2009 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · MT59 JXF

The most recent MOT, carried out on 22 October 2025, was passed but returned two advisories concerning the near‑side and off‑side rear tyres, both noted as slightly damaged, cracking or perishing. Earlier advisories in August 2024 highlighted the off‑side front tyre being close to the legal tread limit, and in December 2022 the near‑side front tyre was similarly close to limit together with a comment that the brake discs were worn, though not excessively. No outright failures have been recorded, indicating that the vehicle has remained mechanically compliant, yet the recurring tyre advisories suggest a gradual deterioration of the rubber compounds, likely accelerated by age rather than mileage, and the brake‑disc comment points to a component that will need monitoring as it approaches the minimum thickness. At 72,916 miles on the odometer for a 2009 model the average annual usage works out at roughly 4,300 miles per year, which is considerably below the typical UK average for a car of this age. Such low utilisation often reflects periods of limited driving or extended storage, which can be as detrimental as high mileage in certain respects. Age‑related wear of seals, bushings and rubber components can progress even when the vehicle is not being driven, and the relatively low mileage does not preclude the development of corrosion or fluid degradation that is time‑dependent rather than distance‑dependent. Prospective buyers should give the tyre condition the highest priority. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot, bulges or uneven wear patterns that may indicate mis‑alignment or worn suspension bushes. Measure tread depth with a gauge; any tyre with less than 1.6 mm remaining or showing perishing edges should be replaced promptly. During a test drive listen for thumping or vibration that could emanate from a tyre that is out of round, and feel for any pull to one side which may betray a mis‑aligned or damaged tyre. The brake discs, although not flagged as a failure, should be measured for remaining thickness and examined for scoring or rust on the face; any pulsation in the pedal or shudder when applying the brakes would suggest the discs are nearing the end of their service life and will need resurfacing or replacement together with the pads. Given the vehicle’s age and modest mileage, a thorough age‑related inspection is essential. Check the 12‑volt battery for charge holding capacity and inspect for any leakage or swollen cells; a battery older than ten years is prone to sudden failure. Examine all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake and power‑steering fluids – for colour, level and signs of contamination, as fluids degrade over time even without high mileage. Look for corrosion on the chassis, suspension mounting points and exhaust system, particularly around the wheel arches where standing water can accelerate rust. Verify that the service book contains regular oil changes and that any major service intervals (such as timing‑chain or water‑pump checks) have been observed, as adherence to the manufacturer’s service schedule will be a strong indicator of overall reliability.