2014 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · DC03 ADE

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT record: recurring advisories for off‑side front steering‑rack inner‑joint play and worn lower‑arm pins or bushes on both front corners appear in every test since 2021, and the most recent pass on 14 April 2026 still lists the same issues alongside tyre‑edge wear. The lone failure in April 2025 was limited to the same front‑suspension and steering observations, indicating that the defect was not fully remedied and that the vehicle’s front steering and suspension geometry remain a persistent concern. At 83,965 mi the car averages just under 7,000 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for a 2014 model. The MOT history shows an uninterrupted series of annual tests, with no multi‑year gaps that might suggest prolonged storage, so the wear patterns observed are more likely the result of steady, moderate driving rather than periods of inactivity or sudden high‑mileage bursts. Prospective owners should concentrate on the front suspension and steering assembly. On a road test, feel for any clunk or knock when traversing speed‑bumps, and check for excessive play or a vague wandering sensation in the steering wheel that could confirm the rack joint wear. Inspect the lower‑arm bushings for looseness or uneven movement, and listen for any squeak that might indicate deteriorating bush material. Given the repeated tyre‑edge wear on both front and rear wheels, a thorough alignment check is advisable, as mis‑alignment often accelerates such tyre damage. The slightly twisted front brake hose noted in several tests should be examined for cracks or fluid leakage, and the hose should be replaced if any signs of wear are evident. A comprehensive pre‑purchase inspection should therefore verify the condition of the steering‑rack inner joints, replace the front lower‑arm pins or bushes if play is measurable, and assess the tyre tread depth and uniformity across all four wheels. Confirm that the brake hoses are intact and that there is no fluid seepage around the front calipers. Addressing these specific items will resolve the recurring MOT advisories and bring the vehicle’s front‑end handling back within acceptable safety parameters.