2017 BMW X5 3.0L Diesel · LE17 MUO

The vehicle remains technically roadworthy but the maintenance history reveals a concerning trend of deferred suspension repairs. The most recent test in March 2026 at 81,908 miles flagged slight play in both the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joints. This specific fault has persisted as an advisory since the 2025 and 2024 tests, indicating that the owner has opted not to replace these components despite them being identified over multiple years. The mileage pattern is consistent with a nine-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 9,100 miles per year. Between March 2023 and March 2026, the car covered 23,372 miles, showing a steady rate of use. However, the failure in March 2023 at 58,525 miles highlights a period of neglect where three tyres failed legal tread depth requirements alongside worn brake discs. This suggests a reactive maintenance approach where components are only addressed when a failure occurs rather than following a preventative schedule. A buyer must prioritize a physical inspection of the front suspension geometry. The recurring play in the ball joints suggests that total failure is imminent, which will affect handling and accelerate tyre wear. The 2024 report of a slight oil leak from the rear of the transmission also requires verification to ensure the condition has not worsened into a significant leak requiring expensive seal replacements. Additionally, the windscreen damage noted in both the 2025 and 2026 tests should be checked for cracks that could eventually compromise the structural integrity of the glass.