2012 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · NU62 FRP

A recurring theme of tyre and suspension defects runs through this 2012 BMW 116’s MOT history, with multiple dangerous and major failures recorded on rear and front wheels, coil springs and anti‑roll bar components. The latest test on 10 April 2025 passed, but only after an advisory on front tyre tread depth; the previous year’s test on 9 April 2025 recorded a dangerous bulge on the off‑side rear tyre, a fractured off‑side rear coil spring and a compromised anti‑roll bar linkage dust cover. Earlier failures in 2023 and 2022 also highlighted a fractured rear coil spring, exposed tyre ply, a loose front wheel fixing and parking‑brake inefficiency, indicating that structural and wheel‑related issues have recurred rather than resolved. The recorded 98,394 mi over 14 years averages roughly 7,000 mi per annum, which sits within a typical usage envelope for a small executive saloon. However, the MOT chronology shows clusters of failures in 2022‑2023 followed by a clean 2024 test and a largely advisory‑only 2025 test, suggesting that the vehicle may have experienced periods of higher stress or component fatigue that were subsequently addressed, only for other related parts to fail later. The mileage itself does not flag excessive wear, but the pattern of failures on load‑bearing elements (coil springs, tyre sidewalls, wheel fixings) warrants scrutiny of any hidden fatigue that mileage alone may not reveal. When inspecting the car, pay particular attention to the rear tyre sidewalls for any bulges, soft spots or uneven wear that could indicate internal damage similar to the 2025 off‑side rear tyre issue. Rotate the wheels and apply firm pressure to each tyre; any movement or play may reveal the loose front wheel fixing noted in 2022. Test the suspension by driving over a series of bumps and listening for clunking or knocking, especially from the rear corners where the coil springs have previously fractured and shown corrosion. Inspect the anti‑roll bar linkage and its dust cover for signs of dirt ingress or degraded rubber that could affect handling stability. The parking brake should be engaged firmly and held for a few seconds to confirm it maintains a steady hold without excessive pedal travel, reflecting the 2023 failure for insufficient efficiency. Examine both front brake pads for remaining thickness; the 2021‑2023 advisories noted pads at the 4 mm wear limit, so any further thinning could lead to reduced braking performance. Finally, replace the deteriorated registration plates, as required by the repeated advisories, to ensure compliance with visibility standards. Addressing these specific items will be essential before the car can be considered reliably roadworthy.