2009 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · AD59 NVU

The 2009 BMW 116 presents a largely stable roadworthiness profile punctuated by a significant failure in November 2024 that was subsequently resolved by passing the next MOT examination in November 2025. The vehicle accumulated 130,396 miles across its 17-year lifespan, yielding an average annual wear rate of approximately 7,670 miles which aligns with expected consumption for its age class. While the majority of the MOT history shows clean results, the serious fluid leak in the offside rear shock absorbers recorded on 2024-11-04 represents the primary mechanical concern requiring attention. Since that failure, the car has maintained compliance through two consecutive successful examinations in 2025 and 2024 (the latter having also cleared minor advisory items), indicating that the underlying issue has been addressed. The mileage accumulation of roughly 7,670 miles per year reflects typical usage for a vehicle of this generation and age. The MOT testing schedule reveals a notable gap between the failed test on 2024-11-04 and the subsequent successful exam on 2025-11-05, covering nearly three months—a standard interval that allows sufficient time for repairs to take effect. However, the 2019 record of a nail in a rear tyre suggests potential for continuing tyre degradation over the vehicle's life, and the high cumulative mileage contributes to accelerated wear across the rear suspension bushings, brake components, and drivetrain elements compared with lower-mileage contemporaries. The rear sub-frame corrosion (advisory since 2024-11-05) remains the longest-standing flagged item, potentially compromising structural integrity if left untreated, although current evidence describes it as not seriously weakened. The offside rear shock absorber fluid leak recorded on 2024-11-04 constitutes the principal mechanical failure, and while repaired, continued monitoring for damping irregularities during cornering is prudent. A minor front headlamp lens defect (4.1.1(b)(i)) requires visual confirmation of clarity and alignment. Additionally, the rear tyres have exhibited edge wear on both sides in 2022 and 2023, a pattern that persists despite the absence of recent tyre-related failures. During the test drive, pay close attention to the rear suspension behaviour when navigating bumps; a spongy ride or audible knocking may indicate residual issues with the previously leaking shock absorbers. Visually inspect the rear sub-frame beneath the rear axle for surface rust or pitting around the wheel mounts, as this area was highlighted as corroded in the 2024 advisory. Confirm the front headlamps are undamaged and produce adequate illumination at night. Finally, examine the rear tyres for the characteristic worn-edge pattern seen in prior assessments, checking whether the tread wears preferentially on the outer or inner edge, which would confirm ongoing tyre degradation.