2004 BMW 316 1.8L Petrol · AD04 HFA

The 2022‑05‑23 MOT confirms that the 2004 BMW 316 remains road‑legal, having passed with a series of advisories rather than outright failures. Since the 2015 failures the vehicle has passed each annual test, indicating a relatively stable maintenance record, though recurring defects such as rear wheel bearing noise, suspension bush wear and brake disc weakening persist. The most recent test flagged engine noise, an oil leak from the filler cap and a damaged windscreen, showing that the car still requires attention. With 102,728 miles recorded at the 2022 test, the average annual mileage has fallen to roughly 1,200 miles in the last two years, down from an earlier average of 6,500‑7,000 miles per year between 2013 and 2018. The jump from 61,500 miles in April 2013 to 68,969 miles in May 2014 represents a 7,500‑mile increase in one year, after which mileage growth slowed markedly. This pattern suggests periods of standing still interspersed with relatively rapid usage, consistent with a vehicle that has spent considerable time idle. A buyer should therefore prioritize a physical inspection of the rear suspension bushes and rear wheel bearings, which have shown excessive movement and noise in multiple tests, and verify that the rear brake discs are not cracked or excessively worn, given the 2015 and 2017 records of seriously weakened discs. The front suspension ball joints, which displayed excessive play in 2013 and 2015, also merit close examination, as does the parking brake efficiency recorded as below requirement in 2015. Finally, check tyre tread depth, ensure the oil leak source is repaired, and inspect the chassis for corrosion or structural damage, all of which have been flagged in earlier records. Overall, the car’s low recent mileage suggests limited use, but the persistent advisories on suspension, braking and ancillary components indicate that deferred maintenance may have accumulated; a thorough pre‑purchase inspection is essential to confirm that the listed faults have been rectified before committing to purchase.