2018 BMW 116 1.5L Diesel · WM18 DMU

The most recent MOT on 18 December 2025 resulted in a failure, with major faults recorded for the nearside front headlamp, an inability to test its aim, an off‑side headlamp aim that is too low and a dangerous condition on the nearside rear tyre whose tread is below the legal 1.6 mm limit. An advisory was also issued for the front tyres being close to the legal limit and for a rear oil leak that was not deemed excessive. This represents a clear deterioration from the preceding three years, each of which produced a clean pass with no defects recorded, indicating that the vehicle’s maintenance and condition have worsened in the most recent period. The odometer reads 66,044 mi on a 2018 model, equating to roughly 8,250 mi per annum – a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical UK average for a car of this age. There are no obvious spikes in mileage that would suggest a period of intensive use, nor are there long gaps that would point to prolonged storage, although the relatively low annual distance could mean that some components have been subject to ageing rather than wear. The modest mileage generally implies that major wear items such as the engine, transmission and chassis may still have useful life, but the tyre condition and lighting faults highlight that time‑related deterioration is now becoming a factor. Prospective buyers should treat the tyre situation as an immediate priority. The rear tyre must be replaced before the vehicle can be legally driven, and the front tyres should be inspected for uneven edge wear, cracking or hardening of the rubber, which can be caused by mis‑alignment, worn suspension bushes or incorrect tyre pressures. Verify that the new tyres are fitted to the correct specifications and that the wheel alignment is checked and corrected. The headlamp failures must be remedied; replace the faulty units, ensure the bulbs are of the correct type and have the correct wattage, and have the aim adjusted to meet the statutory dip‑beam and low‑beam angles. The rear oil leak, while not classified as excessive, should be traced – look for oil spots on the ground, inspect the rear differential and oil sump seals, and confirm that the oil level is correct and that there are no signs of contamination or metal particles. Beyond the recorded defects, a thorough mechanical appraisal is advisable. Examine the suspension components – especially the front and rear bushes, ball joints and coil springs – for any play, cracking or corrosion that could contribute to tyre edge wear. Test the braking system for pedal feel, pad thickness and disc condition; listen for any shudder or squeal under moderate braking, and check that the calipers move freely without binding. Given the vehicle is eight years old, have the 12‑volt battery load‑tested and assess the condition of the electrolyte and terminal connections. Inspect the under‑carriage for rust, especially around the exhaust, chassis rails and wheel arches, and verify that all fluid services (engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and gearbox oil) have been performed in line with BMW’s time‑or‑mileage intervals, as fluid degradation can occur even with low mileage. A brief test‑drive should reveal any abnormal noises, vibrations or handling quirks that would warrant further investigation before committing to purchase.