2016 BMW 335 3.0L Diesel · GY66 MLZ

The most recent MOT on 28 August 2026 was passed, but it carried four advisories: both rear tyres are worn close to the legal limit on the tread edge, and both front shock absorbers are reported to have a reduced damping effect. A similar shock‑damping advisory appeared in the 2024 test together with a light misting of oil on the nearside front shock, indicating a developing issue. Apart from these items the vehicle has consistently passed without any failures over the last five years, suggesting a generally stable maintenance pattern but with a gradual deterioration of the front suspension and tyre tread that now requires attention. At 104 959 miles the car has accumulated roughly 10 500 miles per annum since its 2016 registration, which sits squarely within the average UK usage for a vehicle of this age. The mileage is not unusually high, yet the combination of a decade of service and this distance means that wear items such as suspension bushings, shock absorbers, brake discs and tyre rubber will be approaching the end of their service life. There are no evident gaps in the MOT record that would hint at prolonged periods of inactivity, so the wear is likely to be a result of normal road use rather than age‑related perishing alone. Prospective buyers should inspect the rear tyres closely for uneven wear, sidewall cracking and any signs of delamination, as the tread depth is already near the legal minimum. A visual check of the tyre sidewalls for age‑related cracking is also advisable given the ten‑year age of the vehicle. The front shock absorbers should be examined for oil leakage, loss of height, or excessive bounce when the car is pushed down on each corner; a test‑drive should reveal any clunking, reduced ride comfort or a noticeable “mushy” feeling over bumps, which are classic symptoms of reduced damping. Given the repeated advisory, replacement of both front shocks is likely to be required within the next few thousand miles. The off‑side front position lamp should be replaced promptly as reduced intensity and incorrect colour can affect night‑time visibility and may lead to a future failure. Beyond the specific advisories, a buyer should verify the condition of the brake discs and pads, looking for surface rust, scoring or excessive pad wear, especially after a vehicle that may have been stationary for periods. The 12‑volt battery should be load‑tested, as a ten‑year-old battery can suffer from sulphation even if mileage is moderate. All major fluids – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil – should be checked for colour, level and signs of contamination, with a view to calendar‑based replacement if service stamps are absent. Finally, a thorough inspection of the suspension bushings, control arm joints and any visible corrosion on the chassis will help confirm that the car’s structural integrity remains sound and that no hidden wear has been masked by the relatively clean MOT history.