2004 BMW 645 4.4L Petrol · S16 ACX

The vehicle remains in a state of marginal roadworthiness with a maintenance history that suggests reactive rather than proactive care. While the most recent test in August 2025 at 186,739 miles passed, it revealed persistent issues including an oil leak, a minor exhaust leak, and a restricted view through the windscreen. This follows a period of significant instability in late 2024, where the car failed multiple tests for critical safety defects such as structural tyre failure and fluid leaks. The trend indicates a vehicle that is only attended to when faults reach a point of failure. The mileage pattern is relatively consistent for a 22-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 8,500 miles per year. However, there is a concerning four-year gap between the May 2020 test at 108,087 miles and the September 2024 test at 111,098 miles. During this interval, the car covered only 3,000 miles, which often correlates with long periods of standing and the degradation of rubber components, seals, and fluids. The subsequent accumulation of over 75,000 miles in the last two months represents a sharp increase in usage that has likely placed sudden stress on the aging mechanical components. A buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the suspension and braking systems. The 2020 record flagged both nearside and offside front suspension arms as likely to fail, while 2024 tests highlighted imbalanced brakes and poor parking brake efficiency. The braking system shows a recurring history of worn, pitted discs and thin pads, suggesting the calipers may be sticking or requiring frequent adjustment. Additionally, the recurring oil leaks and emissions failures indicate underlying engine or exhaust issues that require a professional diagnostic check to ensure they do not escalate into catastrophic mechanical failure.