2020 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · CV70 FOU

The mechanical narrative across four recorded MOT tests is dominated by a consistent pattern of tyre wear advisories rather than any structural or safety-critical failure. The 2026 test on 3 June recorded a clean pass with no advisories, suggesting that the front tyres flagged as worn down to 2 mm in the June 2025 test were replaced in the intervening year. However, the underlying wear pattern is worth scrutiny: every recorded test from August 2023 onwards has surfaced an advisory on tyres, with rear inner-edge wear appearing in 2024 and front edge wear recurring in 2025. When the same axle wears prematurely on both sides, it commonly points to geometry misalignment, worn suspension bushes, or weak coil springs allowing the camber to change under load. The brake-related advisories recorded in 2023 and 2024 (rear pad wear, front disc wear) sit within normal service parameters for a car of this age and mileage and have not reappeared, indicating those items were likely attended to. With 45,822 miles accumulated over roughly five years since registration, this 118 has covered an average of around 7,600 miles annually, which sits comfortably within expected usage for a vehicle of its age and class. There are no significant gaps between test dates, with tests falling at regular annual intervals from 2023 to 2026, and no indication of long periods off the road that would raise concerns about seized components, flat-spotted tyres, or deteriorated brake fluid. The mileage progression between tests is broadly consistent and shows no sudden spikes or extended dormant periods, which means wear-related advisories can be attributed to active use rather than the particular risks associated with low-mileage or lay-up conditions. At this mileage and age, the drivetrain, clutch (if manual), and major engine peripherals should be approaching, but not yet at, the service intervals typical for a modern BMW. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection is the suspension and wheel alignment, given the recurring tyre advisories on both axles. On the road, listen for clonking or knocking from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn front wishbone bushes, top mounts, or drop links. On a quiet stretch, release the steering briefly at moderate speed and observe whether it pulls to either side, as uneven inner-edge rear wear in 2024 and edge wear on both front tyres in 2025 can indicate either persistent camber issues or a weak rear spring allowing the car to sit low. A four-wheel alignment check and a physical inspection of the front control arm bushes and rear spring seats would be a prudent investment before purchase. If the tyres being fitted are premium brands and are wearing evenly across their tread, the underlying geometry is likely sound; if replacements are again showing wear on a single side, the suspension fault has not been resolved. Regarding the braking system, the 2024 advisory on front discs and rear pads should be verified as rectified, and a test drive should include a series of firm stops from around 40 mph to check for judder through the pedal, which would suggest the front discs have either been replaced with inferior components or have developed run-out. Pulling under braking, particularly toward the offside given the rear brake pad advisory, could indicate a binding caliper or a sticking rear caliper slide pin. Listen for any scraping or grinding on light applications and confirm the handbrake holds on a slope, as electronic handbrake actuators on BMWs of this era can develop faults. Beyond the flagged items, a general inspection for oil weepage from the valve cover gasket and coolant leaks from the expansion tank, both common on this generation, would complete a thorough pre-purchase evaluation.