2017 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · AF67 WMJ

The most recent MOT inspection on 9 July 2026 resulted in a pass, though it follows a failure on the same date due to several advisory items. While the vehicle has maintained a consistent passing record since 2021, the recent appearance of multiple advisories indicates a shift from a clean maintenance history to a period of increasing wear. The trend suggests that the vehicle is entering a phase where component degradation is becoming more evident, specifically regarding the suspension and braking systems, moving away from the fault-free results seen in 2023, 2024, and 2025. With a recorded mileage of 53,784 over approximately nine years, this BMW has averaged roughly 5,976 miles per year. This is significantly lower than the UK national average, suggesting the vehicle has been used primarily for short journeys or has spent considerable periods stationary. While low mileage generally implies less mechanical wear on the engine and drivetrain, it can present specific risks such as fluid degradation, battery health issues, and the perishing of rubber components. The low annual usage profile often correlates with the type of wear seen in the recent MOT, where components like suspension bushes and brake discs show signs of age-related deterioration rather than high-mileage exhaustion. The recent advisories regarding the nearside and offside front suspension arm pins and bushes require immediate attention during a test drive. You should listen for any dull knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when navigating uneven road surfaces or turning the steering wheel at low speeds, as worn bushes can lead to imprecise steering and altered wheel alignment. Furthermore, the advisories for worn brake discs on both the front and rear axles indicate that the braking surfaces are approaching the end of their service life. During your inspection, check for any brake shudder or pulsation through the pedal when decelerating from higher speeds, which can indicate warped discs, and listen for any grinding or squealing sounds that might suggest thin friction material or uneven pad wear. Given the low mileage and the potential for the vehicle to have been parked for extended periods, you must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the consumables. Examine the tyre sidewalls for any signs of perishing, cracking, or dry rot, which can occur even if the tread depth remains high. Check the underside of the vehicle for any surface corrosion or signs of binding calipers, which can happen when a car is not driven frequently enough to clear brake dust and prevent rust buildup. It is also advisable to verify the service history to ensure that oil, coolant, and brake fluid changes have been performed on a calendar basis rather than strictly by mileage, as time-based degradation is a significant factor for low-usage vehicles of this age.