A great day to pick up TI #6 today. About a 170 mile round trip to get a 1997 (10/96) Alpineweib III Sport Slicktop Auto. Thanks James for looking up the VIN on short notice. This will replace my Son's 94 325i Sedan.
Initially it would not start. I pulled and cleaned the plugs and hooked up a jump battery. Started right up afterwards and drove on to the trailer.
I picked it up as it had a straight body and somewhat clean interior. All the missing trim was in the trunk, so I simply need the clips.
Its odd that it has a standard rear bumper cover. The VIN lookup shows it was built as a Sport. I suspect it was rear ended and repaired sans the sport cover. I have a spare M-Tech bumper to paint and swap in.
The rear hatch lock is not releasing. I'll remedy that tomorrow.
It has just over 107k on the ODO. It needs a head gasket, but overall it appears in renewable shape. Actually runs smooth once the white cloud dissipated. All the plugs were loose. Oil in Cyl 2, looks like rust residue on the spark boot on Cyl1. Cyls 3 and 4 looked good. Plug 2 was the only one fouled. The oil looks clean/normal and there's no oil in the coolant. The radiator is pressurizing quickly tho, after running a short time.
Aside from the headliner, the interior is 7 of 10. Looks like it was retrofitted with Cruise Control. Driver seat needs a little repair, but actually pretty minor and just needs some cleanup. I have a OBD from my parts car with all the wiring. Perhaps I can retrofit it into this car.
Couldn't resist spinning around the block for a moment. Auto tranny (Ugh) shifts nicely and pulls well. The suspension is reasonably drivable, responsive and not sloppy.
Aside from the head gasket, the driver door window is off track and the jammed hatch lock. Minor stuff... On the bright side, the PO just installed a new radiator, hoses and water pump before he figured out he actually had a head gasket issue. Also has a nice stereo in place, I'll drop in a set of refurbished rear speakers in with better mid bass. I have an Alarm/keyless entry I'll drop in as well.
I'll drop off a M44 head next week to get cleaned up, checked and surfaced to get it running again. The timing tools arrived this week. I'll swap heads when I have a ready one.
Now, I just have to get the 95 parts car shell out of the driveway and park this one for the moment to finish up the work on it. My wife is looking to confiscate the wheels off the car as my son has other ideas. I love that everyone in the house loves their TI's.
Thanks Chelsea for hanging on to this TI till I was ready to pick it up.
No more TI's or other BMWs for awhile... Eight is enough... (Unless a Dakar TI shows up...)
Another one for my Son... 
Threaded Mode