2017 BMW 116 1.5L Diesel · JE57 SAM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 28 July 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory for a minor oil leak that was not deemed excessive. The preceding test on 27 July 2026 had failed on three major items – front and rear nearside shock absorbers leaking fluid, and incorrect headlamp aim on both nearside front and off‑side front units – which were evidently remedied before the re‑test. Apart from the occasional tyre‑wear advisories in 2025 and 2024, the record shows no recurring failures, indicating a generally improving maintenance pattern, albeit with a recent focus on suspension and lighting corrections. At nine years old the car has logged 125 780 miles, averaging just under 14 000 miles per annum. This mileage is well above the typical UK average for a vehicle of this age and suggests a relatively hard‑use profile, likely involving frequent motorway travel or spirited driving. The higher annual distance accelerates wear on consumables such as tyres, brake discs, suspension bushings and engine oil seals, and it also raises the probability of earlier timing‑chain or valve‑train wear in a six‑cylinder BMW engine. Prospective owners should therefore expect that major wear items may be approaching the end of their service life. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the nearside shock absorbers – look for fresh oil stains on the suspension strut bodies, dampness around the mounting points and any loss of damping feel when applying the brakes or driving over bumps. A leaking damper often produces a hollow clunk or a soft, squishy response, and it can lead to uneven tyre wear, especially on the edge of the tyre tread. Verify that the headlamp aim has been correctly reset; mis‑aimed beams can cause glare for on‑coming traffic and may indicate a mis‑aligned steering geometry that should be checked with a professional alignment. Examine the tyre sidewalls for cracking, dry rot or excessive wear on the outer edges, as the 2025 and 2024 advisories flagged tyres close to the legal limit. Inspect the rear brake discs for deep scoring or excessive rust, and confirm that the pads have sufficient thickness; a pitted disc can cause brake shudder and reduced stopping performance. Finally, locate the source of the oil leak noted in the latest advisory – common origins on a 116 include the valve‑cover gasket, oil filter housing or oil pan gasket – and ensure there is no significant loss of oil level or evidence of oil on the exhaust pipe, which could signal a more serious internal leak. Beyond the specific defects, a vehicle of this age and mileage should be examined for age‑related deterioration. Check the 12‑volt battery for sulphation, low cranking voltage and swollen cells, especially if the car has spent periods standing idle. Verify that the coolant is clear and at the correct concentration, as time‑based coolant degradation can lead to overheating or corrosion of the aluminium engine block. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust on the chassis rails, suspension mounts and exhaust system, and confirm that the service book contains regular oil changes, filter replacements and any required timing‑chain service intervals. A thorough test drive listening for any unusual engine noises, vibrations, or steering pull, coupled with a visual inspection of the aforementioned items, will give a realistic picture of the car’s current roadworthiness and the likely near‑term maintenance budget.