2015 BMW 116 1.5L Diesel · MF65 CPY

The most recent MOT record from June 2026 shows a vehicle in a critical state of neglect, with a failed test just one month ago—June 5—due to four tyres worn dangerously close to the legal limit (3mm tread, with edge wear) and two front tyres exhibiting cracking or perishing. The fact that the same faults were repeated in the same test (once passed, once failed) suggests either a deliberate attempt to pass with marginal tyres or a complete oversight of basic maintenance. The headlamp failure on the dipped beam is a separate but equally avoidable issue, indicating either a faulty bulb or wiring problem that should have been addressed before the test. This is not a stable trend; the absence of defects in the 2025 and 2023 tests contrasts sharply with the current state, implying either recent misuse or a sudden lapse in upkeep. The vehicle’s mileage—60,027 over roughly 11 years—averages just over 5,400 miles annually, which is unusually low for its age. This could mean the car has spent long periods unused, potentially exacerbating issues like tyre degradation and perishing due to prolonged exposure to UV light and temperature fluctuations. The jump from 35,781 miles in July 2023 to 42,421 in June 2024 (a 6,640-mile increase in under a year) suggests a brief period of higher activity, but the subsequent slow accumulation—only 9,418 miles added over two years—reinforces the likelihood of intermittent use. Without further context, it’s impossible to determine whether this was intentional or due to mechanical issues deterring regular driving. A prospective buyer should prioritise an immediate tyre inspection, given the severe wear and cracking on all four, which poses a serious safety risk. The front tyres’ perishing indicates potential long-term neglect, so checking for uneven wear patterns or suspension issues (such as worn bushes or damaged coil springs) is essential. The binding brake calipers or warped discs—common in vehicles with this level of tyre neglect—should also be assessed, as should the headlamp circuit to confirm whether the failure is mechanical or electrical. While the windscreen wiper blades were flagged in 2024, their replacement is a minor consumable item; the absence of other defects in recent years does little to offset the current critical condition of the tyres and lighting. Structural integrity appears unremarkable, but a thorough undercarriage check for corrosion or exhaust leaks would be prudent given the vehicle’s age.