Rare BMW M2 Special Edition Honors The 6-Cylinder E30 M3 You Never Knew About

Thanks to a local factory, BMW did some crazy things in South Africa. Take the 530MLE for example, sometimes considered the real first M5. There's also the E23 7 Series with the M1's V8, which was the fastest 7 in the world and was basically an M7 that BMW Germany never built.

Now, two more South African icons are getting a modern tribute. The BMW 325iS Homage and 333i Homage cars are both based on the 2 Series, but will tap into that 3 Series nostalgia since the 3 had two doors back then.

A History Of Local Speed Remembered
BMW's 325iS Homage is inspired by a local-market 325is. It's called the "Gusheshe" locally, derived from the isiZulu word "akusheshe," meaning "quick" or "fast thing." It was developed for local Group N racing rules, and it was a lot more than a standard global 325 iS. ZA wasn't getting the M3, so it snagged a 2.7-liter M20 from Alpina and added a limited-slip diff and aluminum panels. A later model added more power and other changes.

The modern interpretation is based on a BMW M240i xDrive. Mechanically, neither Homage version is different from standard. Instead, it gets a double rear spoiler, heritage-look wheels, and the M Sport Pro package and M Sport seats. The front armrest will get '90s-look Überkaro tartan upholstery.

In South Africa, a BMW 333i was the answer to BMW not making the M3 available in the country. It was a serious bit of kit, developed by M and Alpina. Instead of the M3's four-cylinder engine, this car got an M30B33 3.2-liter I6, not offered in any other E30 in the world. It had other performance and suspension upgrades, too. The result was a very cool M3 alternative.

So today's car gets Alpina wheels, stickers, and some body panels like new splitters and rear spoilers. It will also come with carbon bucket seats and more Überkaro tartan upholstery. At least it's based on the new M2, so it will be miles ahead of the original in terms of performance. Even if it isn't an E30 M3.

Local History And An Unusual Sale
“The BMW 325iS and 333i are more than cars — they are part of South Africa’s story. The Homage editions bring that history into the present, celebrating our connection to these icons while creating a positive impact through charitable giving. It is heritage with purpose," said Rob Gearing, General Manager of Customer Support at BMW Group South Africa.

BMW ZA is building 33 of each, and it will be selling them in a very unusual way. Instead of going to dealers, they will all be offered through an online auction. So each one of the cars will probably end up selling for a different price. BMW does have reserve prices set, to make sure you can't snap up a bargain. They're set at R1,435,000.00 for the M240i and R1,960,000.00 for the M2. Those reserve prices convert to approximately $83,000 for the M240i and $114,000 for the M car, so they definitely aren't cheap.