BMW has unveiled two exclusive special editions of the 2-Series that pay homage to the brand’s rich motorsport history in South Africa. The new 325iS Homage and 333i Homage models celebrate the legacy of the legendary E30 generation and its unique South African variants from the 1980s and 1990s. Each of these modern reinterpretations will be strictly limited to just 33 units, and they will be available only in the South African market, making them some of the most collectible BMWs ever produced for that region.
The 325iS Homage takes its foundation from the current BMW M240i xDrive and enhances it with several nostalgic styling cues. The exterior sports a pair of dual rear spoilers, distinctive 20-inch M Performance alloy wheels with a retro look, and a front splitter that amplifies the car’s aggressive stance. Blacked-out door handles recall those of the original E30 325iS, while the M Sport Pro package and a performance exhaust system complete the transformation. Together, these design elements blend BMW’s classic racing spirit with modern technology and craftsmanship.
Inside, the 325iS Homage continues the tribute with bespoke touches that evoke the past. The cabin is fitted with M Sport seats featuring contrast stitching and an armrest upholstered in Überkaro tartan fabric, a checkered pattern used in some of BMW’s most iconic E30 performance models such as the 318iS, 320iS, and 325iS. A special plaque engraved with the words “Born for the track” and “Specially crafted for South Africa” further highlights its exclusivity. Under the hood lies BMW’s familiar 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, allowing the coupe to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds.
The 333i Homage is an even more potent and focused version, based on the BMW M2. It features heritage-inspired graphics, 20-inch Alpina-style wheels, and aerodynamic carbon fiber components such as a front splitter and rear spoiler. The model also receives a quad-exit M Performance exhaust system and can be ordered in five striking colors: Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Brooklyn Grey, Zandvoort Blue, and Fire Red. Inside, it mirrors the 325iS Homage’s interior design but adds lightweight carbon fiber bucket seats and a unique commemorative plaque. Power comes from a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine delivering 473 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h time of just 4.0 seconds with rear-wheel drive.
These two special models celebrate BMW South Africa’s engineering independence during the 1980s and 1990s, when the local team created the original 325iS and 333i—cars that became legends in their own right. The 325iS was built to meet Group N racing regulations, while the 333i was designed as a substitute for the first-generation M3, which was never sold in South Africa.
Both modern tributes will be sold through an exclusive auction starting on October 21. Interested buyers can register in advance, and proceeds will be donated to one of five charities chosen by each winning bidder. The starting price for the 325iS Homage is set at $83,413, while the 333i Homage begins at $113,930. Successful bidders must also agree not to resell or transfer ownership for at least one year, ensuring these limited-edition BMWs remain true collector’s items that honor a proud chapter of the brand’s history.