2009 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · LL09 LMU

The most recent MOT on 20 April 2026 was passed, but it carried several advisories concerning rear brake disc condition, corrosion on the inner face of both rear discs, a nail in the nearside front tyre and a minor defect on the off‑side front headlamp lens. Over the last five years the pattern shows an improvement from a dangerous tyre failure in May 2024 and a major engine MIL fault in May 2022 to a series of passes with only non‑dangerous advisories. While the vehicle is currently road‑worthy, the recurrence of brake‑disc wear and tyre‑related warnings indicates that attention will be needed in the near term to prevent a return to a failing status. At 27 076 miles recorded for a 2009 model, the car averages roughly 1 600 miles per annum, which is markedly below the typical UK usage of 8‑10 000 miles a year. Such low mileage often suggests periods of limited use or prolonged storage. The benefit is reduced cumulative wear on engine, transmission and suspension components, but the downside is accelerated ageing of rubber and electrolyte‑based parts. Age‑related degradation can appear as tyre sidewall perishing, battery capacity loss and corrosion of metal fittings, even when the mileage is modest. Prospective buyers should give the tyre set a thorough visual and tactile examination. The MOT record shows tears on both front tyres in 2024, a nail in the nearside front, and cracking on the off‑side rear, together with tread depths that have already fallen below the legal 1.6 mm on the nearside rear. Check all four tyres for sidewall bulges, dry rot, uneven wear patterns and verify that each tyre meets the minimum tread depth with a tread depth gauge. Any indication of separation or perishing warrants immediate replacement, as the car’s low mileage does not guarantee tyre safety. The rear brake discs are described as worn, pitted and showing inner‑face corrosion; have the disc thickness measured and inspect the pads for uneven wear. If the discs are close to the minimum allowable thickness or the corrosion is extensive, replacement or resurfacing will be required to maintain consistent braking performance and avoid future safety warnings. Given the 2022 major engine fault where the MIL lamp was inoperative, a full diagnostic scan is advisable to confirm that all fault codes have been cleared and that the underlying sensor or emission‑control component has been repaired. While the MOT passed, monitor for symptoms such as rough idle, loss of power, or a lingering check‑engine light. Because the vehicle has spent many years with relatively little mileage, inspect the 12 V battery for sulphation and verify its cranking voltage; a load test can reveal hidden weakness. Examine suspension bushings, ball joints and rubber mounts for cracking or loss of compliance, as ageing elastomers can deteriorate even without high mileage. Finally, confirm that the coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within their calendar intervals, as fluid degradation over time can lead to corrosion or reduced performance regardless of distance travelled. A comprehensive visual check of the under‑body for rust, especially around the wheel arches and sills, will also help ensure that the car’s structural integrity has not been compromised by prolonged periods of inactivity.