2005 BMW 118 2.0L Petrol · GL05 XJZ
2005 BMW 118 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 01 Jul 2005. Recorded mileage 117,290 miles. MOT valid until 13 Mar 2027. Taxed until 01 May 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- BMW 118
- Year / Origin
- 2005 · Maidstone
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 13 Mar 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 May 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 117,290 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 2.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Available on IAGC
Archived Record
Registration no longer recorded by DVLA. This usually means the vehicle is now using a private plate.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
GL05 XJZ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 16/02/2026
- 117,290 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
GL05 XJZ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2005 BMW 118 (GL05 XJZ) between February 2023 and February 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 16 February 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Lighting (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 12 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (5.2.3 (e))”.
GL05 XJZ Mileage History
- 13/02/2023106,614 mi
- 13/03/2024109,538 mi+2,924 mi
- 14/03/2025109,749 mi+211 mi
- 16/02/2026117,290 mi+7,541 mi
- 16/02/2026117,290 mi
Average of roughly 3,548 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with extreme caution due to pers
When inspecting this vehicle, you should prioritise a professional assessment of the rear sub-frame. Although current records describe the corrosion as 'not seriously weakened', this is a common failure point for older BMWs and can be expensive to rectify if it progresses. Ensure you have a clear understanding of the extent of the rust before committing to a purchase.
Furthermore, the history of oil leaks across multiple years suggests a potential seal or gasket issue that may worsen over time. Factor in the cost of a comprehensive mechanical inspection, and ensure that any price negotiation accounts for the likely need for future repairs to the suspension and engine components.
As a 1995cc petrol model from 2005, this vehicle falls into a higher tax bracket compared to modern, more efficient engines. You should expect average fuel economy, which may be impacted by the age of the engine and the recorded oil leak issues.
Insurance costs for a 20-year-old BMW can be variable, so obtain quotes before purchase. Maintenance will be your primary expense; given the age and the recurring MOT advisories, you should budget for regular intervention to manage the corrosion and potential engine oil consumption.
Focus your inspection on the underside of the car. Use a torch to examine the rear sub-frame for signs of flaking metal or deep rust, as this has been flagged consistently in the MOT records. Check the engine bay and the ground underneath the vehicle for fresh oil drips, confirming the source of the leak noted in recent tests.
Check all tyres for even wear, as the vehicle has previously failed for tread depth and has a history of tyre-related advisories. Additionally, inspect the exhaust system for signs of blue smoke, which was noted in 2024; this can indicate internal engine wear or oil burning, which is a significant concern for a high-mileage petrol engine.
This 2005 BMW 118 has covered 117,290 miles, which is slightly above the expected average for its age. The MOT history reveals consistent issues, including recurring oil leaks and ongoing rear sub-frame corrosion that has been noted in every test since 2023. While it passed its most recent inspection in February 2026, the presence of these advisory items indicates potential long-term maintenance liabilities.
The BMW 1 Series (E87) is known for suspension and electrical issues as it ages, and this specific vehicle's history of sub-frame corrosion aligns with common age-related wear for this model.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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