Even as a South African (now in CO), I didn't even know these existed. They must be extremely rare.
The E30-chassis BMW M3 may be one of the most iconic BMW models, but it wasn't sold universally. Some markets, such as South Africa, never got a dedicated M version of the E30. Instead, BMW South Africa built its own.
Meet the 333i. Built in collaboration with BMW South Africa and Alpina, the 333i is, essentially, an E30 coupe powered by the 3.2-liter M30 inline-six normally found in the 5 Series, 6 Series and 7 Series.
However, this unique model is much more than just a shoe-horned engine. For started, the car's powerplant is said to be good for around 194 horsepower and 210 lb.-ft. of torque. (For comparison, the U.S.-spec E30 M3 is good for 192 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque.)
Other improvements include a specially configured interior, Alpina ventilated front discs, and a close-ratio, five-speed manual transmission.
Due to the enlarged engine, however, buyers could only add air conditioning or power steering. There wasn't enough room in the engine bay for both.
Considering that a little more than 200 examples are said to have been built, the 333i may be one of the rarest BMW models to get your hands on–more so than the M3.
Like what you're reading? We rely on your financial support. For as little as $3, you can support Grassroots Motorsports by becoming a Patron today.
Even as a South African (now in CO), I didn't even know these existed. They must be extremely rare.
I'm going to get a lot of hate for this, but I think the car in question is better than the E30 M3. Well, more specifically, the US market variant.
Well.
It's half evil.
That's gotta be worth something.
In reply to ebelements :
It does sounds very "usable," if you know what I mean.
South Africa has a weird tendency to take European cars and redo them as if they were letting Don Yenko rewrite the spec sheet.
MadScientistMatt said:South Africa has a weird tendency to take European cars and redo them as if they were letting Don Yenko rewrite the spec sheet.
Land Rover sold Defenders in South Africa with BMW M52 engines as a gas engine option. BMW valve covers and all.
I like their looks, but an M30 engine puts a lot of extra weight in the front end of a 3 series car.
South Africa also had an interesting e23 745i back in the day...while the 745i sold in other countries used the turbocharged M30 single cam engine, theirs used the twin cam engine from the M5. They apparently built less than 250 of them. https://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=4
This is cool, but if I were looking for an oddball e30 variant with m3 genes, it would be an Italian 320is for me.
In reply to cmcgregor (Forum Supporter) :
Kind of a bucket list BMW for me.
Some more South African E30 weirdness
https://www.e30zone.net/e30wiki/index.php/325iS_South_African_Model
Displaying 1-10 of 13 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
