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Are there any risks with buying a low k BMW imported from Japan? For example a 2005 320i with only 18,000kms. Humidity issues like Singapore imports?

Japan's climate doesn't have the same issues as Singapore's, so we'd have absolutely no issue with a low mileage car from Japan.
Like a very low mileage car from any country (NZ included), the biggest issue is that very often servicing hasn't been done as religiously as it might have. Things such as brake fluid and coolant changes are often neglected.
However, with a car that's only done 18,000km, you're getting almost new condition and minimal wear & tear, but with six year's depreciation, so a car such as this can be very good value.

Thanks for your reply. Just had another thought with the Tsunami/radiation in Japan. Are car importers allowed to import water damaged cars without informing the customer? and can the musky smell be masked by car grooming fragrances?

All used cars coming into New Zealand go through a rigorous process before they can be registered. Firstly, they are inspected at the wharf for any evidence of damage (including corrosion or flood damage), as well as the MAF biosecurity inspection. Once across the wharf, they undergo an invasive inspection for compliance, which will also find evidence of flood damage etc.
The Japanese watersiders union were quick to act after the tsunami to ensure no vehicles or other products exposed to radiation could enter the wharves in Japan, so radaition checks are done in Japan and cannot enter the wharves if contamination is evident.
In the very early days immediately following the tsunami, some vehicles were found to have flood damage and flagged accordingly. These cars need to be signed off by an engineer if indeed they are able to be registered here at all. A damaged vehicle status stays with the car forever, and is noted on the registration papers - and a dealer is bound by law to notify a buyer if the vehicle was a damaged import.
So, cars caught up in the tsunami cannot enter New Zealand undetected.