BMW South Africa has unveiled two specials – a coupe named “325iS” and its more upmarket counterpart known as “333i Homage Edition”. Hiding behind the confusing naming are the latest BMW M240i and M2, just aged to look like Africa’s legendary E30 3-Series that were made in the SAR throughout the 1980s and ‘90s.
Only 33 units of each special edition will be made. Starting with the BMW 325iS, it wears a new aero kit including a distinct front splitter and a rear wing, and rides on exclusive 20-inch wheels. The cabin comes draped in Uberkaro plaid fabric in a stylistic nod to the iconic E30.
In turn, the 333i Homage Edition boasts carbon-fiber body extensions, a special livery, Alpina-inspired wheels and carbon-backed seats in the cabin. The powertrain and tech stay stock M2.
The entire production run will be auctioned off in South Africa, with the M240i priced from 1,435,000 Rand and the M2 starting at 1,960,000 Rand before any bidding.
The original BMW 333i went on sale in the SAR in 1985, advertised as a local alternative to the M3. It was later upgraded to a racing spec called 325iS, which proceeded to take part in local “Group N” racing series.
