2017 BMW 5 Series 2.0L Diesel · DP67 AEB

A chronic pattern of front shock absorber oil misting has been flagged across four consecutive MOT tests on this BMW 5 Series, with both nearside and offside units noted in 2023, 2024, 2025, and again at the most recent assessment on 27 March 2026, suggesting progressive seal degradation rather than an isolated fault. Alongside this, the front brake discs were recorded as worn, pitted, or scored on both the August 2025 failed test and the subsequent pass five days later, indicating surface deterioration that has not yet crossed the threshold into serious weakness but warrants close monitoring. The single failure in the recorded history was caused by a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, a relatively straightforward electronic fault, though the car has otherwise accumulated an unusually dense advisory trail concentrated almost entirely on the front axle. The overall trend is one of stable but deteriorating front-end condition, with no improvements recorded and a recurring theme of hydraulic dampener seepage that has now persisted for over two years. The vehicle has covered 99,487 miles over approximately nine years, equating to an annual average of around 11,054 miles, which is broadly typical for a car of this age and class. Testing has been reasonably consistent, with five MOT entries recorded between late 2023 and early 2026, showing no extended periods off the road that might raise concerns about dormant component deterioration such as seized brakes or perished fuel lines. Mileage accumulation appears steady, with no sudden jumps between tests to suggest inconsistent use. For a vehicle of this mileage, wear on consumables including suspension components, brake friction materials, and drivetrain mountings is to be expected, and the advisory pattern aligns broadly with what one would anticipate at this accumulation level, particularly on a car likely to have seen sustained motorway use given its specification and weight class. A prospective buyer should focus particular attention on the front suspension, as the repeated oil misting on both dampers over multiple test cycles is the clearest mechanical concern in the record. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocking noises from the front end over speed humps, uneven road surfaces, and during direction changes, as worn shock absorber internals often produce audible rattles when seals begin to fail. Check for excessive nose dive under braking and excessive body roll through corners, both of which suggest damper fade. Inspect the front shock absorber bodies visually for fresh oil residue below the seal area, and examine the front springs for any signs of sagging, which would indicate the units have lost their damping effectiveness. Pay particular attention during a stationary wheel push test for any free play in the suspension turrets or top mount bearings, which can accompany prolonged damper wear. The front brake discs, flagged as pitted and scored in 2025, should be inspected for run-out and lip measurement, as excessive wear here can manifest as brake pedal judder under firm application and a pulsating sensation through the steering wheel. With the front friction material working harder than the rear under typical driving conditions, a brake bias imbalance may have developed, so test the car under both light and heavy braking to confirm straight-line stability and absence of steering pull. The tyre pressure monitoring system fault should be verified as rectified, ideally through a diagnostic read-out, as persistent warning lights can indicate underlying sensor valve corrosion, particularly on alloy wheels. Finally, given the consistent front-end advisory pattern, a comprehensive inspection of the front suspension arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and related bushes is advisable, as these components typically suffer accelerated wear on higher-mileage BMWs and can develop play before generating MOT advisories.