2009 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · FE09 LBZ

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the maintenance trend indicates a reactive approach to repairs rather than preventative care. While the latest test in June 2025 at 119,378 miles passed, it revealed advisories for pitted rear brake discs and a minor exhaust leak. This follows a pattern where mechanical issues are only addressed after failing an MOT test, suggesting the previous owner waited for components to reach the point of legal failure before investing in replacements. At 119,378 miles, the car has averaged approximately 7,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage patterns for a 17-year-old vehicle. The mileage progression shows consistent use, with roughly 8,000 miles covered between March 2023 and April 2024, and another 7,200 miles in the year following that. This steady rate of travel suggests the vehicle has not sat stationary for long periods, which often helps prevent the accelerated degradation of rubber components and fluid contamination despite the older age. A buyer must pay close attention to the front suspension and braking system due to recurring failures. The 2024 failure highlighted an excessively worn offside front suspension arm ball joint and a loose hub connection, while the 2023 test flagged a serious fluid leak from the offside shock absorber. Given these history, a physical inspection should check for play in the remaining ball joints and ensure the new shock absorbers are not weeping. The presence of pitting on the rear brake discs indicates that the braking hardware is nearing the end of its functional life and will likely require replacement shortly to maintain effective stopping performance.