2018 BMW I8 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · S6 XAB

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the most recent MOT result indicates a shift from perfect scores to emerging mechanical neglect. While the car maintained a clean record between 2022 and early 2025, the May 2026 test at 45,311 miles flagged multiple immediate advisories across the braking, suspension, and tyre systems. This suggests a worsening trend where routine maintenance is being deferred until components reach legal limits or failure points. The mileage profile remains low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 5,600 miles per year. There is a significant gap in usage between the 2025 test at 34,173 miles and the 2026 test at 45,311 miles, where the car covered over 11,000 miles in just sixteen months. This sudden surge in activity after periods of lower use likely explains the accelerated wear observed on rubber components and the sudden depletion of the front brake pads and tyre depth noted in the latest inspection. A buyer must prioritise a physical inspection of the front suspension geometry based on the 2026 report. The tester identified slight play in the nearside front upper suspension arm ball joint, which can lead to uneven tyre wear and handling instability if not replaced. The recorded oil leak, while currently not excessive, requires a close look to determine if it is a minor seal weep or a more significant failure that could compromise the engine or drivetrain components over time. The front tyres are at the legal limit of 2mm and show signs of edge wear, indicating a potential alignment issue or worn suspension bushes. Given that the front brake pads are also thin, a full brake system audit is necessary to check for minimum disc thickness. While the vehicle was structurally clean for several years, the cluster of faults in the most recent test indicates the car now requires a comprehensive mechanical investment to return it to its previous standard of maintenance.