2017 BMW 116 1.5L Diesel · AO17 VKB

The vehicle’s roadworthiness record demonstrates a concerning trend of repeated failures over the past two years, with the most recent test in January 2026 passing but masking significant underlying issues. The October 2025 failure alone highlighted four critical failings: excessive exhaust emissions, near-limit tyre wear on three wheels (including exposed cords on the offside front), and a leaking front shock absorber. While the 2024 tests were mostly clean, the headlamp aim failure suggests inconsistent maintenance, and the 2023 pass offers no recent context for wear patterns. The vehicle has not undergone a full clean slate of defects since August 2023, indicating either deferred repairs or a pattern of neglect. The recorded mileage of 122,111 miles over nine years—averaging around 13,600 miles annually—is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the frequent failures. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (just 1,810 miles in 12 months) is notable, yet the vehicle still failed in October 2025 despite passing in January 2026. This suggests either rapid wear or inconsistent servicing, as high mileage accelerates degradation in suspension components, brakes, and tyres. The lack of intermediate MOTs or service records further obscures whether critical items like brakes or suspension were addressed between tests. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension, particularly the front shocks and bushes, given the 2025 oil leakage and the vehicle’s age. The exposed cords on the offside front tyre and near-limit tread on three wheels demand verification of recent tyre replacements—failing twice on tread suggests basic upkeep was skipped. The exhaust emissions failure in 2025 warrants checking for catalytic converter efficiency or fuel system issues, while the headlamp aim flaw implies potential alignment drift in steering or suspension. Structural integrity should also be assessed, as the high mileage increases the risk of corrosion in wheel arches, subframes, or suspension mounts, even if not yet visible.