2016 BMW 440 3.0L Petrol · RV66 TXH

The vehicle’s most recent MOT test on 29 July 2025—just ten months ago—confirmed full roadworthiness with no defects recorded at 76,183 miles. This suggests the car passed inspection without major mechanical or structural concerns at the time. However, the preceding test on 3 July 2025 revealed critical tyre conditions: both rear tyres were worn close to the legal limit and unevenly on the edge, a fault that should have prompted immediate replacement. The absence of this issue in the latest test implies either a tyre change between those dates or a temporary pass despite unsafe tread depth. The 2023 and 2025 tests also highlight a pattern of tyre neglect—specifically a cut on the offside front tyre in 2023—indicating inconsistent maintenance. While the 2024 and 2022 tests showed no faults, the recurrence of tyre-related advisories suggests this area has been overlooked rather than properly managed. Mileage progression suggests moderate usage, averaging around 7,600 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the 2022 (55,990 miles) and 2023 (63,521 miles) tests—roughly 7,500 miles in just over a year—does not indicate excessive wear, though it does reflect a period where the car was likely in regular service. The subsequent 2023–2024 interval (63,521 to 71,532 miles) spans 18 months, a longer than standard MOT cycle, which could imply either a temporary deferral or that the car was not driven extensively during that period. The final interval from 71,532 miles in September 2024 to 76,183 miles in July 2025—just over 4,600 miles in under a year—suggests recent activity, though the tyre advisories from 2025 indicate that even moderate mileage was not accompanied by proper upkeep. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the tyres, brakes, and suspension components. The repeated tyre advisories—particularly the edge wear and cut—demand verification that the current tyres meet legal standards and lack hidden damage. Brake discs and pads should be checked for uneven wear or binding, as rear brake issues were flagged in the 2025 test despite passing. The suspension bushes and coil springs, while not explicitly mentioned in the MOT, warrant inspection for wear or corrosion, especially given the vehicle’s age and mileage. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches and sills, should also be assessed for rust or bodywork damage, as these are common failure points in BMWs of this era. Oil and fluid levels—including brake fluid, coolant, and differential fluid—should be confirmed as up-to-date, as these are not routinely tested in MOTs but critical for long-term reliability.