2010 BMW 116 2.0L Diesel · MA10 PCX

This 2010 BMW 116 presents a notably sparse official roadworthiness history, with only four MOT test events recorded across its sixteen-year life despite being on the road continuously. The latest event on 27 May 2025 is recorded twice on the same date, with one pass and one fail entry both showing no defects recorded, which is administratively unusual and warrants clarification with the DVSA or the testing station regarding what was actually inspected and the reason for the duplicate entry. The earlier tests at 28 May 2024 and 14 July 2022 were clean passes with no advisories recorded, suggesting the vehicle has been broadly compliant at test time. The lack of any recorded advisories over multiple tests should be viewed with measured caution, as a vehicle of this vintage and mileage passing through MOT stations without so much as a tyre wear advisory is uncommon, and it may reflect either genuinely well-maintained components or limited mileage accumulation between test intervals reducing the opportunity for wear items to reach advisory thresholds. Mileage accumulation on this 1 Series stands at 113,182 miles across approximately sixteen years, equating to around 7,074 miles annually, which sits broadly within expected parameters for a car of this age. There is, however, a notable twenty-two month gap between the July 2022 test and the May 2024 test, during which no MOT was recorded, suggesting either a statutory exemption from testing during that window or a period off the road. Such a gap can mask interim deterioration of components like brake hoses, tyres, or suspension bushes that would ordinarily be flagged annually. Given the overall mileage and the vehicle's age, mechanical wear on age-sensitive items such as rubber bushes, dampers, and flexible brake hoses should be considered the primary residual risk area regardless of what the test history alone shows. For a prospective buyer, the priority inspection points should centre on E87-generation 1 Series known weak points. The rear suspension trailing arm bushes, often referred to as the carrier or subframe bushes, are prone to cracking and separation on this chassis and should be checked for any knocking or vagueness over uneven road surfaces during a test drive. The front control arm bushings and wishbone rear bushes similarly degrade with age and mileage, so listen for clonks from the front end over speed humps and check for uneven tyre wear on the inner and outer edges. The electric power steering rack on this model can develop play or whining noises, so test for any clunking on full lock and ensure the steering self-centres smoothly. The single-twin-scroll turbocharged engine should be inspected for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and the vacuum pump, all common failure points on the N47 and N45 diesel units typically fitted to this generation. The braking system, despite no recorded advisories, warrants close physical inspection given the vehicle's age. Check the brake discs for lipping and corrosion around the outer edges, paying particular attention to the rear discs which on this model can pit and corrode significantly even on cars that pass the MOT brake efficiency test comfortably. The handbrake mechanism and rear caliper sliding pins should be operated to ensure free movement, as seized rear calipers are a recurring issue on BMWs of this era. Underneath, inspect the underside of the engine and gearbox for any signs of oil misting or active drips, examine the exhaust system for corrosion at the joint between the front section and the centre silencer, and look carefully at the rear subframe mounting points for any corrosion, a known concern on E87 chassis exposed to winter road salt. Finally, verify that the recent test duplication on 27 May 2025 is administrative rather than indicative of a retest following a refusal, and confirm the current mileage against the V5C and dashboard reading before committing to purchase.