2011 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · RA11 JXT

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the most recent inspection indicates a lapse in preventative maintenance. While the car passed its MOT on 3 June 2026 at 88,666 miles, it failed just days prior due to a serious fluid leak on the nearside rear shock absorber. This failure marks a shift from the previous two years of clean records, suggesting that components are now reaching their fatigue limit due to age. The damaged windscreen was also noted, though it did not cause a failure. The mileage profile is notably low for a fifteen-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,900 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage data between July 2024 at 53,911 miles and June 2025 at 71,944 miles, where the car covered nearly 18,000 miles in just eleven months. This pattern of sporadic use often leads to the degradation of rubber components and seals due to perishation and lack of movement, which likely explains the sudden failure of the rear shock absorber. A buyer must physically inspect the entire suspension assembly to ensure the opposite shock is not also showing signs of weeping, which would indicate a need for a pair replacement. Given the low mileage and high age, close attention should be paid to cracked rubber arm bushes and perished hoses that dry out during periods of inactivity. The brake discs should be checked for surface corrosion or pitting, as vehicles that sit for long periods often suffer from rust buildup on the braking surfaces that the MOT test may or may not fully flag.