BMW 333i (E30) – South Africa’s Alpina-Touched Homologation Hero

With BMW Germany never offering the four-cylinder E30 M3 in right-hand drive, BMW South Africa needed a local solution to keep the brand competitive on home soil. The answer arrived in 1985: the BMW 333i, a purpose-built homologation special developed for production-based Group 1 racing.

At its core sat the M30B32 3.2-litre straight-six from the E23 733i, but the 333i wasn’t simply an engine swap. Working with German tuning specialist Alpina, BMW SA specified a long list of upgrades that delivered a claimed 197 hp and 285 Nm. Alpina’s contribution included bespoke engine and gearbox mounts, a unique radiator, intake manifold, exhaust and air filter, a finned sump, an onboard dash vent gauge (displaying key engine and drivetrain readings), and revised Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to boost low-end torque.

Drive went through a short-ratio dogleg 5-speed Getrag gearbox to a ZF limited-slip differential with 25% locking effect. Because of tight packaging, buyers had to choose: air conditioning or power steering — not both. Weighing in at around 1,256 kg, period claims quoted 0–100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a 228 km/h top speed.

Although Group 1 was cancelled in 1985, BMW SA continued production until 1987, building just 204 cars (with 205 including the pre-production car) — widely regarded as the rarest E30 derivative in the world.

This particular 333i has been fully restored and is optioned with power steering and no air conditioning, exactly in keeping with the original either/or factory choice.