2002 BMW 3 Series 2.2L Petrol · LC02 BUW

The 2026‑05‑28 MOT passed the vehicle, confirming it remains roadworthy despite two advisory items: a slightly worn near‑side rear upper shock absorber bush and a slightly distorted off‑side rear road wheel. The record shows a pattern of recurring suspension corrosion and brake wear, indicating that maintenance has not been consistently preventive. With 76,546 miles recorded at 24 years old, the average annual mileage is about 3,200 miles, well below the typical usage for a vehicle of this age, suggesting long periods of inactivity. The interval between the 2024‑06‑21 test and the 2025‑07‑30 test spans 13 months, and the 2023‑06‑28 to 2024‑06‑21 interval is 12 months, yet the overall testing frequency remains regular. A buyer should therefore examine the suspension geometry, paying close attention to the condition of the coil springs, shock absorber bodies and bushes, as repeated corrosion and fluid leakage have been recorded since 2020. Inspect the brake pads, discs, hoses and calipers for binding, corrosion or excessive wear, especially given the repeated binding and hose corrosion observations. Check tyre tread depth and sidewalls for bulges or perishing, and verify that no structural rust affects the chassis or suspension mounting points. Although the latest test cleared the vehicle, the persistent advisories point to ongoing mechanical concerns that could deteriorate rapidly; a thorough pre‑purchase inspection focusing on these high‑risk components is essential before finalising any purchase.