Help...new to bimmers!

[xallenx1]

First post and wanting to get help on what to look for in a 97 328i convertible. I'm a Volvo guy and has worked on my cars but not too familiar with the BMW. PO said thermostat and fan is new. How can I make sure head gasket is not leaking? Also the car has 124k miles. Asking price is 2k. It has new rear tires plus new convertible top. It needs the motor for the top, two window motor, r side mirror and has a cracked windshield. What would be a reasonable price to offer? Anything else I need to look for. PO also reports no fluid leaks and was timing chain replaced. But not sure if water pump was also changed.

[BimmerDude3]

Look at the rear shock mounts, look to make sure the support bracing underneath the chassis is in place. You'd have to do a compression/leak down test to see how strong the cylinders are which wouldn't be worth it. 2K is cheap listen to the motor and see how it sounds. Look up the price of the vert top motor, working with verts is always a pain. An alignment check can also help you determine the health of the chassis.

[xallenx1]

Thanks for the advise. Is there a picture online of the support bracing? How do I test to make sure the PCV is not clogged?

[BimmerDude3]

Fault codes.