Hi, I need an advise in buying 320D. I am planning to buy a 3 series 2018 320D M sport model 77k miles in total. Everything looks good. Has got all service history. Only issue is that when I checked the front side, I can see that crankcase breather pipe is damaged which cause some oil leaks appearing on the pipe. If the dealer say they will replace that, would I consider buying that car. Or this is a starting of all problems. And walk away without buying. Is this leak is a common issue ?. Please advise.

Edited Thursday at 08:04 PM1 day by Willy Joe

Morning Willy

Welcome to the Forum

As the breather forms part of the emission control it should be changed. Other than that if the cars History is good and general condition looks to match 70k wear pedal rubbers, seats, tyres etc then you have a decision to make without seeing the car it is virtually impossible for us to give an opinion

Good Luck

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thank you so much for the reply.

I have checked the following.

Almost got new brake pads (all almost 12mm thickness), brake fluid next service is due on after 18000 miles, disc (22, 23 mm front and 18,19 mm for rear), tyres have got 6mm thread, 12 v battery has 90% capacity, not a category vehicle, no rusting is visible, not a category vehicle and have done major service like engine oil, micro-filter, air cleaner element, fuel filter on this January. I know I have to find a small amount for clutch replacement within in 80 to 100k.

I have checked the engine bay. There no other leaks appear to me than this sweating from breather hose ( there was a crack on the breather hose).

My question is that breather hose damage can be considered as a normal cause due to age. Or it can be a alarming situation for other leaks to start appearing.

Hi Joe

I change Vac lines and breather hoses as a service item on our cars 2 X5's and Wife's Subaru Outback all are serviced annually to manufacturers standards by myself (son says I have OCD 🤣) any rubber hoses showing signs of degrading are changed as a matter of course so I wouldn't worry as long as its changed. Oil and rubber are not best friends and as your potential purchase is around 7 years old it is quite likely near end of service.

Subaru is a 2004 3.0 has 164k on the clock and runs like a Swiss watch BMW E53 4.6is 137k like the Subaru runs really well BMW E70 3.0d 138k as the other two.

Dave