2017 BMW 420 2.0L Diesel · FJ17 YEY

The most recent MOT test on the 2017 BMW 420 occurred on 2026-05-07 and resulted in a clean pass, marking a positive turnaround from the previous year’s failures. Despite the vehicle’s history of critical tyre defects—specifically exposed tyre cords in both 2021 and 2024—these issues were rectified prior to the latest inspection, indicating a stable maintenance trend once corrective action was taken. The absence of further failures or advisories since 2024 suggests that the tyre repairs were properly executed and that the vehicle’s roadworthiness has been restored to a satisfactory standard. However, the recurring nature of these tyre-related failures underscores a need for vigilance, as exposed tyre cords are a severe safety hazard that must be addressed immediately upon purchase. The recorded mileage of 65,940 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 7,327 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for a BMW of this class under typical UK conditions. This level of mileage does not inherently indicate excessive wear, but it does warrant attention to components that accumulate stress over time, particularly suspension elements, brake systems, and drivetrain components. The absence of significant mileage gaps suggests the vehicle has been in regular use, which may accelerate wear on consumables like brake pads, oil filters, and spark plugs. However, the lack of rapid mileage accumulation—such as sudden spikes that could indicate excessive towing or harsh driving—does not immediately raise red flags, though a thorough inspection should still verify for signs of overuse, such as uneven tyre wear patterns or excessive suspension play. Given the vehicle’s MOT history, the most critical immediate inspection focus should be on the rear tyres, as the exposed tyre cords in 2021 and 2024 indicate a failure to replace worn-out tread or internal damage. Upon purchase, the buyer should visually inspect the tyres for any remaining exposed cords or signs of internal damage, such as bulges or cracks in the sidewall, which could compromise tyre integrity. During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the rear wheels, particularly when cornering or braking, as these may indicate misalignment or loose wheel components. If the tyres were recently replaced, verify that the repair was done by a professional and that the new tyres meet the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Additionally, check the brake system for binding calipers or corrosion on discs, which can occur from prolonged standing, and inspect the suspension for excessive clunking or uneven spring wear, as BMW’s suspension is prone to bush wear over time. For a vehicle of this age and mileage, the buyer should also conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of the undercarriage, engine bay, and interior for signs of standing corrosion, particularly around the exhaust system, wheel arches, and underbody components, which are common in BMWs left unused for extended periods. Focus on the 12V battery, as BMWs of this era often suffer from degraded battery health due to age, and test its charge capacity with a multimeter or use a battery tester to confirm it holds a full charge. Fluid checks should be prioritised, with particular attention to the engine oil, brake fluid, and differential fluid, as these fluids degrade over time even without mileage. Ensure the service book is up to date, particularly for the last scheduled oil change and fluid top-ups, as BMWs of this age benefit from regular fluid servicing to prevent long-term mechanical issues. Finally, verify the vehicle’s history for any unrecorded service work, such as suspension bush replacements or brake system servicing, which may not appear on the MOT records but are critical for long-term reliability.