2012 Audi A5 2.0L Diesel · FG12 BVS

Front‑wheel bearing roughness and progressive brake‑disc pitting dominate the MOT history, with the only recorded failure in March 2025 stemming from a rough near‑side front wheel bearing and a rear‑tyre nail, while the same test also flagged pitted front and rear discs and deteriorating headlamp lenses. The most recent test on 12 February 2026 passed without any defects, suggesting that the bearing issue was remedied, yet the recurring advisories on disc condition and headlamp lenses indicate that wear in these areas has been ongoing and may re‑emerge if not addressed. At 107,898 mi spread over 14 years the vehicle averages roughly 7,700 mi per annum, a mileage level that is typical for a car of this age and suggests moderate overall use rather than high‑stress, high‑kilometre operation. The MOT records show a consistent yearly testing pattern with no significant gaps, which means the mileage progression is well documented and there have been no periods of prolonged inactivity that could mask latent corrosion or component fatigue. Prospective buyers should give the front‑wheel bearing a thorough road‑test inspection: listen for a grinding or humming noise that changes with vehicle speed and feels more pronounced when the steering wheel is turned left, and feel for any vibration transmitted through the steering column. The brake discs, flagged as pitted on both axles in 2025, should be examined for deep scoring or uneven thickness; any judder or pulsation under firm braking would confirm that replacement is imminent. Tyre tread depths should be measured against the 2023 advisories—front tyres were already close to the legal limit then—so verify that wear is still within safe margins and that sidewalls are free from cuts or bulges, especially on the near‑side rear where uneven wear was previously noted. The headlamp lenses, recorded as deteriorating in both 2025 and 2025‑03‑13, should be inspected for clouding or yellowing that could reduce illumination; a simple head‑lamp tester can confirm output levels. Minor windscreen and window chips noted each year are not safety‑critical but should be checked for propagation, particularly the stone chip on the driver’s side windscreen, to ensure they do not compromise structural integrity. Finally, the upper suspension arm inner bushes, flagged as deteriorating in 2024, should be examined for play or clunking when the wheels are rocked; any excessive movement could indicate the need for bush replacement to preserve handling stability.