2010 BMW 118 2.0L Petrol · LR10 XSD

The most recent MOT, conducted on 12 June 2025 at 71,251 miles, passed but flagged light oil misting on both front shock absorbers. This is a notable shift from the June 2024 test at 65,198 miles, which recorded zero defects. The trend is therefore worsening, albeit gradually. The 2023 test at 61,891 miles saw a serious fluid leak on the nearside front shock absorber, which appears to have been repaired before the June 2024 clean test. The recurrence of shock absorber oil misting in 2025 suggests the replacement units are themselves beginning to degrade, or the original fault was only partially addressed. The vehicle has not failed an MOT since June 2023, so the overall roadworthiness remains acceptable, but the suspension is showing a clear pattern of recurring deterioration. The mileage profile is unusually low for a 2010 vehicle now approaching 16 years old. At 71,251 miles, the annual average sits at roughly 4,453 miles per year. The record shows a gap of approximately 4,576 miles between July 2022 at 60,622 miles and June 2023 at 61,892 miles, indicating very light use over that 11-month period. From June 2023 to June 2024, the vehicle covered 3,306 miles, and from June 2024 to June 2025, it added 6,059 miles, which is a noticeable increase in annual mileage. The current MOT is now over a year old as of June 2026, so no recent test data exists to confirm whether this higher usage pattern has continued or whether the shock absorber condition has progressed further. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension. Both front shock absorbers need close examination for oil wetness, damping effectiveness, and bounce test performance. The repeated flagging of this component across two separate test cycles raises questions about the quality of any prior repairs, the condition of the suspension bushes, and whether the coil springs or top mounts are contributing to premature damper wear. The rear tyres were flagged for cracking and perishing in 2023, so the current tyre set should be checked for age, sidewall condition, and date codes, particularly if the same tyres remain fitted. Given the low annual mileage and periods of limited use, long-term corrosion on brake lines, subframe mounting points, and exhaust system sections deserves attention. Standing vehicles frequently develop surface rust on brake discs and through-corrosion in box sections that higher-mileage cars, by contrast, tend to keep cleaner through regular heat cycling and use.