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Hello everyone, I would really appreciate it if you could tell me whether this is a decent purchase and what things to look out for.
I've come across a 2014 320D M-Sport Touring manual that meets nearly all of my requirements; it's being sold nearby for £4,000. There is a complete history of servicing, and the inside and exterior are both spotless, however the mileage is 190,000 miles.
Now that we're in the crystal ball phase, but overall, would you recommend it as a good investment or tell others to get out of there quickly?
My first thoughts are the timing belt and clutch, but are there any other significant and costly components that should be inspected as well?
I am grateful.
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A 320D M-Sport that has clocked 190,000 km
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Edmonston33
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:45 pm
At this point, unless it has already been done, I would assume that the suspension needs refreshing. Those original shocks are definitely not in excellent functioning condition. All four shocks with brackets and, if not the front control arms, then at least one of those bushes has to be broken.
Your reaction and suggestions are much appreciated.
I hope the recommendations for the worn rear brake pads and two tires were addressed at the last MOT in December, but there was no mention of suspension problems.
I will be on the lookout for shocks, suspension arms, and bushes, since there should be a plethora of old repair receipts.
This is the precise kind of response I was expecting to receive, therefore I'm grateful for the information.
I hope the recommendations for the worn rear brake pads and two tires were addressed at the last MOT in December, but there was no mention of suspension problems.
I will be on the lookout for shocks, suspension arms, and bushes, since there should be a plethora of old repair receipts.
This is the precise kind of response I was expecting to receive, therefore I'm grateful for the information.
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Edmonston33
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:45 pm
One issue with shocks is that a MOT report would only be filed in the event of very evident oil leakage.
At around 8 years old and 110k miles, I changed the shocks on an earlier E92.
In addition to showing no indications of oil leakage, three of the removed shocks exhibited no rebound. Before the broken shocks and no MOT warnings, the vehicle did not have any problems when driving. However, after installing the new shocks, the ride was drastically different, with a marked improvement in body roll. Not sure if the new control arms made a difference, because the previous ones appeared OK :giggle:, however I did replace them a few months later. I intended to hold on to it for a while because I was doing everything by myself and the parts were inexpensive from Autodoc.
If I weren't planning on replacing them, I'd save up for at least four shocks and rubber mounts. Look for cracks in the control arms with a crowbar. Those shocks have seen better days after twelve years and that many miles.
At around 8 years old and 110k miles, I changed the shocks on an earlier E92.
In addition to showing no indications of oil leakage, three of the removed shocks exhibited no rebound. Before the broken shocks and no MOT warnings, the vehicle did not have any problems when driving. However, after installing the new shocks, the ride was drastically different, with a marked improvement in body roll. Not sure if the new control arms made a difference, because the previous ones appeared OK :giggle:, however I did replace them a few months later. I intended to hold on to it for a while because I was doing everything by myself and the parts were inexpensive from Autodoc.
If I weren't planning on replacing them, I'd save up for at least four shocks and rubber mounts. Look for cracks in the control arms with a crowbar. Those shocks have seen better days after twelve years and that many miles.
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ALJohns_34
- Posts: 31
- Joined: Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:39 pm
Review the invoices to determine the actions taken.
Check for further oil changes, which are recommended at 6 or 7 july, to get a sense of how well it has been maintained.
It should have been completed by now, but check the receipt to make sure the components are authentic.
Additionally, whenever I examine a car from the outside, I prefer to start it up. Before I do so, I politely ask the owner not to start it before I arrive. I then use my hand to listen for any unusual noises or rattles that disappear quickly.
Check for further oil changes, which are recommended at 6 or 7 july, to get a sense of how well it has been maintained.
It should have been completed by now, but check the receipt to make sure the components are authentic.
Additionally, whenever I examine a car from the outside, I prefer to start it up. Before I do so, I politely ask the owner not to start it before I arrive. I then use my hand to listen for any unusual noises or rattles that disappear quickly.