1984 BMW 628 2.8L Petrol · A664 ASJ

As a seasoned UK automotive inspector evaluating this 1984 BMW 628, I can confirm that the vehicle successfully passed its most recent MOT test on October 22, 2025, with a modest total of 55,517 recorded miles. The recent test history demonstrates a generally stable maintenance trend, characterized by routine passes interspersed with minor remedial items rather than systemic structural failures. The 2025 test yielded a minor defect for an insecure battery and an advisory noting a slight oil leak from the gearbox sump area, while a previous 2024 test required a brief fail-and-rectify cycle for torn windscreen wiper blades. Reviewing the broader history reveals sporadic structural advisories regarding corrosion on the inner sills and rear wheel arches noted back in 2020, alongside a past parking brake efficiency advisory, indicating that while the car remains roadworthy, its underlying health depends heavily on vigilant preservation of its classic mechanical and bodywork elements. With a recorded mileage of 55,517 miles accrued over approximately forty-two years, this vehicle averages a very low usage rate of roughly 1,322 miles per year. This low mileage profile suggests the classic BMW has spent significant periods in storage or been used strictly as a dry-weather weekend cruiser rather than a daily commuter. While lower mileage often points to preserved interior trim and less mechanical fatigue on core drivetrain components, extended periods of standing can introduce unique preservation challenges. Rubber components, suspension bushes, fluid seals, and brake lines are particularly susceptible to perishing or drying out over decades of sporadic use, meaning calendar-based degradation can sometimes outweigh physical wear from high mileage accumulation. Given the vehicle age and its history of light use, your pre-purchase physical inspection must focus heavily on environmental decay and standing wear rather than high-mileage fatigue. Carefully inspect the tyre sidewalls for fine cracking, perishing, or flat spots, keeping in mind that tyres with plenty of tread depth can still be dangerously old after several years of low-mileage rotation. The minor battery insecurity noted in the latest MOT should be rectified immediately with a correct clamping bracket to prevent terminal shorting or physical movement. Furthermore, the advisory regarding the slight gearbox sump oil leak warrants a ramp inspection to determine if it is merely a weeping gasket or a failing seal, and you should check the service history to confirm whether time-based fluid changes for the transmission, differential, and cooling system have been adhered to independently of the low mileage. On your test drive, pay close attention to the operation of the braking system, referencing the historic advisory concerning parking brake efficiency and the general vulnerability of classic brake calipers to binding after long periods in storage. Listen for any unusual clunks or rattles from the suspension over uneven road surfaces, which would indicate degraded rubber bushes or fatigued coil springs, and inspect the structural areas highlighted in previous MOTs, specifically the inner sills and wheel arches, for any active corrosion breakout. Check that the gearbox engages smoothly without hesitation or slipping, and verify that all electrical ancillaries function correctly, ensuring this grand tourer's mechanical integrity matches its impressive classic aesthetic.