2012 BMW X3 2.0L Diesel · VV02 ALS

The 2026‑04‑29 MOT passed the 2012 BMW X3, yet the test sheet recorded offside front play in the steering rack inner joint and a tyre worn close to the legal limit. Repeated steering rack inner joint play appears in every test since 2015, and rear brake pad wear has been noted in 2019 and 2024, indicating a stable but concerning maintenance pattern rather than improvement. The recorded mileage of 126,379 at 14 years equates to roughly 9,000 miles per year, a rate that matches the incremental increases seen between each MOT: 102,857 mi in May 2022 to 109,417 mi in May 2023 (6,560 mi), 115,003 mi in May 2024 (5,586 mi), and 126,379 mi in April 2026 (6,060 mi). No extended periods of stagnation are evident, and the single failure/re‑pass in May 2022 occurred at the same odometer reading, suggesting a prompt re‑test rather than long idle time. A buyer should therefore inspect the steering rack inner joint and track rod ends for excessive play, verify rear brake pad thickness and disc condition, examine tyre wear patterns for edge wear that may indicate alignment or suspension issues, and probe for structural rust behind the under‑floor and under‑engine covers noted in the 2015 test. While the vehicle meets the current roadworthiness criteria, the recurring faults point to deferred maintenance on suspension and braking components, so a thorough pre‑purchase inspection focusing on these areas is essential before final purchase.