2017 BMW 218 2.0L Diesel · YB66 UTA

The most recent MOT was on 2026-02-18 — just over four months ago — and it passed at 96,494 miles. However, the rear passenger seat was missing at the time, which is a safety and legal requirement for the test. That same defect caused a failure the day before, on 2026-02-17, alongside a serious offside rear tyre cut deep enough to expose ply or cords — a dangerous, immediate fail. The recurring issue is the missing rear passenger seat — present in both February 2026 tests — suggesting it’s been deliberately removed or not reinstalled after service. No other recurring mechanical faults appear across the history. Tyre wear was noted in 2024 (front outer edges), and a worn/pitted offside rear brake disc was flagged that same year — but neither recurred in later tests, implying those items were likely addressed. The condition trend is mixed: mechanically stable overall (four passes in five years, with only one serious failure in 2026 linked to the tyre), but with a persistent non-compliance item (seat) that raises questions about vehicle presentation and owner diligence. The 2025 and 2023 MOTs were clean; the 2024 test showed minor wear items; the 2026 failure was acute and repairable — so the underlying reliability appears sound, but attention to detail is inconsistent. At 96,494 miles over nine years, the car averages ~10,722 miles per year — broadly typical for UK use. This suggests no obvious pattern of excessive hard use or long-term storage.