2009 BMW 118 2.0L Diesel · C28 LAC

The vehicle remains roadworthy, but the maintenance trend shows a shift from clean inspections to reactive mechanical repairs. While the most recent test in June 2025 at 152,947 miles passed, the tester identified multiple issues regarding the rear braking system and drivetrain. This marks a departure from the clean records seen in 2022 and 2023, indicating that the vehicle is now entering a phase where age-related component failure is requiring consistent attention. At 152,947 miles over 17 years, the car averages approximately 9,000 miles per year, which aligns with typical UK usage for a smaller hatchback. The mileage accumulation is consistent annually, with roughly 7,000 miles covered between the June 2024 and June 2025 tests. However, the failure in June 2022 at 133,729 miles due to insufficient tyre tread depth suggests a period where basic owner-related maintenance of consumables was neglected until a test failure was imminent. A physical inspection must prioritise the rear braking assembly and the drivetrain. The 2025 record noted a binding nearside rear service brake and thin pads, which suggests the caliper may be sticking or the piston is seizing. Furthermore, the severely deteriorated CV boot on the offside rear outer drive shaft is a critical concern; if the leak is not addressed immediately, grease will escape and the joint will succumb to a costly mechanical failure. The buyer should also check the front tyres for further damage, as the 2024 test flagged cuts on both the nearside and offside corners.