2010 BMW 116 1.6L Petrol · SA60 FMJ

The vehicle presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT history showing a failure followed by a pass on the same day in June 2025 at 112,957 miles. The tester flagged rear brake pads wearing thin and a bonnet that could not be secured in the closed position, both of which were rectified before the same-day retest. While the immediate defects were addressed, the pattern of a failure on the day of the annual test suggests the car may have been presented in a condition requiring last-minute attention rather than proactive upkeep. The overall trend is neither clearly worsening nor improving, but the reliance on same-day repairs raises questions about routine preventative maintenance. The mileage progression reveals a notable gap between the 2024 test at 98,533 miles and the 2025 test at 112,957 miles, representing an accumulation of 14,424 miles in just over twelve months. This is significantly higher than the car's lifetime average of roughly 7,060 miles per year and indicates a period of heavier use. Prior to that, the annual increments were more moderate, with 16,663 miles covered between June 2023 and May 2024. The sudden spike could reflect a change in ownership or usage pattern, and it places additional wear on consumable components, particularly brakes, tyres, and suspension. The recurring shock absorber defects deserve close attention. In May 2023, the offside front shock absorber had a serious fluid leak and the nearside front showed light misting of oil, both flagged as failures. By the June 2023 retest, these were resolved, but the underlying condition suggests the damping system has been under stress. A buyer should have the front suspension inspected for worn dampers, deteriorating top mounts, and weakened coil springs, as these components degrade with age and mileage. Any uneven ride height, knocking over bumps, or excessive bounce during a push-down test would indicate unresolved wear. The rear brake pads were flagged as wearing thin at the most recent test, and the bonnet latch mechanism failed to secure properly on the same visit. While both were corrected, these are items that should be checked in person. Inspect the bonnet catch and secondary catch for misalignment or corrosion, and verify the condition of the rear brake discs and pads for uneven scoring or lipping. The 2023 advisories regarding rear tyre wear patterns and a cut in the nearside rear tyre also suggest the rear axle and suspension geometry should be examined for tracking issues or worn bushes that could be causing uneven tyre wear.