BMW has announced two extremely special homage vehicles that a few members of the Mzansi public can actually attain. The new 325iS Homage and 333i Homage editions are truly unique and very much pay respect to the old-generation models that bear their names. Only 33 of each model will be available for sale, and all of them will be auctioned off from set base prices. Contact your private banker instantly!
So what exactly are you buying here? Well you will remember the iconic 325iS, affectionately known as the Gusheshe, a car that was especially created from the E30 model of the 1980s in order to crush the competition on the racing track. Which it did. The road-going model was a 2.7-litre homologation special, churning out 155kW and 265Nm of torque to its rear wheels via a manual gearbox. It terrorised all and sundry with its stunning performance, agility and exhaust tailpipes.
The new version is called 325iS Homage and only 33 units will be made. Although based on the current-model M240i xDrive instead of a 3 Series (3 and 4 Series are longer and the Homage cars needed to mimic their ancestors in size), it carries serious thump. Power comes from the revered 3.0-litre straight six turbo engine worth 285kW and 500Nm. Paired with an 8-speed automatic, the car is said to sprint from standstill to 100km/h in a swift 4.3 seconds.
Extra body kit has been installed to let the 325iS Homage stand out properly from the crowd. Personal favourites include the front carbon air duct, front splitter, heritage wheels, and that menacing double rear spoiler.
As for the 333i Homage (also limited to 33 units), it harks back to the 3.2-litre powered 333i, produced between 1985 and 1987. It made a class-leading 146kW and 295Nm for the rear wheels, with accompanying brass soundtrack. From that original to the new M2-based model, we get 353kW and 600Nm, also to the rear axle, for a claimed 0-100km/h dash in 4 seconds. BMW didn’t say this, but this is a strong recipe for drift sessions. As a special bonus, 5 of these units will be fitted with a manual transmission.
Body kit includes a “1 of 33” commemorative plaque, that original Uberkaro tartan upholstery for the armrest, carbon bucket seats and those sweet sweet sweet Alpina wheels. Serious enthusiasts will adore the four exhaust centre tailpipes that just finish off this beauty. The 2 Series is manufactured in Mexico and so these cars will be assembled there specifically and specially for the Mzansi market.
How do you get a hold of one? BMW has an online auction portal where they will be auctioned for the benefit of certain charities. Whereas the starting prices are listed, whatever is profited on top of those will be donated.
Here are the starting prices:
- 325iS Homage Edition – R1 435 000
- 333i Homage Edition – R1 960 000
