2022 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · AX51 JEN

This BMW 118i presents a clean MOT history over its four-year lifespan, with the most recent test on 26 September 2025 at 88,472 miles showing no defects—a consistent pattern across all entries since its first MOT in 2022. There is no evidence of recurring advisories or failures tied to wear items like suspension bushes, brake components, or structural integrity, suggesting the vehicle has either been well-maintained or, more likely, driven lightly enough to avoid triggering major issues. The absence of corrosion-related failures is particularly notable for a BMW, given their susceptibility to underbody and wheel arch rust. That said, the dual MOT entries in September 2023 —one pass, one fail at identical mileage—is an anomaly worth investigating, as it implies either a clerical error or an issue resolved immediately post-test that wasn’t recorded. The mileage accumulation is high for the vehicle’s age, averaging 22,118 miles per year , which is above the UK average for a four-year-old car. This suggests either frequent urban/commuter use or a second-hand history where mileage may not have been reset. The 16,000-mile jump between the 2023 and 2024 tests (from 52,963 to 72,456 miles) is particularly steep, raising questions about whether the car sat unused for a period before being driven aggressively. Without service records, it’s impossible to confirm if oil changes, brake fluid flushes, or suspension checks kept pace with this usage. The lack of defects in the MOTs, however, implies that if maintenance was neglected, it was either minimal or the car’s components have held up better than expected. For a buyer, the priority should be a pre-purchase inspection focusing on high-wear items given the elevated mileage. Check the rear suspension mounts and coil springs for signs of fatigue, as these often fail before MOT thresholds. The brake system —specifically the rear calipers and pads —should be inspected for uneven wear or binding, even though no MOT advisories were logged. Given the 2023 MOT anomaly, verify the ABS and brake fluid condition , as a transient fault could have been resolved without documentation. The exhaust system should be scanned for leaks or corrosion, particularly around the rear section, and the underbody inspected for hidden rust in the wheel arches or sills. Tyre condition is less of a concern given the recent MOT, but wheel alignment may have been affected by the high mileage, so check for uneven tread wear. Finally, the engine bay should be reviewed for fluid leaks, as the absence of MOT advisories doesn’t guarantee proactive maintenance.