2017 BMW 420 2.0L Diesel · SV17 YUB

The most recent MOT, conducted on 16 April 2026 at 66,812 miles, passed but flagged multiple front-end defects. Both front brake discs were worn, pitted, or scored, and both front brake pipes were corroded and swollen beneath accumulated grease. A cut was also noted on the offside front tyre inner sidewall. These items were advisories on the pass certificate, yet the same test initially failed due to a serious fluid leak from the nearside rear shock absorber, which was evidently rectified before the retest passed on the same day. The maintenance trend is mixed. The 2024 test was entirely clean, but the 2025 failure revealed rear brake disc wear, structural tyre tears on both rear inner walls, and a parking brake deficiency. The recurrence of front brake disc and pipe corrosion across consecutive years suggests a persistent issue rather than a one-off wear event. The vehicle has covered 66,812 miles over nine years, averaging roughly 7,424 miles per year. This is typical for its age and does not indicate unusually light or heavy use. The mileage progression is consistent, with no sudden jumps or suspiciously long dormant periods. The gap between the April 2024 test at 59,885 miles and the April 2025 test at 63,799 miles represents about 3,914 miles in twelve months, and the subsequent rise to 66,812 by April 2026 adds a further 3,013 miles. The record is well-populated and shows no anomalies in accumulation. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front brake system. The repeated advisories for pitted and scored front brake discs, combined with corroded and swollen front brake pipework, point to moisture ingress and inadequate drainage or protective coating around the brake lines. The nearside rear shock absorber leak that caused the April 2026 failure warrants close examination of the entire suspension for signs of oil misting, uneven ride height, or clunking over articulation joints. The rear tyre structural failures recorded in 2025 and the persistent front sidewall cut highlight a pattern of tyre damage that may indicate kerbing contact, incorrect tracking, or age-related rubber degradation. The parking brake inefficiency noted in 2025 should also be tested under load to confirm the handbrake holds on a gradient and releases fully without drag.