BMW’s influence on South African motoring is a patriotic story cherished by local enthusiasts. The 325iS was our very own M3 to take on the likes of the 3.0l Giulias, XR8 Fords and Opel Superbosses around our local tracks. All of these were made right here in South Africa. The 325iS stood out from the bunch and has become one of, if not the, most sought-after cars in South Africa. Before the 325iS, the 333i was our first local BMW legend with its road-conquering energy and Frankenstein-esque engine configuration all wrapped up with Alpina wheels. It too, is an icon, one whose exclusivity has made it a rare masterpiece across the globe, with green and gold DNA.
We received an invitation a few weeks ago, but this one was different. It posed an intriguing scene. “Come and join us as we celebrate BMW South Africa’s history from the 80s and 90s with two new reveals.” We thought, “Surely they are going to reveal two refurbished classics to us, because there is no way they would build new ones.” Boy, were we wrong. The Homage Editions, built on the 2-series platform and technically based on the 240i and M2, feature South Africans’ favourite numbers: 325iS and 333i.
So there is clearly a lot to unpack here, but before we start. Let’s disclose a few fast facts: these two cars are built in Mexico and then adapted here in South Africa to become highly exclusive Homage pieces. Only 33 examples of both cars will be made, and the 333i will have 5 manual options. So what are these 2-Series-looking monsters?
The first is the 325iS Homage. It’s effectively an M240i with all the trick bits you could ask for. M Performance Exhaust, 20-inch M Performance Heritage wheels with M Performance decals, and a carbon fibre wing which is, of course, a touch taken from the original, along with a second wing above the rear window. Inside, the centre console is upholstered in the original E30 Uberkaro pattern. And it is all wrapped up with a commemorative plaque by the gear lever.
The second model up is the 333i Homage, which was originally famed for its massive engine and Alpina wheels. The formula is pretty much the same on this special new machine. It’s an M2, so we have a pretty potent S58 engine. The 333i too, has Alpina wheels, and they sure look the part. Besides the obvious wheels and M2 silhouette, there are other noticeable features. Firstly, the waistline decals running from the bonnet to the back are a touch which was originally used on the 333i making this new one that much cooler. This one also comes with all the performance parts extras, such as the centre quad tailpipes in the back, the carbon lip spoiler in the back, the carbon splitter in the front, and the same E30 Uberkaro and commemorative plaque inside. I must say there have been few reveals where a car is as exciting as this 333i Homage.
Technically these cars aren’t a total overhaul of the 2-Series and M2, but rather the familiar car that we know with some Mzansi flair. This doesn’t come as a surprise, as the days of locally producing and manufacturing our very own exclusive metal have passed. But this is a real hurrah to the glory days of South African motoring and shows that we Saffers can have something special. These cars will only be available in our market, so it has exclusivity on its side. But you can’t just go to the dealers and buy one. Each of these 66 models will be auctioned off soon, and all proceeds will go to charity. It’s a beautiful story for two beautiful cars; only now they have been re-envisioned. We think they’re gorgeous.
