2016 BMW 318 1.5L Petrol · PL66 HLE

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2016 BMW 318 was conducted on 16 April 2025, and the vehicle passed with no defects or advisories recorded. Looking back over the recent test history, the 2024 and 2025 entries are both clean, while earlier tests in 2022 and 2023 carried advisories relating to tyre wear and rear brake pads. The trend therefore appears to be stable and arguably improving, with the owner seemingly having addressed the previously flagged consumables before the most recent test. The absence of any advisory items at the latest test suggests routine maintenance is being kept up to a reasonable standard for a vehicle of this age, though the historic advisories still provide useful pointers for a prospective buyer regarding items that may be approaching the end of their service life. With a recorded mileage of 91,157 miles over approximately ten years, this BMW is averaging around 9,100 miles per year, which is broadly typical for a privately owned executive saloon of its vintage. This level of usage suggests regular driving rather than extended periods of standing, which is generally beneficial for mechanical components such as brakes, tyres, battery, and drivetrain, as it reduces the risk of corrosion through inactivity and helps maintain fluid circulation. There are no significant gaps in the MOT record to suggest long storage periods, and no sudden mileage jumps implying heavy or commercial use. The combination of moderate annual mileage and consistent MOT attendance points to a vehicle that has been used in a fairly conventional manner. The recurring advisory for tyres worn close to the legal limit and worn on edge is worth scrutinising carefully at the point of purchase, as edge wear on tyres can indicate suspension geometry issues such as worn wishbone bushes, top mount bearings, or tracking out of specification. On a test drive, the buyer should listen for suspension knocks or clonks over uneven surfaces and pay particular attention to steering behaviour, including any pulling to one side, vibration through the wheel, or imprecise turn-in, all of which could suggest that bushes or alignment are still giving cause for concern. The nearside rear tyre and both front tyres were flagged in successive years, so a close inspection of all four tyres for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking, and overall tread depth is highly recommended. If the tyres have been renewed since the advisories, the buyer should also confirm that the underlying suspension geometry has been checked, rather than simply replacing the worn rubber. The 2023 advisory regarding rear brake pads wearing thin is another area requiring physical inspection. At 91,000 miles, it is entirely plausible that the rear pads have since been replaced along with the discs, but if not, the buyer should measure pad material thickness and check the rear brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, particularly given that a ten-year-old vehicle may well be due for disc refurbishment or replacement regardless of pad condition. On test, any signs of brake shudder under heavy application, grinding noises, or a soft or inconsistent pedal would warrant further investigation. Beyond these areas, given the vehicle's age, the buyer should also check the condition of the 12V battery, ensure that brake fluid and coolant have been changed in line with time-based servicing schedules, inspect the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and mounting points, and verify that the timing chain, VANOS solenoids, and oil filter housing gasket, all known weak points on this generation of N-series engines, are free from oil leaks and operating quietly from cold.