2012 BMW 116 2.0L Diesel · A26 KOP

The 2012 BMW 116d currently holds a valid MOT that passed on 26 January 2026 at 100,340 miles, but the maintenance trend over the preceding two years is mixed rather than consistently improving. The most recent test still flagged a deteriorated front exhaust flexi and a minor rear oil leak at the differential, both of which carried over from the failed inspection just seven days earlier. That failure on 19 January 2026 at 100,329 miles was more concerning, recording a fractured or broken offside rear coil spring alongside the same exhaust and oil leak defects, plus headlamp aim faults on both sides. The coil spring was clearly repaired before the pass, yet the flexi and oil leak were only downgraded to advisories rather than fully rectified. This pattern suggests reactive repairs rather than proactive upkeep. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 14-year-old car, averaging roughly 7,167 miles per year. The record shows a jump from 85,582 miles on 11 January 2024 to 93,405 miles by 3 January 2025, adding 7,823 miles in just under twelve months, then a further 6,924 miles in the following twelve months to reach 100,329 miles by 19 January 2026. There are no alarming gaps or sudden drops in recorded mileage, and the annual test dates have been reasonably consistent, so the odometer reading appears credible. The vehicle has not been sitting idle for extended periods. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension, specifically the offside rear coil spring that was fractured in January 2026, and check whether the replacement is a genuine BMW part or a pattern item. Inspect the front exhaust flexi joint for cracking or blowing, as this has appeared as an advisory in three consecutive tests dating back to January 2025, indicating a slow deterioration that may soon require replacement. The rear differential oil leak, while currently assessed as not excessive, should be monitored for worsening, particularly around the pinion seal and axle seals. The headlamp aim faults from the January 2026 failure suggest possible damage to the self-levelling suspension sensor or headlamp levelling motor, so verify that both headlamps sit level and adjust correctly on startup. Finally, examine the front lower suspension arm bushes and anti-roll bar linkage dust covers, which were flagged as excessively worn and perished in the January 2025 failure, to confirm whether these were replaced or simply overlooked.