2015 BMW 118 1.5L Petrol · LC65 LBX

A chronic front suspension oil misting on the nearside shock absorber has now been flagged at two consecutive tests in 2024 and 2025, signalling an early-stage hydraulic seal failure on that corner of the car. Compounding this, the 2025 test produced a Major failure on the same date as the pass, with the nearside headlamp aim recorded as projecting an obviously incorrect beam image. While the lamp issue may stem from a simple adjustment or a replacement bulb seated incorrectly, it is the sort of defect that should be verified as fully rectified on inspection, as an incorrectly aimed headlamp is both a roadworthiness and a road-legal concern. Elsewhere, the advisory history shows a progressive and consistent pattern of brake disc wear across both axles: front disc wear was first noted in 2020, escalated to pitted or scored condition by 2022 and 2023, and was still being recorded as worn at the 2025 test, suggesting the discs have never been replaced during the recorded history and are likely approaching or past the manufacturer minimum thickness. The recorded mileage of 54,215 miles across eleven years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,929 miles, which is markedly low for a vehicle of this age and is consistent with a car that has either been used predominantly for short urban journeys or has spent extended periods off the road between tests. The MOT record itself supports periods of inactivity, with tests consistently falling in late November each year and no recorded mileage gaps that suggest rapid accumulation between visits. Mechanically, low annual mileage of this nature reduces wear on high-cycle components such as the clutch, drivetrain and engine internals, but it does increase the risk of degradation to perishable items exposed to standing time, which appears to be reflected in the rear tyre cracking and perishing advisories recorded in 2022 and the persistent shock absorber oil misting. A prospective buyer should pay particular attention to the nearside front shock absorber during a physical inspection, looking for any oily residue on the body of the unit below the top mount and checking for any uneven ride height between the two front corners, as the 2024 and 2025 advisories suggest a seal that is progressively worsening rather than a one-off surface film. On the test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or oscillation through the steering after a bump, as a damping deficit often presents in this manner before it becomes visible on a bouncy bounce check. Verify the operation and alignment of the nearside headlamp on full and dipped beam, ideally against a wall or garage door, confirming that the beam pattern is flat with a sharp horizontal cutoff and not scattering upward or to one side. The brake system warrants close scrutiny, given that front disc wear has been flagged at every test since 2022 with no evidence of replacement in the record. On inspection, measure the front disc thickness with a vernier or rely on a garage report to confirm remaining material above the manufacturer minimum, and visually check the disc surface for a pronounced lip at the outer edge, which indicates the discs are nearing the end of their service life. On the road, brake firmly from around 40 mph and feel for any pedal pulsation, vibration through the steering wheel, or grabbing to one side, all of which are consistent with the pitted and scored condition noted on the record. Finally, inspect the rear tyres closely for sidewall cracking, as the perishing noted in 2022 may have progressed over the intervening years, and examine the exhaust mounting rubbers and undertray fixings, which can become brittle and broken on a low-mileage car that has spent long periods stationary.