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Hi Jack,

I have taken my car to a mechanic for a premium service which consist of a 72 point vehicle inspection. Part of the 72 inspection are "suspension bushes", "suspension/steering boots" and "ball joints". If the mechanic has done the specific inspection above, would they have noticed if there is any problem with the front lower control arm or if it would require replacement to pass WOF.

They have also replaced the coolant expansion tank with a new one which was leaking, 5 months later, it appears that it is still leaking. This car is only driven weekends if that and around the city centre. Would I be able to have a standing to take it back to the mechanic or should I expect this kind of issue as a norm for this model?

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Ann

If the service stipulated a steering and suspension check, then these components should have been inspected.
However, reading between the lines I'm assuming your car has failed a WoF on the lower control arm bushes subsequent to the service???
These bushes are something of a bone of contention on BMWs. As they are subject to rotational stress, they can exhibit some cracking even when they may still have life left in them. Also, depending on whether they are inspected "hanging" or "supported" they can appear differently. So if the car was checked on a jack or 2 post hoist, they could appear different to if they were inspected on the ground or a 4 post hoist.
Also, they can be open to interpretation - one mechanic may deem them to be servicable while another may condemn them due to cracks appearing.
So, if I have understood your question correctly, it may be that neither mechanic at fault, they may just both have a different opinion as to the servicability of the bushes.
Regarding the coolant tank, a new tank should not fail within 5 months. So assuming the leak you have now is coming from the new tank, it should be covered by warranty so you should go back to the mechanic who fitted it.