1994 BMW 5 Series 4.0L Petrol · M620 DRW

The most recent MOT, conducted on 4 June 2024 at 154,699 miles, resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a maintenance trend that is stable at best rather than improving. The tester flagged corrosion within 30cm of mounting points on both sides of the vehicle structure, which is a notable concern on a 32-year-old saloon. Front suspension rod ball joints and rear wheel bearings have shown slight play consistently across multiple tests, indicating these components are approaching the end of their serviceable life. The vehicle has not been retested since June 2024, meaning the current certificate is now over two years old and approaching expiry, so a fresh inspection is overdue. The mileage pattern tells a story of extremely light use. Between the August 2018 test at 154,120 miles and the June 2024 test at 154,699 miles, the car covered just 579 miles over nearly six years. The 2020 test recorded 154,690 miles, meaning only nine miles were added in the preceding 22 months. This is exceptionally low even for a classic vehicle and suggests prolonged periods of standing, which carries its own risks including deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, and brake seizure from inactivity. The gap between the 2018 and 2020 tests is sparse, with no recorded activity in between, and the 2008 entries show the car was in more active use at that time with a failed test followed by a pass shortly after. A buyer should pay close attention to the structural corrosion noted in 2024, particularly around suspension and subframe mounting points, as this can compromise structural integrity on older BMWs. The recurring advisories on front suspension ball joints and rear wheel bearings suggest these parts have been marginal for years and may now require replacement. Brake components also warrant inspection, given the historical corrosion on brake pipes and the slight grabbing noted on the secondary brake in 2020. Surface corrosion under the vehicle has been a persistent observation. Beyond the MOT record, the extended periods of inactivity raise concerns about the condition of rubber bushes, hoses, seals, and tyres, none of which age well when a car sits stationary. A thorough underbody inspection and a road test focused on suspension clunks, brake binding, and steering play would be essential before committing to purchase.