial Submission Deadline: Approval must be completed based on the 'Final MDS' at least 15 months prior to the Start of Production (SOP).
In Case of Delayed Nomination: If the supplier nomination occurs late and the 15-month pre-SOP deadline has already passed, the MDS must be submitted within 1 month from the nomination date.
Recycled Content Input Deadline: Recycled data for materials subject to CO2e evaluation must be entered at least 8 months prior to the SOP.
MDS Update Deadline: If there is a change in material composition, such as a weight deviation exceeding 5% compared to the drawing, an updated MDS must be submitted within 1 month of the change.
'Preliminary MDS' Cannot Be Used: During the initial sampling and IPQ (Integrated Parts Quality) process stages, a 'Preliminary MDS' with unconfirmed material information cannot be used; only an approved 'Final MDS' is acceptable.
2. MDS Structure and Data Entry Rules
When creating an MDS, arbitrary interpretation should be excluded, and the data from the actual BMW Order Form must be used as the reference data.
1) Structural Changes Due to System Updates
Abolition of MDS Linking Function: The previous function of linking between MDSs is no longer supported. Now, an independent MDS must be created individually for each part, and color-variant parts must also have separate MDSs configured for each color.
Version Control Rules: When modifying an already submitted part, creating a new IMDS ID is prohibited if the part number has not changed. You must use the 'New Version' function.
2) Part Information Matching Rules
Part Number: Must be entered as exactly 7 digits, excluding all dashes (-), spaces, dots, or slashes.
Description: Must match the part description on the order form exactly, and cannot include the vehicle designation. Standard parts must specify their standard behind the description.
Drawing Dated: Enter the Alteration Index (AI) from the order form, not a date.
Drawing Change: Enter the 6-digit change number (NAEL). If unknown, enter '000000'.
3. Material Classification and Weight Deviation Standards
1) Material Classification and Plastic Entry Guide
All materials must be correctly classified according to the VDA 231-106 standard.
Metal Materials: Entering the material number according to standard specifications is mandatory. It is recommended to use IMDS Steering Committee materials, the Steel & Iron List, or ILI.
Plastic Materials: Data consisting of 100% base polymer without additive declarations is not accepted; the actual compounding ingredients must be clearly reflected.
2) Maximum Allowed Deviation (%) by Part Weight
The tolerance between the weight on the drawing and the weight entered in the IMDS is applied based on the part's weight (X).
X < 1 g
100
1 g ≤ X < 100 g
10
100 g ≤ X < 1 kg
5
1 kg ≤ X < 10 kg
2
10 kg ≤ X < 100 kg
1
X ≥ 100 kg
0.5
Note for Processed Parts: For parts that are machined or lose weight during the process (e.g., Raw parts), you must not arbitrarily increase the allowed deviation value to compensate. They must be created as 'Semi-components'.
4. Eco-friendly Materials (Recycled and Bio-based) Entry Guide
Entering Recycled Content: Based on the DIN EN ISO 14021 standard, enter the average value over the entire delivery period as a mass percentage (%). The difference between the minimum and maximum values must be within 20%.
Material Separation Declaration: Pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled contents must be explicitly separated and stated.
Bio-based Materials: If natural raw materials are included, they must be clearly distinguished into 1st and 2nd levels according to the VDA 231-106 standard.
Note: Even if there is a slight difference between the IMDS input value and the initial contract figure, the recycled ratio promised in the contract must be met during actual mass production.
5. Recipient and Submission Method Information
Change in Submission Function: The existing 'Send' method will no longer be accepted. You must use the 'Propose' function to submit.
BMW Group Company ID: 103 (Commonly applied to BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce)
Supplier Code: Must be entered as an 8-character string without spaces in the format of '6 digits - 2 digits' (including the dash). (DUNS numbers cannot be used)
Supply Chain Management: Even for the same part, if the supply facility or partner company is different, a separate MDS must be submitted individually by applying the supplier code for each facility to prevent approval delays due to data discrepancies.
Conclusion
We kindly ask all persons in charge to familiarize themselves with the BMW guidelines above and refer to them when submitting IMDS data in the future.
MDSKorea will continue to strive to provide useful information. Thank you.
[Glossary]
IMDS
International Material Data System.
Common material data submission system for the automotive industry.
MDS
Material Data Sheet.
Document containing part material information registered in the IMDS.
SoP
Start of Production.
ISIR
Initial Sample Inspection Report.
IPQ
BMW's quality system that manages the ISIR.
Preliminary MDS
Temporary MDS submitted when material information is incomplete.
Final MDS
MDS with complete material information that has been approved by BMW.
Company ID
Automaker's identification number within the IMDS.
DUNS Number
Unique corporate identification number.
Cannot be used for BMW IMDS submissions.
[References]
Guidance on Material Datasheet creation for the BMW Group in IMDS, Version 17.0