2009 BMW 120 2.0L Petrol · GN59 DWD

This BMW 120 demonstrates a stable roadworthiness trend over the past two years, having passed both its 2025 and 2026 MOT tests without defects. The most recent test on 28 May 2026, at 108,823 miles, confirmed no issues, though the 2024 entry reveals a minor advisory on rear brake pads—now likely requiring attention given typical wear rates. The 2023 failure stands out as an outlier, exposing critical faults in both rear tyres and the offside front shock absorber, which were remedied before the subsequent pass. While the vehicle has since avoided further failures, the 2023 defects suggest prior neglect of suspension and tyre maintenance. The recorded mileage of 108,823 miles over 17 years aligns with average usage for this age, averaging around 6,400 miles annually. There are no concerning gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, though the 2023 failure occurred just before the June 2023 pass, indicating repairs were made prior to the retest. The consistent interval between tests—roughly 12 months—supports regular MOT compliance, though it does not guarantee all underlying maintenance was addressed. A buyer should prioritise an immediate inspection of the suspension, particularly the offside front shock absorber, which failed catastrophically in 2023. The 2024 advisory on rear brake pads implies these may now be critically thin, warranting measurement against legal limits (2mm). Both rear tyres were previously compromised, so tread depth and lateral wear should be checked, along with the nearside rear tyre for any hidden ply damage. The absence of structural advisories in recent tests is reassuring, but a thorough underbody check for corrosion—especially around wheel arches and sills—is advisable given the vehicle’s age.