F31 330d - should I be concerned on lack of use?

[GraemeP]

Long story short, I’m looking at a 2014 F31 330d that was last serviced this time 2 years ago and is due again now. Checking the MOT history it did 1,300 miles last year, and 300 the year before - it’s covered 44k in total.

When I asked about the use, due to COVID it had only done lots of very short journeys, and nothing long.

It’s a private sale, should I go and view and buy on condition, or run a mile with fears of DPF issues and other concerns?

Thanks in advance for any opinions or experiences.

[RUSSELLM]

If it’s been sat there doing nothing, DPF should be fine. You could argue Three hundred journeys of just One mile, might not do it much good, but I doubt that’s the case.

If it’s got service history and you’re worried about repairs, you could always by the BMW extended warranty.

Edit... if the DPF’s not knackered on the test drive, and you’re intending to give it the odd run, you should be good to go.

Edited by RUSSELLM on Tuesday 15th June 14:55

[AI1601]

If it's from Birmingham or Bradford be wary of it being clocked back.

[Court_S]

If it’s not miles away, I’d go and see it. You’ll get a feel for the owner etc.

Given the impact of COVID, it could well be the reason for lack of use.

[Phil Dicky]

AI1601 said:

If it's from Birmingham or Bradford be wary of it being clocked back.

Jesus Christ...talk about a sweeping statement...

[Court_S]

Phil Dicky said:

AI1601 said:

If it's from Birmingham or Bradford be wary of it being clocked back.

Jesus Christ...talk about a sweeping statement...

Yup. Bought my 330 from a chap in Birmingham and it was one of the best cars I’ve owned. Did a few checks etc and everything checked out.

[curvature]

I wouldn't worry, I bought my 2012 F31 330d in 2017 with 500 miles on the clock. Yes 500 miles in 5 years!

I put 70k on it and then swapped it for my current 640d GC last year. I still regret selling the 330d.

[Collectingbrass]

Get a full HPI report for the guarantee and if you're really bothered get a Carly Code reader and app, that will check all the mileage storage locations in the various control modules.

When you're offering on it I would budget for an aircon regas, a brake fluid change, a new battery and an Inspection 2 service (regardless of what the onboard says). I'd check the manufacture date on the tyres too.

Once you've got it I would find a long straight camera free road and give it some beans for 20 minutes. Then I'd run it normally through a couple of tanks of premium diesel, another round of beans then you should be good to go.

[smashy]

Another thing to maybe be concerned with is that will be a euro 5 diesel and more and more towns are hitting those with ulez zones.I just would not consider it on that basis.My wonderful F30 30d is having to go 7 years old bought new.Mayor Khans extended ulez coming oct has put paid to it. .

Edited by smashy on Wednesday 16th June 23:15