Car overheated. Engine not frozen. Won't start

[andyscadlock]

I am thinking about buying a 2000 BMW 323i, but the owner claims it overheated and now the engine turns over but it won't start. I am just curious if anyone else has experience with this problem. I also am curious to how much an new/rebuilt engine would cost. Please advise it you know of any websites for used/rebuilt/new engines. Thanks in advance, Andy

[Steve323i99]

Is the owner someone that you know? How much is the purchase price? How many miles? Do you know what happen when "it over heated"? Is the CEL on, if so try to get the ODBII codes read.
Could be as simple as the cooling system needs to be replaced. Could be as bad as a couple of bent vales and other problems.
As far as an engine replacement? seems like it would be easier to find a car that's not broke.

[andyscadlock]

I don't know the owner. The car has 114,020 miles. I think I can get it for around 2K. The cheap price is the only reason I am interested in it. The car is in exellent condition. The owner says he just had a new transmission installed about 5,000 miles ago. Seems like a good deal if I can get it running or find a engine cheap. I really don't have much experience when it comes to BMW. I appreciate all the help I can get.

Thanks,
Andy

[witeshark]

I'd be very careful about that car.