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2012 BMW Z4 2.0L Petrol · LN12 LUL

LN12 LUL

2012 BMW Z4 (2.0L, petrol). First registered 11 May 2012. Recorded mileage 101,210 miles. MOT expired on 27 Apr 2026.

Make & Model
BMW Z4
Year / Origin
2012 · Wimbledon (South London)
Safety Recall
Unknown
MOT Status
Expired on 27 Apr 2026
Road Tax
Untaxed (31 Mar 2024)
Recorded Mileage
101,210 mi
ULEZ Compliance
ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
Fuel & Engine
Petrol · 2.0L
Reliability Guide
Common Faults
MOT Status
Expired
Expired on 27 Apr 2026
Tax Status
Untaxed
Tax due 31 Mar 2024
Fuel Type
Petrol
Year
2012
Engine
1997cc
Mechanical Assessment

AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

The current MOT status for this 2012 BMW Z4 is valid until April 2026, meaning the vehicle is now overdue for testing as of August 2026. The maintenance trend shows a pattern of neglect regarding basic consumables, specifically tyres and wheel security. While the vehicle has passed its most recent inspections, the recurring failures for exposed tyre cords and the bizarre oversight of missing wheel nuts suggest a lack of diligent preventative maintenance by previous keepers. The recorded mileage of 101,210 miles averages to approximately 7,200 miles per annum, which aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age. There is a notable spike in usage between September 2021 and January 2023, where the vehicle covered over 23,000 miles in roughly sixteen months. Conversely, the period between 2016 and 2018 shows very light usage, with less than 500 miles added over nearly two years. Such inconsistent usage patterns can often lead to premature degradation of rubber components and seals if the car sat idle for extended periods. Prospective buyers must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the wheel hubs and studs, given the recent report of missing wheel nuts, which indicates potentially compromised threads or careless servicing. The recurring tyre issues suggest the vehicle may have underlying suspension geometry misalignment or tracking problems that have not been professionally addressed. You should also verify the condition of the rear brake discs and pads, as the 2023 failure for thin pads indicates they were run to the absolute limit. Check the engine bay for any lingering signs of the previous malfunction indicator lamp fault to ensure the electronic systems remain stable.
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LN12 LUL Key Findings

  • 5 MOT tests recorded
  • Latest MOT passed on 29/04/2025
  • 101,210 miles recorded at latest MOT
  • 2 historical MOT failures
  • 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
  • Recurring tyres items (2 mentions)

Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.

LN12 LUL MOT History

Vehicle record last updated: 6 Aug 2026, 07:05
MOT Analysis

Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.

5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2012 BMW Z4 (LN12 LUL) between January 2023 and April 2025.

The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.

The most recent test on 29 April 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.

Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (2 issues), Brakes (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.

In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.

Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”; “Rear Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”; “Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction (8.2.1.2 (h))”.

PASS
FAIL
ADVISORY

LN12 LUL Mileage History

  1. 20/01/202391,630 mi
  2. 23/01/202391,630 mi
  3. 16/08/2024100,836 mi+9,206 mi
  4. 23/08/2024100,837 mi+1 mi
  5. 29/04/2025101,210 mi+373 mi

Average of roughly 4,216 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.

Technical Specifications

ULEZ Compliant

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Reliability & Known Issues

Known faults for BMW Z4 (E89)

Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.

MOT Roadworthiness Analysis
40
/ 100 · Below Average
DVSA Test Records Evaluated

MOT Roadworthiness: Below Average

This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.

MOT Expired or Failed
Taxed
Average MOT pass rate (60%)
1 dangerous defects found recently
Older vehicle
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OUTSTANDING FINANCE

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INSURANCE WRITE-OFF

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POLICE STOLEN (PNC)

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SALVAGE & AUCTION

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IMPORTED RECORD

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EXPORTED MARKER

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SCRAPPED RECORD

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CERTIFICATE OF DESTRUCTION

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V5C LOGBOOK & KEEPERS

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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory

Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.

Buying Score
68/100
Risk Level
Medium
Medium
Est. Annual Cost
£1,800-£2,200
Mileage
The recorded mileage of 101,210 miles is...

Our Verdict

This 2012 BMW Z4 offers stylish open-top motoring with modest mileage for its age, but its MOT history points to a history of patchy maintenance. Buyers should proceed with caution and verify that critical items like tyres and brakes have been properly addressed.

When inspecting this Z4, check the wheel nuts immediately to ensure all four wheels are properly secured, as the April 2025 MOT noted a missing nut on each wheel. Review the service book thoroughly to see if the previous mechanical neglect—such as past engine management warnings and worn brakes—was met with professional servicing or quick fixes. Negotiate hard on price given the history of dangerous MOT failures and the immediate need for tyre attention.

Inspect the retractable hardtop mechanism carefully, operating it multiple times to ensure smooth operation without hesitation or hydraulic leaks. Given the 1997cc petrol engine, listen for any unusual timing chain rattles or rough idling upon a cold start, and ensure all dashboard warning lights clear correctly after ignition.

Fuel economy for the 2.0-litre petrol engine is generally respectable for a sports car, typically returning mid-30s MPG on combined runs. Insurance will sit in a moderate-to-high group typical for BMW roadsters, and road tax costs will align with standard petrol vehicle bands of its era.

Maintenance costs can be higher than average due to BMW parts pricing and the complexity of the folding hardtop roof. Expect typical annual running costs including fuel, insurance, tax, and routine servicing to range between £1,800 and £2,200 depending on your annual mileage and insurance profile.

Pay close attention to the tyres, referencing the April 2025 advisory for an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit, and past failures in 2024 (exposed cords) and 2016 (fractured nearside rear wheel and worn tyres). The car's 19-inch wheels and low-profile run-flat tyres are particularly vulnerable to pothole damage and cracking.

Verify the braking system thoroughly following the January 2023 failure for rear brake pads measuring less than 1.5mm. Check that the SRS airbag warning light functions correctly, noting the historical 2021 fault, and ensure the engine management system (MIL) shows no recurring faults after its 2023 failure.

First registered in May 2012 and finished in white, this 1997cc petrol BMW Z4 has covered 101,210 miles as of its April 2025 MOT. The vehicle's history shows a pattern of deferred maintenance, featuring multiple MOT failures for dangerous defects including exposed tyre cords and severely worn brake pads. However, it currently holds a valid MOT until April 2026, though the most recent test noted a rear tyre close to the legal limit and a missing wheel nut on each wheel.

The BMW Z4 is generally considered a solid sports car platform, though electronics, folding roof mechanisms, and suspension components require vigilant maintenance as the vehicle ages.

Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.

Data Sources

DVSA

Official MOT test logs & failure reasons

DVLA

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Experian

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AI Analysis

Historical fault & advisory patterns

BMW Z4 Model Intelligence & Reliability

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