With the new 325iS and 333i for South Africa, BMW proves that good things always come in twos. With a 2-series tandem in retro style, the luxury brand delivers a one-two victory against the rest of the coupé competition. The former is based on the M240i xDrive, while the latter is launched as the M2. A new video shows both sides of the Homage Edition, each limited to just 33 copies.
Even though the dynamic duo premiered last week, we’re still getting used to seeing a 2 with a name that starts with “3.” Some may find it confusing, but BMW insists the move makes sense as the Homage Editions pay homage to the E30. As for why the South African branch has waited until now to honor these locally exclusive special editions, 2025 seems appropriate. After all, the 3 Series is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Similar to the press photos, the video highlights the 325iS in fire red and the 333i in Zandvoort blue. Both Homage Edition models are available in other colors, but only the M2-based cars get those sweet ALPINA wheels. Hopefully this is a sign that more M cars will adopt the iconic alloy design in the future. Right now it makes perfect sense to have them on the 333i. As a refresher, the original E30 version also carried a set from Buchloe. The modern “Triple 3” also honors its ancestor with the characteristic M stripes.
The video also shows the newcomers and their inspirations from the E30 era. Interestingly, the carbon rear spoiler of the 325iS comes from the M Performance Parts catalog, but with a special feature. It was painted to match the body color, as was the upper spoiler mounted on the rear window. The black door handles are also available exclusively for the Homage Edition.
Given the decades in between, it’s admittedly difficult to reconcile the aesthetics of the M240i or M2 with that of the 325iS or 333i. Still, BMW did an impressive job injecting nostalgia into the G42 and its G87 counterpart with what was available in its parts warehouse. Developing a full-fledged E30 Tribute would have been prohibitively expensive and hard to justify for such a small project.
BMW also launched another retro-style 2 Series special this month alongside the 325iS and 333i. The United States gets an expensive manual transmission M2 inspired by the 2002 Turbo. According to reports, around 300 copies are planned.
