2009 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · FY09 EOP

Recurring suspension component wear and imminent tyre replacement represent the primary mechanical considerations for this vehicle, following its most recent pass on 07 August 2026. The MOT history shows a developing pattern of degradation in the rear suspension assembly, with advisories for worn lower suspension arm pins or bushes appearing in 2025 and progressing to reported play in the lower suspension arm ball joints by the 2026 test. This trend suggests that the rear suspension linkages are reaching the end of their service life. Additionally, the 2026 record includes advisories for all three tyres being worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edges, indicating a need for immediate replacement to maintain roadworthiness. The vehicle has covered 103,930 miles over its 17-year lifespan, which equates to an average annual usage of approximately 6,114 miles. This mileage profile is consistent with lower-than-average annual accumulation for a vehicle of this age. While this suggests the drivetrain and engine components have not been subjected to high-frequency long-distance usage, the recorded history of suspension wear and tyre degradation is notable given the relatively low annual mileage, as rubber components can perish due to age and environmental exposure regardless of distance travelled. A prospective buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension during a test drive, specifically listening for knocks, clunks, or thudding noises when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, which would indicate the reported play in the lower suspension arm ball joints. Any feeling of instability or lateral movement in the rear of the car during cornering or under braking may also point to the worn bushes and ball joints identified in the recent advisories. The progression from worn bushes in 2025 to ball joint play in 2026 suggests that the entire lower suspension arm assembly may require attention to restore precise handling. The tyre advisories also require physical inspection. Given that the nearside front, offside front, and nearside rear tyres are all flagged as worn near the legal limit or worn on the edges, you should check for uneven tread wear patterns. Uneven wear on the edges of the tyres can be a symptom of incorrect wheel alignment or camber issues, which may be linked to the aforementioned suspension wear. Ensure the tread depth is measured across the entire width of the tyre and check that the replacement of these tyres does not also necessitate a professional four-wheel alignment to prevent premature wear on any new rubber.