2012 BMW 520 2.0L Diesel · VE12 ULR

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the recent maintenance history indicates a worsening trend regarding mechanical wear components. While the car passed its most recent test in September 2025 at 163,899 miles, this followed a failure just one day prior. The tester identified a fractured offside front coil spring and persistent issues with the steering rack inner joints and offside rear brake binding. The presence of these faults suggests that the suspension and braking systems are reaching the end of their service life and require proactive attention. At 163,899 miles, the car has averaged approximately 11,700 miles per year, which aligns closely with typical national averages for a fourteen-year-old vehicle. The mileage accumulation appears consistent between September 2022 and 2024, with a gap of 6,431 miles recorded over those two years. However, the jump of 9,284 miles between September 2024 and September 2025 shows a period of higher usage that likely accelerated the degradation of the steering rack and suspension components noted in the latest inspection. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front steering and suspension assembly. The recorded play in the nearside front steering rack inner joints is a significant concern that can affect handling precision and tire wear. Additionally, the offside rear brake binding should be tested for a seized caliper or a sticking piston, as this leads to uneven pad wear and potential overheating. Given the previous history of uneven tyre wear in 2023, the current buyer should also verify the alignment settings to ensure the steering rack issues have not caused permanent damage to the tyres.