These Limited-Edition BMWs Pay Homage to Some Local Legends

In the 90s, these special BMW E30s became cult classics in South Africa

One of the coolest things about cars is that some models transcend their metal to become cultural icons. In South Africa, two special BMW 3-series models from the early 1990s achieved exactly that status, and now they’re getting a modern tribute that’s as exclusive as it is meaningful.

In a recent announcement, BMW Group South Africa has just unveiled the 325iS Homage and 333i Homage editions, limited-run specials that celebrate two of the country’s most legendary performance machines. 

The 90s legends behind BMW’s special tribute models

If you grew up as a gearhead in South Africa during the ‘80s and ‘90s, these names may be very familiar. Built for homologation into Group N touring car racing, the BMW 325iS, also lovingly known as the “Gusheshe” (Zulu term meaning “very fast”), wasn’t just a car; it was a homegrown Skunkworks project made to tear up the South African racing scene. BMW’s South African division added region-specific upgrades like a limited-slip differential, a more powerful Alpina-tuned engine, M Sport suspension, and a performance-oriented body kit to make it stand out from its international siblings.

During the same period, BMW South Africa also produced the 333i, colloquially known as the “Triple-3i,” a special-edition, hardcore 3-series that was locally produced in very limited numbers. Developed as South Africa’s answer to the E30-generation M3 that wasn’t sold there, the 333i was developed as a high-performance answer with some beefy upgrades over the standard 3-Series. Under the hood was a massive 3.2-liter straight-six developed by Alpina, and with it came a whole host of performance goodies like a body kit, rear lip spoiler, revised suspension, and Alpina’s signature 20-spoke 16-inch wheels.

These vehicles became cult icons, largely in part due to the local motorsport known as “spinning” and the car community that treated these Ultimate Driving Machines as aspirational figures. In a promotional video for BMW South Africa, South African TV host and car personality Victor Pardal said that he was just nine years old when he first laid eyes on a 325iS and witnessed how it brought people together.

“I was just in awe,” Pardal said. “[…] We started it up, and everybody just hovered around and watched it drive off. It was just an epic, epic moment in my life.”

These tributes are modern machines with an old soul

The new Homage editions produced by BMW South Africa aren’t just purely cosmetic artworks that are all show and no go; they’re proper special 2-Series cars that build on the performance heritage of its spiritual ancestors. 

The 325iS Homage utilizes the core components of the BMW M240i xDrive as its foundation. It packs a 3.0-liter inline-six churning out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, it’s capable of blasting from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Meanwhile, the 333i Homage builds on the more powerful BMW M2, which features a 3.0-liter inline-six delivering 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque straight to the rear wheels. With this potent offering, the 333i Homage sprints to 100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 4 seconds. 

While eagle-eyed BMW fans will notice that these Homage editions remain mechanically unchanged from the 2-Series vehicles that BMW South Africa has used as a canvas, it hasn’t failed to create something that triggers nostalgia in South Africa’s longtime BMW fans.

The 325iS Homage features revised styling that incorporates elements from the original E30 Gusheshe, including a double rear spoiler, heritage-style wheels, and, perhaps most charmingly, an armrest covered in original second-generation Überkaro tartan upholstery —a direct reference to the interiors of the E30s from this era. Each car also gets a special “1 of 33” plaque and is available in limited colors, including Mineral White, Sapphire Black, Skyscraper Grey, and Fire Red.

However, the more powerful 333i Homage gets 20-spoke Alpina wheels modeled after the originals, special “333i Homage” decals, quad exhaust pipes, bespoke spoilers, carbon bucket seats, and an armrest also finished in the iconic Überkaro tartan. Like the 325iS, it’ll only come in limited colors that include Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Brooklyn Grey, Zandvoort Blue, and Fire Red.

Since its 2022 global launch, the BMW 2 Series Coupé has been celebrated as a spiritual successor to the E30-generation 3 Series from both a styling and performance standpoint. In a statement, Rob Gearing, General Manager of Customer Support at BMW Group South Africa, noted that these vehicles act as a perfect canvas for remastering these South African legends.

“The BMW 325iS and 333i are more than cars — they are part of South Africa’s story,” Gearing said. “The Homage editions bring that history into the present, celebrating our connection to these icons while creating a positive impact through charitable giving. It is heritage with purpose.”

Final thoughts

Unfortunately for international BMW fans, these vehicles will only be available in South Africa. Just 33 examples of each model will be built —66 cars total —exclusively available via online auction. Reserve prices start at R1,435,000 (~$82,938) for the 325iS Homage and R1,960,000 (~$113,281) for the 333i Homage. The auction kicks off on October 21, and South African BMW fans can register at BMW’s South African website. 

It’s not every day that a big automaker like BMW would tip its hat towards automotive legends that have cult status, but instances like these are incredibly special. Although these collector’s items are ultra-limited edition vehicles, BMW’s fitting tribute to local South African legends like the 325iS Gusheshe and 333i shows that it cares about its heritage and the enthusiasts who turned its cars into unique icons that gathered fans all over the world.