2010 BMW 5 Series 3.0L Diesel · LS60 WFU

The most recent MOT, conducted on 23 September 2025 at 162,608 miles, passed, but only after an initial failure on the same day. The maintenance trend is clearly worsening. The car went from a completely clean bill of health in August 2024 to a cluster of suspension and steering defects just over a year later, indicating a period of neglected upkeep. The tester flagged a fractured nearside rear coil spring, corrosion on the offside rear spring, worn rear diff bushes, slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints, and play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. While these were rectified for the pass, the sudden emergence of multiple wear items suggests the car has been driven hard or left standing without proper care. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 2010 vehicle, averaging roughly 10,163 miles per year. The record shows a steady climb from 121,156 miles in September 2022 to 133,672 miles in September 2023, then to 147,601 miles in August 2024, and finally 162,608 miles in September 2025. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden drops, but the jump of nearly 15,000 miles between August 2024 and September 2025 suggests a year of heavier-than-average use, which aligns with the accelerated wear found at the last test. A buyer should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering. The repeated advisories for slight play in both front suspension arm ball joints and the offside steering rack inner joint point to components that may be approaching the end of their service life. The fractured nearside rear coil spring is a serious structural concern that demands inspection of the opposite side and the condition of the rear diff bushes, which were also flagged as worn. Check for fresh corrosion on the rear springs and any signs of uneven tyre wear that could indicate ongoing alignment issues. The oil leak, noted as not excessive, should be traced to its source, as even minor leaks can worsen rapidly on a car of this age and mileage.