2008 BMW 3 Series 2.0L Diesel · CA53 LMS

The 2023‑01‑28 MOT at 138,230 miles recorded a pass, confirming that the 2008 BMW 3 Series remains roadworthy despite the presence of minor defects such as a worn near‑side rear suspension arm pin or bush, a front oil leak and two tyre cuts that do not breach the cord wall. The maintenance history shows an irregular but ultimately stable pattern: after a failure on 2023‑01‑23 with similar mileage, the subsequent test cleared the rear shock fluid leak and the tyre defects, indicating that previous issues were addressed and the vehicle’s core systems are presently acceptable. Mileage has risen steadily from 60,726 miles in 2015 to 138,230 miles by 2023, an increase of 77,504 miles over eight years, averaging about 9,688 miles per year, which aligns with the typical 7,679 miles per year for a 2008 model but shows a noticeable acceleration between the 2022‑02‑01 test (116,331 miles) and the 2023‑01‑28 test (138,230 miles), a gain of 21,899 miles in just over eleven months. No significant periods of inactivity are evident; each annual test reflects continued use, and the relatively clean record from 2020 onward, with only one failure in 2019, suggests consistent maintenance. A buyer should therefore inspect the suspension bushes and arm pins for excessive play, verify that both front and rear shock absorbers are dry and free of fluid leakage, and examine the front oil leak source for worn seals. The tyres, while showing only superficial cuts, merit a thorough tread depth and sidewall check, and the brake system—including pads, discs, and hoses—must be assessed for wear, pitting and any signs of binding. Finally, the chassis and exhaust mounting points should be inspected for corrosion or structural fatigue, given the recurring registration plate errors that, while administrative, indicate a history of neglect in documentation.