BMW South Africa Unveils Limited-Edition 325iS Homage & 333i Homage: A Tribute to ’90s Cult Classics

BMW South Africa Unleashes Limited-Edition 325iS Homage and 333i Homage, Celebrating Cult Classics of the ’90s

BMW Group South Africa has unveiled two incredibly exclusive, auction-only models: the 325iS Homage and 333i Homage. These limited-run specials pay tribute to two legendary BMW 3-series models from the early 1990s—the “Gusheshe” 325iS and the “Triple-3i” 333i—which achieved cult status in South Africa’s motorsport and car communities. Built on the modern BMW M240i xDrive and BMW M2 respectively, these Homage editions fuse contemporary performance with evocative heritage styling, creating modern machines with an old soul that celebrate local legends.

The ’90s Legends: “Gusheshe” and “Triple-3i”

To understand the significance of these Homage editions, one must look back at their South African predecessors.

• BMW 325iS (“Gusheshe”):
  • Built for homologation into Group N touring car racing, the 325iS was a true “homegrown Skunkworks project.”
  • BMW South Africa added region-specific upgrades, including a limited-slip differential, a more powerful Alpina-tuned engine, M Sport suspension, and a distinctive performance-oriented body kit.
  • Known affectionately as the “Gusheshe” (Zulu for “very fast”), it became a motorsport icon.
• BMW 333i (“Triple-3i”):
  • Locally produced in very limited numbers, the 333i was South Africa’s high-performance answer to the E30-generation M3, which wasn’t sold in the region.
  • It featured a massive 3.2-liter straight-six engine developed by Alpina, along with a body kit, rear lip spoiler, revised suspension, and Alpina’s signature 20-spoke 16-inch wheels.
• Cultural Icons: Both vehicles transcended their racing origins to become cult icons within South Africa’s car culture, particularly in local motorsport like “spinning,” inspiring a generation of enthusiasts.

Modern Tributes with Performance Pedigree

The new Homage editions are not just cosmetic tributes; they are based on high-performance modern 2-Series cars.

• 325iS Homage:
  • Built on the BMW M240i xDrive.
  • Powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • Equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 4.3 seconds.
• 333i Homage:
  • Based on the more powerful BMW M2.
  • Features a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, delivering a potent 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.
  • Sprints from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in just 4 seconds.
• Nostalgic Styling Cues: While mechanically similar to their 2-Series foundations, both Homage editions feature unique styling elements designed to evoke nostalgia:
  • 325iS Homage: Double rear spoiler, heritage-style wheels, and an armrest covered in original second-generation Überkaro tartan upholstery—a direct reference to the E30 interiors of that era. Each car has a “1 of 33” plaque.
  • 333i Homage: 20-spoke Alpina wheels (modeled after the originals), “333i Homage” decals, quad exhaust pipes, bespoke spoilers, carbon bucket seats, and the iconic Überkaro tartan armrest.
• Limited Colors: Both editions are available in a selection of limited colors that pay homage to the era.

Exclusive Auction for South African Enthusiasts

These ultra-limited collector’s items are exclusively for the South African market.

• Ultra-Limited Production: Only 33 examples of each model (66 cars total) will be built.
• Auction Only: They will be available exclusively via an online auction beginning October 21.
• Pricing: Reserve prices start at R1,435,000 (~$82,938 USD) for the 325iS Homage and R1,960,000 (~$113,281 USD) for the 333i Homage.
• Heritage with Purpose: Rob Gearing, General Manager of Customer Support at BMW Group South Africa, highlighted that these vehicles celebrate history and aim to create “a positive impact through charitable giving.”

This unique tribute from BMW showcases a deep appreciation for its regional heritage and the passionate enthusiasts who transformed these cars into global icons, making this a truly special event for South African gearheads.

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