2016 BMW 218 1.5L Petrol · MA16 NBY

The most recent MOT, carried out on 21 July 2026, was passed but recorded several advisories – notably front tyre tread approaching the legal limit, a front oil leak that is not yet excessive, and rear brake pads reported as thin the previous year. Prior to that the vehicle suffered a major failure in July 2023, with a defective MIL, a non‑functioning nearside headlamp, a fractured off‑side rear coil spring and low engine oil preventing the emissions test. Since that failure the MOT results have been clean of outright failures, indicating that the major faults have been remedied and the overall maintenance trend has moved from a deteriorating state to a more stable, albeit still wear‑prone, condition. At ten years old the car has logged 82 715 miles, which works out to roughly 8 300 miles per annum – a usage pattern that sits comfortably within the normal range for a BMW of this age. There is no evidence of a period of prolonged inactivity that would suggest severe ageing of rubber components, nor is there a spike in mileage that would imply accelerated wear of drivetrain or suspension parts. The mileage therefore supports a picture of moderate, regular use, with wear levels that should be consistent with the vehicle’s age. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the tyre condition on both axles. The front tyres are already near the legal tread limit and show edge wear, while the nearside rear tyre has been flagged for cracking and perishing; such symptoms often manifest as vibration at higher speeds, reduced grip in wet conditions and a tendency for the vehicle to pull to one side. A thorough visual inspection of tread depth, sidewall integrity and any signs of dry rot is essential, and replacement of the front set and the compromised rear tyre should be budgeted for promptly. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2025, which can lead to reduced braking efficiency and a possible pulsation felt through the pedal; measuring pad thickness and checking for uneven wear or glazed surfaces is advisable, and if the pads are below the minimum specification they will need replacement together with an inspection of the caliper pistons for any signs of sticking or corrosion. The advisory concerning a front oil leak, although not yet excessive, should be investigated by locating the source – typically the valve cover gasket or oil filter housing – and confirming that oil is not seeping onto the exhaust or into the sump, which could precipitate a future MOT failure. Verify that the MIL has been cleared and that no fault codes reappear after a short drive, and confirm that both headlamps function correctly on dipped and main beams. While the broken off‑side rear coil spring was a serious defect, ensure that the spring and its associated mounts are now sound and that there is no clunk or excessive bounce when the vehicle is driven over bumps. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a check of the 12 V battery health, condition of suspension bushes and rubber mounts, and a full service including coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil will help to confirm that the car remains mechanically sound and that any time‑based degradation has been addressed before purchase.