2018 BMW 4 Series 3.0L Petrol · ABF 3

Fuel economy for the 3.0-litre petrol 4 Series typically returns around 35-40 mpg on a mixed cycle, dropping to mid-20s in town driving — realistic annual fuel costs for 9,000 miles would be in the region of £1,800-£2,200. Road tax sits in a higher bracket for a 3.0-litre petrol of this age, likely costing around £300-£320 per year after the standard charge. Insurance is likely to be in group 30-38 depending on the specific variant, pushing premiums towards £700-£1,000 annually for a typical driver.

Routine servicing tends to be more expensive than mainstream marques, with an annual service at a BMW specialist or independent typically costing £250-£400 depending on whether it is a minor or major interval. Tyres and brake components are premium-priced, so factor in the cost of the front brake disc replacement that was likely carried out following the October 2024 failure. Overall estimated annual running costs land in the £3,200-£3,800 range.

Begin with a thorough inspection of the suspension, as the fractured nearside rear coil spring recorded in October 2024 is the most mechanically significant item in the history. Visually check for any sagging at the rear, and bounce each corner to detect worn shock absorbers — shock absorber issues are the second most common MOT failure reason for this model according to the aggregate data. Also examine the rear tyres closely for uneven wear patterns, as the previous failure noted wear on both rear edges, which can indicate alignment or suspension geometry problems not fully resolved by the spring replacement.

Inspect the front brake discs in person rather than relying solely on the MOT record — the October 2024 advisory for pitted and scored discs suggests the car may be due for replacement again at this mileage. Check the condition of all four tyres and confirm they are a matching brand and tread depth, as the November 2023 failure showed both front inner tyres with exposed cords, indicating the previous owner may have run tyres until they became dangerous. Finally, inspect the alloy wheels for kerb damage and confirm the tyre pressure monitoring system is functioning, given that tyre-related issues are the top MOT failure category across the 4 Series model range.