2006 BMW 130 3.0L Petrol · EU06 XBD

Most recent MOT outcome The latest MOT (6 Feb 2024) was a pass at 137,653 mi. The only comment was that a fitted rear child‑seat prevented a full check of the adult seat‑belt, and the rear sub‑frame showed some corrosion but was judged not to be seriously weakened. Recurring mechanical pattern Two rear‑end issues appear repeatedly: Rear direction indicators were flagged in the 2023 MOT for showing the wrong colour (white instead of amber). This defect caused the test to fail that year. A minor leak from the central rear exhaust silencer was recorded in both the 2023 fail and the 2024 pass, indicating a persistent but low‑level exhaust issue. In 2022 the MOT noted rear brake pads wearing thin and the rear brake pipe being corroded and covered in grease. No further comment was made in later tests, suggesting the pads may have been replaced and the pipe condition may have improved or been deemed acceptable. The 2024 note about rear‑sub‑frame corrosion adds another rear‑focused observation, though it was not considered a structural weakness. Trend assessment The vehicle moved from a failed MOT in early 2023 (indicators + exhaust) to a pass in early 2024, albeit with the same exhaust leak still present. The indicator colour problem appears to have been remedied, which is a positive sign.