1997 BMW 8404.4L Petrol

The 1997 BMW 840 passed its March 2026 MOT at 132,020 miles, confirming current roadworthiness, but the preceding March 2026 test failed due to excessive exhaust CO and lambda readings and an illegible registration plate, indicating that recent repairs have addressed those specific issues. The maintenance record shows a pattern of recurring brake pipe corrosion and suspension wear that has appeared in tests from 2018 through 2026, so the overall trend is not stable; it has improved after the latest pass but underlying mechanical concerns remain. At 29 years old, the vehicle has logged 132,020 miles, averaging roughly 4,550 miles per year, a figure that is low for its age and suggests long periods of standing. Mileage rose slowly from 129,924 miles in July 2018 to 130,984 miles by July 2024, a gain of only 1,060 miles over six years, then increased to 132,020 miles by March 2026, adding 1,036 miles in the following two years. No major gaps appear in the record, and the recent acceleration in mileage points to renewed use. A buyer should focus on the components that have repeatedly been flagged: inspect the rear and front brake pipes for corrosion, examine the condition of the suspension arm pins, bushes and shock absorbers for oil leakage or diminished damping, and verify that the fuel pipe is free of rust. The recent failure also highlighted exhaust system faults and registration plate non‑compliance, so the exhaust, lambda sensor, headlamp aim and lighting functions merit close checking, as does the brake pedal reserve travel noted in the 2026 failed test.