2020 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · FD70 DLE

A clear pattern of brake and tyre wear has emerged on this 2020 BMW 118, with the 2025-10-24 test passing only after front and rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin alongside a nearside front inner tyre worn close to the legal limit. Just one month earlier, on 2025-09-24, the vehicle failed outright, though the failure itself was not detailed beyond the advisories recorded, which included the same brake pad wear, two sidewall tyre cuts not penetrating to the ply or cords, and notably play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. Earlier tests in 2023 and 2024 returned clean passes with no advisories, indicating that the vehicle has only recently begun showing component wear as it accumulates mileage. The steering rack advisory is the most concerning element in the record, as steering rack inner joint play tends to worsen progressively rather than resolve on its own and warrants close physical inspection. With 36,720 miles recorded over roughly six years, this BMW averages around 6,120 miles annually, which sits comfortably within the typical usage bracket for a car of its age. There are no significant gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods off the road, and the annual mileage accumulation appears consistent year on year. This level of use means the vehicle has experienced enough real-world driving to keep mechanical components, seals, and brake systems in working order without the risks associated with very low mileage, such as seized calipers or dried-out rubber components. Conversely, the mileage is high enough that consumable items like brake pads, tyres, and suspension wear items are now beginning to demand attention, which is consistent with what the MOT record is showing. For a prospective buyer, the steering rack inner joint flagged on the 2025-09-24 test should be the primary focus of any physical inspection. On a test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front end, particularly over uneven surfaces or when turning the steering wheel from lock to lock at low speed. Feel for any vagueness or delay in steering response, and check for uneven tyre wear across the front axle, which can indicate the joint deterioration has progressed since the advisory was raised. It is worth asking whether the steering rack has been inspected or repaired since the 2025-09-24 failure, as the component may have been replaced or simply re-tested and passed at the subsequent October 2024 test. Crank the steering wheel with the engine running and the vehicle stationary to feel for any binding or roughness, which can point to internal rack wear rather than just outer joint play. The brake pad advisories recorded at both the 2025-09-24 and 2025-10-24 tests suggest the pads were already thin at the point of inspection and should now require replacement. On a test drive, listen for any metallic grinding or squealing from the brakes, particularly under firm application, and check that the vehicle pulls up squarely without any pulling to one side which could indicate a binding caliper. Inspect the nearside front inner tyre edge wear noted on the 2025-10-24 test, as persistent inner edge wear can indicate suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, droop links, or top mount failure rather than simply a tyre that needs replacing. The front tyres should also be examined for any new sidewall cuts, since cuts of that nature can develop into bulges over time. Finally, a thorough check underneath the vehicle for any oil leaks from the engine or power steering rack would be prudent given the mileage and the steering component flagged in the history.