The 333i was a joint effort between BMW, BMW Motorsport and ALPINA and was an E30 exclusive to South Africa. Designed as a replacement for the M3, which was never sold there, only 204 units were built between 1985 and 1986. At its heart was the M30B33, a 3.2-liter engine that was not installed in any other second-generation 3 Series. Even more intriguing was the choice customers had to make between power steering and air conditioning due to packaging limitations.
With the new 333i Homage, buyers don’t have to worry about this limitation. The name might suggest it’s based on the 3 Series, but that’s clearly not the case. Instead, BMW South Africa is introducing an M2 in one of the most spectacular G87 configurations to date. Yes, those are ALPINA wheels on an M2, and we’re wondering why it took so long to get this combination together. It is a special nod to his ancestor, who also wore Buchloe alloys.
Another classic retro touch is the M stripe that runs across the vehicle’s profile and trunk. The famous blue-purple-red motif can also be found in one of the kidney grilles. As if the M2 wasn’t eye-catching enough, an upgrade from the M Performance Parts catalog features a center exhaust with stacked ends and a titanium muffler that saves around 8 kilograms. The carbon add-on parts also come from BMW’s M accessories range.
Although shown here in Zandvoort Blue, the 333i Homage is also available in Alpine White, Sapphire Black and Fire Red. Inside, it’s a typical G87 affair, but with a twist. BMW dresses the center console in over-checkered tartan to evoke the 325iS, an M240i xDrive special edition that was also unveiled today. A memorial plaque also points out the exclusivity: 33 cars.
BMW South Africa does not sell this car on a first come, first served basis. Instead, there will be an online auction with a reserve price of R1,960,000, or about $115,000 at current exchange rates. The company will not make a profit on any of these cars as all proceeds will go to local charities. The auction goes online on October 21st.
Photos: BMW South Africa
