Multiple MOT

[t90ark]

I'm looking at an auc X5 30d SE from Sytner in Essex. It has 2 previous owners with last owner change 31/12/19. Looking at the cars MOT history, it had 3 MOT's and covered about 1200 miles only in 2019. I've asked questions and am awaiting answers.

What are the thoughts on the 3 MOT's?

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous.

[X5Sport]

Were any of them failures? You can check the MOT history on line (if you weren’t aware). That might be why it had three. Might have had a couple of quick owner changes or Dealer changes?

My X6 had two last year after a bulge was found in a tyre during the normal check and it had to be retested (for free) a week later. Shows up as 2 checks.

[t90ark]

Pased them all. Its passed all its MOT's tbf.

In its first 3 years it covered 28 odd K miles. Next 2 years, MOT's a year apart and 16/17k miles covered - pretty consistent mileage over 5 years. Then in 2019 only about 1300 miles and 3 MOT's.

I might be concerened about nothing but it does seem odd.

[X5Sport]

Certainly unusual, and I would be curious too. Probably something really simple and innocent but still worth a question or two

Even with AUC you need to go over the car with a very fine tooth comb. Dealers are known for keeping quiet and getting the AUC Warranty to pay up for anything wrong afterwards - like most used warranties I expect. AUC doesn’t have the best reputation on here. Nail the Dealers hide to the car park Anew set of tyres will cost you £1k so if they are either non approved tyres (no ‘*’ on the sidewall) or more than 1.5mm difference between any tyre, get them to replace them foc.

[t90ark]

Good tip about the tyres, thanks.

Is that for the transfer box wind up? I thought was resolved?

[Leslie]

Probably been sitting in more than 1 dealer in 2019 hence the low miles and after say 3 months they shift it on if not sold to another dealer.

[X5Sport]

Good tip about the tyres, thanks.

Is that for the transfer box wind up? I thought was resolved?

Transmission wind up will happen in cars with excess tread depth differences or poor tyre choice, especially with staggered wheel sets (wider at rear). There is no fix other than staying ‘in tolerance’. BMW now also allow some models to use MOE (Mercedes Original - Extended) marked tyres.

A good check is a low speed drive at full lock in both directions and in reverse. Any jerkiness could indicate a growing issue with the diffs or transfer box.

You didn’t say the year, but if it’s a 2011 model year (built from Oct 2010) then the front propshaft needs careful checking due to UJ failure (corrosion). Most have been done, but the inspection quality is highly variable and some deemed to be fine have snapped soon after! The damage can be catastrophic to the bottom of the engine.

[t90ark]

Thanks for that.

Its a 2014 MY.

[X5Sport]

In that case it will have the later version used to fix the earlier (and breaking) type

[t90ark]

Thanks for the advice I'll put it into practice on Tuesday.

[t90ark]

Well, that turned out to be a bust.

Collision damage to rear bumper. Something has happened to the bonnet - fitted twisted and signs of repair along the front edges. Scratches to the drivers door.

Shame but there are others.

[X5Sport]

And even in that state it got an AUC with it? That dealer must have been desperate to sell the previous owner a new car!

Sorry that it didn’t work out, and as you say, there are others

[t90ark]

I was dissapointed, to be honest.

I expected more from a BMW dealer.

[Leslie]

Doesn't sound fit to be on the forecourt best left plenty about as said.