How to check an engine when purchasing? (S54)

[ali123]

Hey guys so I've got a good deal from a parts breaker for an S54 but I want to make sure that I'm not getting into a whole load of shit. So this is a stolen car that was auctioned off by the insurance company and he picked it up. Problem is it only starts up for 4 seconds and then goes off. He says that he dropped the oil pan and everything looks good. Doesn't make any weird noises for those 4 seconds. The O2 and TPS wires are cut up though and he's guessing that's shorting it out. The dude has good rep on a bunch of BMW forums but I'm wondering if I can get him to do anything else to make sure the engine is fine?

Thanks

[slammin.e28]

Compression and/or leakdown tests.

Otherwise....go set eyes on it.

[ali123]

Ok so I asked him to remove the head and he did. Now he's telling me that the insurance company thought the motor was bad so they totaled it but apparently he found rocks in the head and that was making the noise. Someone put them in the oil cap. The engine is looking clean. Thing is I'm worried the rocks might've made some serious damage?

[F34R]

How much is he asking? is it worth getting a head to replace that one?

[R3Z3N]

"Dude is definitely sketch"

Why do people try to fool themselves into a purchase they know will dissatisfy themselves?

[ali123]

He's asking 2k. Sigh I think I'll pass on this one. I'm going to be installing aftermarket cams and typical maintanence but definitely not whole rebuild for that price....

[phreshkid]

Where is he located? Wouldn't be Sacramento, Ca, would it?

[Habla]

Rocks in the engine? Run. Run away

[JinormusJ]

Where is he located? Wouldn't be Sacramento, Ca, would it?

I know of a few people in sac with s54s just laying about...

[mr2peak]

Rocks in the engine? Run. Run away

Yeah. I can't believe this was even a question.